I HATE that test.  I took it with my first 3 and vowed to never do it again and refused it for my last child and would have refused it for the baby I miscarried earlier this year.

For someone who is hypoglycemic (that's LOW blood sugar, the opposite of diabetes) it really screws up your sugar.  The drink itself makes me horribly ill to the point of almost throwing up.  With my middle 2 kids I failed the 1 hour test because 1 hour isn't enough time for my body to work out the sugar.  It sends my system into overload and BAM at 1 hour and 5 minutes my blood sugar bottomed out because my body overproduces insulin in response to an onslaught of sugar.  I almost passed out on the drive home. 

The 3 hour test was even worse.  It was like torture and I felt so sick.  I ended up with a migraine, shakes, weakness, dizziness, etc from my sugar being screwed up.  I passed the test but almost passed out from low blood sugar half way through and had to run to the gift shop to buy candy before going to the car.  I could barely walk because I was weak, dizzy and couldn't feel my legs

Low blood sugar is dangerous.  It kills brain cells and can cause damage to you systems.  I have to regulate my blood sugar just like diabetics so I refused the test last time for my own safety.  The doctor didn't seem to care but the nurse tried to push me into it and gave me dirty looks for weeks because I refused to do it.

justanotherjen Aug. 31, 2009 at 8:25 AM

I had gestational Diabetes.

My 1st test was kinda bad, since you cant eat and the drink wasnt bad. Kind of like a flat orange soda. But I got real shaky and wanted to pass out afterwards and during. They took my blood and that made it worse. The nurse said I should have came and told her how I was feeling. But I drank a lot of water and ate something when I got home. My aunts a nurse and she said to keep drinking water to flush it out. The test came back high.

So I went and did the 3 hour which wasnt as bad. I went at like 8am and had to drink the whole bottle. I didnt drink it fast. I kinda took my time but not like really slow. And they took it every hour for 3 on the dot. And that came back high. So I had to see a nutrionist and diabetes specialist. Had to take my sugar 4 times a day and was a strict diet which was awful cause all I wanted was icecream and cheesecake! But on the good side, I didn't gain a ton of weight. Only 20lbs and I lost all of it within 2 weeks of giving birth. I wasnt allowed juice. Only water and like 1 cup of milk.

Just relax when you go and if you feel woozy or funny feeling, tell the nurse. :)

sstepph Aug. 31, 2009 at 9:14 AM

In my experience with the test I found that the drink was too big but i made it through without throwing up.

JoyandLove Aug. 31, 2009 at 9:46 AM

I thought that it had a yucky taste but not so bad that it made me want to toss my cookies!  So for me it was not big deal.  

I liked that my doctor gave it to me at my appointment BEFORE the test and said drink it an hour before you come in for your next appointment.  So, I did not have to sit around at the doctor's office waiting. 

Peajewel Aug. 31, 2009 at 10:40 AM

The drink wasn't as horrible as everyone made it out to be.  With my second, they tested me too soon, so of course my numbers came back to high and I had to do the 3 hour test.  That test drove me nuts.  I had to miss work.  Then instead of getting poked 4 times, I ended up getting poked around 12 times.  The supposed experts could never find my veins.  I had to go to a different testing place.  This time, I will make sure to pay attention to the clock and not let them test me before an hour.

mupt02 Aug. 31, 2009 at 10:56 AM

I suggest fasting before the first test even tho some doctors tell u you don't have to. There is a possibility that food will throw off the tests and make it too high when in fact if you hadn't eaten anything then you would have been fine.

RebekahsMommy06 Aug. 31, 2009 at 11:31 AM

That drink is SOOOO disgusting.  If I ever had another baby I wouldn't take the test again.

aurorabunny Aug. 31, 2009 at 12:06 PM

I did it both ways...fasting before and not and failed both times.  And for some that drink is just horrible.  Most people I atlked to didn't mind it but to me it was so sweet it made me gag just smelling it.  I only drink diet soda at home because the sugar in regular soda upsets my stomach and throws my blood sugar all out of whack.  The 3 hours test literally felt like torture. I had to be there at like 6am and was bored out of my mind.  I was jittery through the whole thing until my head started hurting and I almost passed out. I had to ask if I could lay down in back because I felt so sick and they didn't want to let me at first but kept reminding me that if I threw up I'd have to come back and start over.

I almost didn't make it to the car after the first 3 hour test because my blood sugar was so low I couldn't walk (couldn't control my legs or arm) and everything was so fuzzy and was getting dark (was on the verge of passing out as I walked out of the hospital).  I called my husband in tears to come get me because I couldn't walk.  It SUCKED.  I hate that test.

justanotherjen Aug. 31, 2009 at 12:19 PM

I didn't like that test. They schduled mine at 1:30. Told me not to eat anything but I could have some plain oatmeal in the early hours. So by the time it was for the test I was so hungry and cranky. I heard everyone talk about how icky the drink was and so when she brought it out to the waiting room I basically swallowed it whole. My husband said it took me about 10 seconds to get it down. The whole waiting room was cracking up at me. After about 10 minutes I started feeling sick. By the time they drew my blood I was shaking and about ready to pass out. It was awful.

LadyKiki Aug. 31, 2009 at 12:50 PM

I got to do the three hour test. I was sooooo hungry by the time it was done. I could handle the drink, but I almost keeled over from low blood sugar before they started.

toriandgrace Aug. 31, 2009 at 1:09 PM