How to prepare for GD test?

[Anonymous]

This is my second time around so I should know some of this stuff by now... but I'm due to take the GD test tomorrow AM and just wanted to check to see if anyone was advised to avoid sugar in the runup to the test. My instructions say to drink the potion 30-45 mins before my appointment (which appears to factor in the standard awful wait at my practice!) and to avoid eating or drinking AFTER that but not before...

However, I vaguely recall that last time around the Dr deferred my test after asking if I had any sugar that day and my confession that I had indeed grabbed a Hershey's kiss from the office candy jar a few hours before. But maybe I've hallucinated this, or the procedures have changed...Was anyone told to avoid sugar or food generally for a longer period running up to the test? Just checking, thanks!!

[Anonymous]

I had my test a few weeks ago, and there were no restrictions on eating beforehand.

[Anonymous]

I was told to have a normal breakfast (my appt was in the morning). I upped the protein and lowered carbs (if I recall correctly, it's been more than a year) - I think I had eggs. I don't think the test is meant as a fasting test or anything like that, but I think it'd be smart to lower your sugar intake before it (I hear that the 3-hour test you have to take if you fail the 1 hour one is nasty!). Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I would avoid sugar and refined carbs (including fruit, cereal & bread) before you take the test. This is not a medical opinion in any way - just based on my own recent experience. And you are smart to take it in the AM. I was given NO instructions at all on taking the test, and scheduled it at 3:30 pm. A day later, my dr's office called to say my blood sugar was high, and that I had to come back for the 3 hr. test. After the 3 hr. test, which is long, boring, and made me cranky, hungry, headachy, and bruised (from the 4 blood draws - 2 in each arm) I was told that all my blood sugar levels on all 4 draws were well within the normal range. Since then, I've heard and read that there are a lot of "false positives" on the 1 hr. test, probably because it's not administered consistently. Other women have told me that their doctors had them take it in the AM, told them not to eat anything beforehand or for a certain number of hours before, gave them a specific diet, etc. Apparently, even a sweet salad dressing or fruit can be enough to give you a false positive (and I had eaten both of those for lunch before taking the 1 hr. test). The whole thing just caused me a lot of unnecessary anxiety and freaking out. If I am pregnant again, I will definitely schedule the test in the AM, and eat nothing or only protein beforehand.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input!! I was especially curious since I noticed on the bottle it does say to fast for 12 hours prior to administering - which is contrary to the Dr's written instructions. I plan to take the advice offered above and stick to protein in the AM - the appointment is late morning which would have made it almost impossible to avoid any food at all.

[Anonymous]

I tried avoiding food and that drink was so sweet, I almost vomited. Mine was done around noon. Eat enough protein to get you through it.

[Anonymous]

Eat as little as possible and eat an Atkins-type diet.

I did my best, had a late afternoon appointment, and "failed" the test -- then had to do the 3-hour ordeal and my numbers came back completely fine. A lot of unecessary worrying and 4 hours of my life I'll never have back....