The glucola drink isn't your only option! If, for any reason, you don't want to drink take the traditional test, know your options. These are acceptable alternatives.
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Reasons why you may want an alternative gestational diabetes test
- Early intervention.
- The glucola drink (traditional test) causes side effects like headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
- If you vomit after drinking the OGTT, the test cannot be completed and must be attempted another day.
- The glucola drinks contain toxins that are categorized as flame retardants, known to interfere with thyroid function, leave residue in organs, and more. Read this article to learn more.
- The glucola drinks contain harmful dyes.
- The glucola drink has to be consumed in 10 minutes, which is harder than it sounds.
Alternate Gestational Diabetes Test Methods
Jelly Beans
Jelly beans are tastier and have less side effects. To substitute jelly beans for the glucola drink, you have to eat the same amount of sugar that the drink has. Your blood sugar will still be tested one hour after eating the jelly beans.
This is recognized as an acceptable alternative, and here is the research behind it.
Other Foods or Drinks
The same concept as the jelly beans applies here. You and your doctor can discuss a meal or drink that equals the same amount of sugar as the glucola drink.
Your blood sugar will be tested one hour after eating or drinking.
Food Log & Self Monitoring
With this method, you would get a blood glucose meter and test your blood sugar after each meal for 1 to 2 weeks. You would record the blood sugar reading alongside the foods you ate.
After the trial period, your doctor will study your readings and determine a diagnosis.
Early Testing
To read about early testing in either the preconception period or 1st trimester, read about the HbA1c test.
Next
Learn how gestational diabetes is treated.
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