The Dreaded One hour GD test!

At my 20 minute check-up yesterday, I was given the slip to the hospital lab to go get my gestational diabetes test done sometime in the upcoming 2 weeks. Does anyone know if there are any indicators that you have GD or things that might cause it. Is it genetic or just a random occurence?

 

The test is really not so bad. The drink tastes like gatorade that's been mixed too strong. I've had worse tasting concoctions at frat parties.

That said, there are risk factors, such as being overweight or having a history of diabetes in your family, but lots of people with GD don't have any risk factors.

 

I had none of the indicators and I have GD. The 1 hour test is a breeze...definitely don't worry about it.

 

Yep, the test is nothing -- the drink tasted like flat orange soda and wasn't bad at all. Nothing to dread! GD is totally pregnancy-related, far as I know, so I don't really think that too many other factors contribute to it. Acc. to American Diabetes Assoc: "Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States each year.

We don't know what causes gestational diabetes, but we have some clues. The placenta supports the baby as it grows. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop. But these hormones also block the action of the mother's insulin in her body. This problem is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother's body to use insulin. She may need up to three times as much insulin.

Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels."

 

Thanks everyone. I know it is ridiculous and I have done a bunch of online research, but I have been eating a lot of candy lately so I am freaked out. My brain tells me this is a foolish reason to suspect GD, but it has been a lot of candy and I guess I am feeling guilty.

That little green head with the mouth X'ed shut represents me.

 

I have my test tomorrow. I was feeling guilty about the sugar I've been eating too, but my doctor told me at this point, she doesn't care how I get the calories as long as I get them. I do eat good foods too. She said not to worry about the sugar intake unless the glucose test comes back elevated. She did say not to load up on sugar before the test though.

 

two weeks after halloween, I dare you to find a preggo lady who HASN'T eaten a lot of candy lately.

 

QUOTE(Beth*J @ Nov 14 2007, 02:16 PM) [snapback]495747[/snapback]
I have my test tomorrow. I was feeling guilty about the sugar I've been eating too, but my doctor told me at this point, she doesn't care how I get the calories as long as I get them. I do eat good foods too. She said not to worry about the sugar intake unless the glucose test comes back elevated. She did say not to load up on sugar before the test though.

Good Luck!

QUOTE(ladybenz @ Nov 14 2007, 02:16 PM) [snapback]495748[/snapback]
two weeks after halloween, I dare you to find a preggo lady who HASN'T eaten a lot of candy lately.


Point well made!

 

Good luck! I hope you pass so you can keep eating candy...in moderation of course!

 

One tip--especially if you have to fast for very long before the test--bring something with you (peanuts, cheese and crackers, something with protein) to eat after they've finished. I felt awful haven eaten nothing beforehand, then that sugar-loaded drink, then having blood drawn. Since I moved in the middle of my pregnancy, I actually had two GD tests, and wish I had taken food for afterwards to my first one. Definitely learned my lesson after that!!

 

GD is found in about 4% of pregnant women, but the number doubles (something like 7-10%) for women pregnant with twins. Also, the "indicators", or symptoms of GD tend to also be the symptoms of pregnancy in general - like frequent urination, thirst, fatigue. So pregnant women usually can't tell they have it until they have done the test.

As far as the 1-hour test goes, don't sweat it. Bring a good book or magazine for that hour wait. And hope you don't have to go back for the 3-hour test where you actually have to fast 9 hours before and don't get to eat/drink anything besides that lovely orange drink until the end of the 3 hours! I got to do both tests, mine came back positive, and I'm now on a carb-restricted diet. (Luckily mine isn't bad enough to require medication or injections.) The worst part is that I was diagnosed GD 4 days before Halloween! I just got to look at all that yummy chocolate and let it go out of my house and to my husband's work. :angry:

Jenni
Mom to Ailey 2 1/2 years
25 weeks with G/G twins

 

QUOTE(joannabug @ Nov, 04:58 PM) [snapback]496075[/snapback]
One tip--especially if you have to fast for very long before the test--bring something with you (peanuts, cheese and crackers, something with protein) to eat after they've finished. I felt awful haven eaten nothing beforehand, then that sugar-loaded drink, then having blood drawn. Since I moved in the middle of my pregnancy, I actually had two GD tests, and wish I had taken food for afterwards to my first one. Definitely learned my lesson after that!!


I don't have to fast at all before mine. I'm supposed to eat normally and the test is at 9:45 a.m.