25 weeks - Glucose Tolerance Test?

Question

So, my 1hr glucose test results came back a little elevated. I scored 138, and they said they would like it to be under 130. So, I have to go in to do the 3hr tolerance test. They said that this is sometimes common and may most likely pass the glucose tolerance test but want to make sure. My concern is that I already walk 3 miles home from work each day as extra exercise during my pregnancy to keep my body in tone, and I eat pretty good. If I don't have gestational diabetes, what are things they would change in a diet of someone who has gestational diabetes? I know I am not going to be able to maintain my same activity level throughout pregnancy as it will become more uncomfortable. I guess I am scared of getting GD after I have passed the 3hr test because my exercise will most likely decrease the further along I get. Do they want you to take in less sugar, fat, carbs? I will ask at my appt. on 9/14, but wanted to get you girls' experience and opinion. Thanks!

Everyone, so far, Thank you so much for your excellent feedback! I am really getting the info. that I need. You girls are the best!

USMC WIFE - Thank you to you, your husband and family for service in the Marine Corps! My brother is in the Marines and returning from Iraq today! Has a wife, son, and family anxiously awaiting his return! Semper Fi!

Answer 1

I have gestational diabetes. What they want you to do is keep your carb levels down. You should not have more than 15 grams of carbs at each meal. You should also have snacks between your main meals. Low carb and low sugar of course.
You must be very careful with sugar. That will skyrocket your sugar levels. Exercise and water intake also very important if you must control your diabetes.

Hope that helps a little. I attached a website for more info.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

I'm 38 weeks and have been on the GD diet for about three months now. It's not that hard to do - it's mainly watching your carbs - especially refined sugars and startches; eating lots of protien and some fat (for the baby). The only other thing is that you eat like six times a day which can get a bit tiring ESPECIALLY the further along you get. Regardless, it's not that big of a deal. You'll be fine! The 3 hour test is the worst part of the whole deal! Good Luck!!!

Answer 5

Kudos to your effort on exercising, but unfortunately it's not enough. I had the same problem with my last pregnancy. My doctor diagnosed me with gestational diabetes and made me do those "prick your fingers with a needle test" each and every time I ate. It wasn't a good experience. They had me do it until after my son was also born. And even after he was born, they also pricked his fingers to make sure that he was ok. I think my best suggestion is to eliminate sweets and fatty foods. This is something I craved for with my last pregnancy and I think it played a factor of eating all those fast foods and sweet tooth. I didn't listen to my doctor though. After all, it was my fourth pregnancy and I didn't understand why I had such a problem with this last pregnancy and not my last three. So, if you don't want any blood test done after each meal, you should probably start eating healthier foods. Stick to vegetables and fruits and some pasta foods as well. Stay away from McDonald's and all those other crazy fast food restaurants. I learned that in a very hard way. Luckily, it went away 1 month after my son was born. It was getting crazy. Good luck.

Answer 6

Many women fail the 1-hour and pass the 3 hour, so don't worry. Especially since your scores weren't that high to begin with.

IF you were diagnosed, you would just have to alter your diet a little. Nothing too drastic, just limiting carbs and timing your consumption of carbs a little differently throughout the day. It is very rare for someone to require insulin from gestational diabetes.

For the vast majority of women, gestational diabetes is very manageable with a few simple changes to their diet. Ask your doctor if you're still concerned.

Good luck on the test!

Answer 7

I also failed the one hour (with higher levels than what you reported), but passed the 3 hour. Your exercise and diet are good for your body and for the pregnancy, but I'm thinking you might not understand Gestational Diabetes. GD is caused by the pregnancy, not by your diet or exercising. Obviously the condition is improved if you are taking care of yourself, and made worse if you are eating junk and not exercising at all. GD or Pregnancy Induced Hyperglycemia happens when the pressure on your body from the pregnancy causes your body to either not make enough insulin, or not to use the insulin correctly. Also, your exercise level doesn't have to lower, it merely needs to change. Walking is GREAT for your body throughout your pregnancy (ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR OBGYN). Certain calisthenics and aerobics are too hard on your body and should be avoided., but you would merely change gears and exercise differently. As far as what you would need to do if you had GD, check out the website below.

Answer 8

Check on the Internet for "diabetic diets". You want to have pretty consistent carbohydrates throughout the day. You will definitely want to eliminate SUGAR from your diet. Read labels...No "high fructose corn syrup" or "glucose" ...
Normally, things like fruit juice is good, but it is loaded with sugar. You can drink DIET sodas (if you must), sugar-free jello/puddings, whole wheat bread... Hopefully, your 3 hour test will be better and you won't have to worry about it after that! Think positive! Good luck, Sophie

Answer 9

With the newer types of insulin these days, diabetic diets aren't necessarily as restrictive as they used to be. Read here https://tr.im/MHtYq
As with any medicine or diet change, you should discuss it with your doctor. Fruits, both fresh and dried, have a natural sugar in them that will raise blood sugar levels, so be careful about eating too much. Not sure about the nuts. Moderation is always the key. I've been diabetic for 18 years and just recently changed insulin types. I love it because it gives me more freedom in when and what I eat.

Answer 10

Its not exercise thats the main issue, its diet. Pre pregnancy health plays a huge part too.

Honestly, I wouldnt go back for the three hour. I know thats like medical sacrilege, but you're levels werent that high, and its quite possible that you ate something sweet right before bed and werent able to get enough water. 130 is already to far below the risk point that 138 shouldnt have warrented a return for the three hour.

anyway, avoid processed wheats. They are only starch and are digested and medabolized just like sugar. Fresh veggies, lean meats, and lots of water. No sweetened drinks.