Factors that Can Affect the Glucose Tolerance Test

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

I have failed the glucose tolerance test in half of my pregnancies. In the first and fourth, I failed the one hour test and had to go for the three hour. As anyone who has gone though this can attest, it is not an enjoyable experience.

The test takes three hours and you can't eat after midnight on the night before the test. So if the lab opens at nine in the morning, you won't eat until lunchtime. Most pregnant women don't fare well when they skip eating for the morning. I know I didn't. What I never realized is the factors that affect the test and what can be done to improve the odds of passing.

Certain medications can affect the test, causing you to fail. Talk to your health care provider about any prescription medications you may be taking before scheduling the test. Some fairly common medications can have a negative effect. Some of these won't be a problem right now, such as birth control pills. A few of the other drugs that can affect the test include certain blood pressure medications, anti inflammatory drugs known as NSAIDS and seizure medications.

You can prepare for the test by eating a healthy diet in the days leading up to the glucose test. A healthy diet that includes complex carbohydrates is the best choice. Include foods such as fruits, vegetables, rice, grains, bread, cereal and crackers for three days before the test. Carbs are important because people who follow low carb diets tend to do poorly on the glucose test.

If you are not feeling well on the day of the test, you may want to reschedule. In some cases, an illness can affect the glucose tolerance test. Fever, vomiting or infection are some of the symptoms that may warrant postponing the test.

Should you decide to wait, don't wait to long to reschedule the test. The glucose tolerance test is usually performed between the 24th and 28th week, as it is most reliable in this time window. Waiting a bit longer probably won't hurt, but waiting too long can result in failing the one hour test. This means you will need to come back for the three hour.

Related Articles:

Routine Glucose Testing in Pregnancy

Causes and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

Tips to Control Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger