The 3-hour glucose tolerance test is used to determine whether an individual has gestational diabetes. It is recommended that you eat at least three meals a day for three days before the test, with each meal containing many carbohydrates. It is also important to eat an extra serving of carbohydrates each day to challenge your body's ability to process sugar. Fasting for 8 to 10 hours before the test is also recommended. However, dieting before the test is not advised as it may lead to inaccurate results.
Should I change my diet before a 3-hour glucose test?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of the test | To check for gestational diabetes |
| Who should take the test | Pregnant women, between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy |
| Diet before the test | Consume about 150 grams or 10 servings of carbohydrates for 3 days before the test |
| Foods to eat | Breads, cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes, corn, bananas, yogurt, cookies |
| Foods to avoid | Sugary, processed foods |
| Fasting before the test | Fast for 8 to 10 hours before the test |
| Number of blood samples | 4 (including the initial baseline sample) |
| Time interval between samples | 1 hour |
| After the test | Resume your normal diet |
What You'll Learn
- Recommended diet before the test
- Foods to avoid before the test
- What the test is for?
- What happens during the test?
- What to do after the test?
Recommended diet before the test
If you are preparing for a three-hour glucose tolerance test, it is important to follow certain dietary instructions to ensure that your test results are accurate. This test is usually administered to check for gestational diabetes in pregnant women between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.
For three days before the test, it is recommended to consume about 150 grams or 10 servings of carbohydrates throughout the day. This includes foods like bread, cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes, corn, bananas, yogurt, and cookies. It is also important to eat at least three meals a day during this time.
In addition to the above, it is recommended to eat one extra serving of carbohydrates each day to challenge your body's ability to process sugar.
On the final day, before the test, it is advised to fast for 8-10 hours. During this time, you should not consume any food, liquids, tea, coffee, or gum. However, water is allowed, and you should continue to take any prescribed medications.
It is important to note that dieting or making significant changes to your diet before the test is not recommended as it may lead to inaccurate results. Instead, focus on maintaining a consistent diet and activity level in the days leading up to the test.
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Foods to avoid before the test
It is recommended that you avoid simple carbohydrates and sugary foods and drinks on the morning of a glucose screening test. This is because certain foods may cause a raise in blood glucose levels, which can affect the results of the test. The body digests simple carbohydrates quickly, immediately releasing glucose into the bloodstream. This can cause sudden increases in blood sugar, which may affect test results.
- Candies and junk food, like potato chips
- Cake and pastries, including cookies, cupcakes, donuts, and muffins
- Refined grains, like white bagels, white bread, and white rice
- Sugary drinks, such as fruit juices, sodas, sweet teas, sports drinks, and flavored or sugary coffees
- Any other food or drink that is high in sugar and simple carbohydrates
In addition, it is important to note that you should not fast for more than 16 hours before the test. You should also maintain your usual activity level on the days preceding the test and follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor.
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What the test is for
The 3-hour glucose test, also known as the glucose tolerance test, is used to determine whether someone has gestational diabetes, a treatable condition that can develop during pregnancy. It measures the body's response to glucose from food and can identify if someone has or is at risk of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy, usually between weeks 24 and 28, although it can also develop earlier or later in the pregnancy. It is a treatable condition, and the glucose test is a way to detect it so that mothers can get the necessary treatment and care for the rest of their pregnancies.
The test is typically recommended for those who are considered high-risk for gestational diabetes. It involves fasting for 8 to 10 hours before the test, during which time you will not be able to eat or drink anything except water. After the fasting period, a nurse will collect an initial baseline blood sample. You will then be given a glucose drink containing 75 grams of glucose, which you should consume within five minutes.
Further blood samples will be collected at exactly one-hour intervals for three hours after drinking the solution. This process is important for determining how your body responds to glucose and whether it is able to process sugar effectively. The test results will help determine if you have gestational diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes.
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What happens during the test
During the 3-hour glucose test, you will be required to fast for 8–14 hours before the test, only consuming water. The test will take place in a lab, and you will be required to remain there for the duration of the test. The test will take approximately 3-4 hours.
First, a blood sample will be taken to measure your fasting blood glucose level. Next, you will be given a glucose drink containing a specific amount of sugar (usually 100 grams, but sometimes 50 or 75 grams) to be consumed within 5 minutes. This solution will taste very sweet, similar to a sweet soda. You will then have your blood drawn after one, two, and three hours from the time you finished your drink. These measurements will show how your body processes sugar over time.
Some people may feel nauseated, sweaty, or lightheaded after drinking the glucose solution, but serious side effects are rare. If you feel unwell during the test, be sure to inform the lab staff so they can assist you.
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What to do after the test
What to do after the 3-hour glucose test
After the 3-hour glucose test, you are free to leave the laboratory and resume your normal diet and daily activities. You may want to bring a snack with you, such as crackers, cheese sticks, or fruit, in case you feel weak or queasy after the test. If you are unable to eat your usual diet, inform your healthcare provider.
If your test results indicate that you have gestational diabetes, remember that the condition is usually easily managed and often goes away soon after you give birth. Your doctor or midwife will advise you on how to monitor your blood sugar levels and keep track of what you eat. They may recommend cutting back on sugary, processed foods and increasing your intake of meals that balance complex carbohydrates with protein.
If you are concerned about your test results or are unsure about how to interpret them, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can explain what the results mean and provide guidance on any necessary lifestyle or dietary changes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you eat at least three meals a day for three days before the test. These meals should contain a lot of carbohydrates, including starchy foods like bread, cereal, pasta, rice, potatoes, corn, bananas, yogurt, and cookies. You should also eat an extra serving of carbohydrates each day to challenge your body's ability to process sugar.
Yes, you should not "diet" before the test as this may cause inaccurate results. In the 12 hours leading up to the test, you should not eat or drink anything except water. You should also avoid smoking, chewing gum, or eating cough drops or hard candy.
During the test, you should not eat, smoke, or drink anything except water. You can take small sips of water if you are very thirsty. After the final blood draw, you may resume your normal diet and have your lunch.
