The Gestational Diabetes Test is also known as the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). The test usually takes place around your 28th week of pregnancy. According to the NHS site, Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth.
It’s not something all women have to do in pregnancy but as I’m from a Middle Eastern background they wanted me to go along for the test. There are other reasons you may be tested such as your weight, family history of type 2 diabetes, age, heritage and more. It’s a pretty common test.
The aim of the test is to rule out the possibility of gestational diabetes. You can find out more about it over on the NHS site.
What can you expect from the test?
The evening before your test you’ll be advised to fast (no food or drink, just water) for around 10/12 hours. This seems to vary depending on where you live and what information your Doctor provides you with. I think it was around 12 hours for me. I found it easy as I was asleep for most of that time. The morning was a little tricky as I was still used to having a biscuit as soon as I woke up. Instead I set my alarm a little later, drank some water and jumped in an Uber up to the hospital.
My appointment was around 9:30AM. The earlier your appointment the better. It was pretty quiet when I went as they’d had a few cancellations. Apparently it can get quite busy so that’s something to keep in mind.
On your arrival you’ll have your blood taken and then be handed a small-ish cup of this orange sugary drink. It doesn’t taste particularly bad, just very sweet. The texture is a little goopy though.
You then have to wait for 2 hours. You can’t leave the hospital so make sure you have your phone, headphones or a book to hand.
Your blood will be taken for a final time and then you’re free to leave and grab some much needed breakfast. I went down to the local Starbucks and grabbed a coffee and sandwich before heading home.
I was told to wait 1 week and if I didn’t hear back from the hospital then I could presume that everything was normal. They only contact you if you do have it – cost-cutting.
My results
A few days later my midwife told me they usually call you within the first 2 days if you do have gestational diabetes. She already had my results through and confirmed that everything was normal.
If you find out that you have gestational diabetes then you’ll be guided on the best foods to eat and avoid, exercise and medication. Your midwife will give you the full information. I’m just glossing over this as I’m not a Doctor or professional. I’m simply sharing my experience of the GTT.
If you have any questions about my experience of the test then please feel free to leave them below, drop me an email or say Hello over on Twitter.