Hi! I must have had the GCT then. Is that what you had too, Amy? I am just 20 weeks now. I got the impression that it was routine because I was not checked out in any way for the OB-GYN to think I needed this test.
In any case, it's done and that's about all I know!
I'm not really sure what the rules are regarding glucose tests. It seems it is different for all of us. I am 20 weeks pregnant and did it several weeks ago.
The GCT or the GTT Anon?
The GCT (Glucose Challenge test) is routinely done on most pregnant women in many parts of the world, usually between 24-28 weeks, earlier if your OB thinks it's warranted. You drink a (foul! lol) glucose drink containing 50g of glucose then sit around for an hour when a blood sample is taken and tested. If your blood glucose is still too high after that hour, many OB's will then ask for a GTT.
The GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) takes more prep and a lot longer to perform. You have to eat a certain amount of carbs for three days before the test then fast overnight. On arrival, they take a blood test to check your fasting glucose level. Then you drink a (more vile!) drink containing more glucose than the first test. Then you sit around and have blood tests taken every hour for two to three hours, depending on the results from the GCT.
If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, many women can manage it with diet during the pregnancy. It usually means a few more blood tests, and slightly closer monitoring of mum and baby. Often the mum is asked to do a GTT again sometime after the baby is born. Gestational Diabetes can also be an indictor of a slightly higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
<em>edited by Green-ish on 03/02/2012</em>
I'm not really sure what the rules are regarding glucose tests. It seems it is different for all of us. I am 20 weeks pregnant and did it several weeks ago.
I know not everyone has the 'long' version, and that I managed to 'shed' a lot of sugar in my urine in both pregancies so had to have it both times - perhaps you have a short one if no cause for suspicion.
The long version - Fast, take drink, have blood taken. Have more blood taken after 1 hour, then after 2 hours, then after 3 (during which time you can't eat/drink anything). Yuk.
Yes its just a rutine test i beleive everyone does. I did mine yesterday was not bad just a pain that you have yo wait at your doctors office or an hour from when you have taken your drink till they draw blood. For me they only drew blood once into one vial though not 4 like someone mentioned. She did however poor it into 3 or 4 other vials for the different tests. But only one needle. :) you have to be at least 24 weeks along to do the test. I agree the drink was not bad. Like a very sweet Fanta orange. Lets just hope the results are ok.
Oh.......:( ! Fingers crossed I dont have to have one! I go all pathetic when i know even 1 needle will be coming my way! Sorry some of you have had to go through it. Fingers crossed all turns out ok! xx
glucose tolerance test. you only get it if your urine shows high sugar at one of your check ups. The actual drink is not so bad; the four needles that follow over the next three hours are vile [am a wimp'>