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A few weeks ago, I underwent the routine glucose test that all expectant mothers are required to take. You know the one: it’s done towards the end of the second trimester, where you chug a sugary orange drink and then wait while they draw your blood. Well, I didn’t pass – which, from what I hear, isn’t too uncommon (especially since I started my day with cake for breakfast).
Due to my elevated blood sugar levels, I was referred for the dreaded 3-hour glucose tolerance test. My OB explained that this test would confirm whether I had gestational diabetes. She assured me that the results would be available in a day or two, so I shouldn’t stress too much.
The Test
I opted for the earliest appointment since fasting was necessary. I figured that a 10-hour fast would be manageable if most of it occurred overnight. I arrived at the lab just before 8:00 a.m., and the staff was efficient in getting me checked in – probably because they could enjoy their morning coffee (meanwhile, I was feeling a bit jittery from caffeine withdrawal).
I was taken back almost immediately for my first blood draw to establish a baseline. Once that was done, I was handed the sugary drink and told to consume it as quickly as possible. An alarm was set for an hour, and I was instructed to wait in the waiting area until called again.
This already feels miserable, I thought. I was starving when I arrived, but now I was parched. The lab tech reminded me that no beverages were allowed, which only heightened my irritation.
A staff member changed the TV from a rerun of “Law & Order” to the news, prompting me to pretend to squish her head with my fingers in exaggerated frustration. I had blood drawn at 9:00 a.m. and again at 10:00 a.m. By then, my thirst was unbearable, and my tongue felt like sandpaper. As the clock seemed to crawl, my thoughts were consumed by the pain from the multiple needle pricks and the IHOP just down the street.
Finally, the 11:00 a.m. blood draw arrived. By the time I reached my car, my head was spinning, and my vision was slightly blurred. I made a beeline for the nearby Starbucks to satisfy my caffeine cravings. After eating at home, I finally felt like myself again.
The Results
Three out of my four blood draws were high. Diagnosis: gestational diabetes. I was both impressed and anxious about how seriously my OB was treating this. Within two days of the test, her office called with the results. They quickly sent a prescription for a glucose monitoring meter to my pharmacy and scheduled appointments with a dietitian and diabetes specialist.
The dietitian met with me via video call the very same day. She guided me through using my meter and provided detailed instructions for the upcoming weeks.
Logging my blood sugar levels four times a day might be the simplest part of this journey; the dietary changes were far more daunting than I anticipated. I knew ice cream and donuts would have to go, but I was blindsided by the strict carbohydrate guidelines! I had no idea how central carbs were to managing diabetes.
Honestly, I expect the dietary adjustments to feel overwhelming initially since it’s all new to me. But I also know that many others navigate this challenge successfully, even during pregnancy. My primary concern is how this diagnosis might impact the rest of my pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic outlines several increased risks associated with gestational diabetes, such as excessive birth weight, preterm labor, hypoglycemia in the baby, stillbirth, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and the possibility of needing a C-section or developing diabetes later in life.
Of course, my OB, the dietitian, and good old Google assure me that these risks diminish significantly when following medical advice. My dietitian provided me with a strict meal plan and a comprehensive list of food dos and don’ts.
So, farewell to my nightly ice cream cravings. This baby is going to have to adapt to some new habits.
If you’re looking for more insights on this journey, check out this post for additional resources. For expert information on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. For detailed pregnancy support, Healthline has excellent resources available.
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Summary:
Recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I navigated the challenges of the glucose testing process and learned about necessary dietary changes. While the journey ahead may seem daunting, I am reassured by the support from my healthcare team, knowing that many women successfully manage this condition during pregnancy.
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