In an earlier post, I talked about the pregnancy and prenatal care decisions I made, including skipping the typical glucose test that involves drinking that orange or grape-flavored syrup, glucola. Instead, I opted for an alternative way of testing. I’ve had so many questions about this choice that I decided to write a separate post, while it’s still fresh in my mind.
I want to stress that I’m simply sharing my personal experience and the decisions I made after talking with my OB or midwife, depending on the pregnancy. This is not medical advice, and I strongly encourage everyone to consult with their healthcare providers before making any health decisions during pregnancy. It’s crucial to find providers who are on board with you, to make the best choices.
Here’s how I approached the pregnancy glucose test. In all the pregnancy books I read when I was expecting my first child, I found that the current guidelines suggest a glucose challenge test between the 24th and 28th weeks to check for gestational diabetes. This usually involves drinking a sweet glucola drink that has 50, 75, or 100 grams of sugar and then getting a blood test an hour later to measure blood sugar levels. Passing the test means no further testing is required, but if you don’t pass, more rigorous testing follows.
Now, my main question was whether this test was necessary for me since I didn’t have any personal or family history of diabetes. Nonetheless, I discovered that gestational diabetes has become more prevalent over the years, occurring in 5-10% of pregnancies in the U.S. It’s essential to identify it due to the potential complications like c-section, large babies, preeclampsia, and low blood sugar in newborns. Although gestational diabetes can often be managed with diet, untreated cases can lead to serious issues.
While recognizing the test’s importance, I had reservations about the glucola drink itself, which has ingredients I wouldn’t usually consume, especially during pregnancy. Some find it tastes like flat, sugary soda—not appealing at all! The drink can contain food dyes, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), dextrose from corn, etc., which I steer clear of. In certain situations, women with corn or citric acid allergies also can’t take the test.
When I discovered that BVO and food dyes are banned in other countries, it seemed counterproductive to drink something so artificial. Even though it’s unlikely to pose a serious health risk, the test doesn’t feel like the most effective option, nor is it pleasant to take. Drinking that amount of sugar after fasting from midnight didn’t seem representative of my usual diet.
Upon researching, I found studies suggesting alternatives like consuming jelly beans instead of the glucola drink, with no significant difference in test outcomes. Seeing the available alternatives, like dye and BVO-free options, though not commonly used, raised my hope for change. The glucose challenge screening often results in false positives, with 15-20% of women testing positive but only 2-5% having actual gestational diabetes.
I discovered more accurate ways to test my glucose levels. Rather than taking the one-hour test, I opted for regular blood sugar monitoring—something that people with diabetes use regularly. This involved at-home glucose monitoring, which is more effective in painting a daily picture of how my body processes glucose. With my doctor’s approval, I obtained the necessary supplies and carried out this monitoring throughout my pregnancy, providing more insight and allowing dietary adjustments based on personal readings.
I also monitored my Hemoglobin A1C, which provides an average glucose level over three months and is routinely used for diabetes management. My experience showed no issues throughout my pregnancies, with all my babies being a healthy weight.
In conclusion, I hope more women ask questions about the necessity of those additives in the glucola drink, and explore alternatives like I did with at-home glucose monitoring. Working closely with healthcare providers to decide the most suitable testing method is vital. My choice was focusing on a nutrient-rich diet and regular at-home glucose checks, which offered a better understanding of any potential gestational diabetes risk.
