Glucose Screen
This screening is done around the 28-week mark of pregnancy. In order to get a good idea as to whether or not your body is processing sugars correctly, we have you ingest a 50g carbohydrate load, and draw blood an hour later to be sent to the lab for glucose testing. Your glucose level should be under 140 mg/dL in order to be considered within normal limits. Gestational diabetes can be dangerous for both mother and baby, which is why we test for it. Remember to eat right, exercise, and drink plenty of water for optimal health during pregnancy and always!
GLUCOSE SCREENING INSTRUCTIONS
Remember not to eat anything sugary before the test. If you get up early and are hungry, you can have something to eat in the early morning, such as eggs, meats, nuts, or vegetables, but stay away from carbs or sweets. Please allow 3 hours between eating anything and starting your glucose meal/drink. Eat exactly what is on your menu, nothing more, nothing less (for example, no chocolate in your milk). You may drink as much water as you wish.
MENU
Option 1
- 2 eggs (you may salt and pepper to taste)
- 2 slices of whole wheat toast or one English muffin
- 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil
- 8 oz of milk (anything from whole to skim)
- 4 oz of real orange juice
Option 2
- 2 slices of whole wheat bread or one English muffin
- 2 Tablespoons of butter or olive oil
- ½ block of tofu
- 8 ounces of real orange juice
Option 3
- 4 level tablespoons of sugar in water
- Unsweetened real lemon juice may be added to taste
Option 4
12 ounces purple 100% Welch’s Grape Juice
The glucose screen is extremely time-sensitive. You must ingest the 50 grams of sugar/glucose by whatever means you decide within 15 minutes. Then you must have your blood drawn exactly one hour later to get accurate results.
For example, if your appointment is at 10:00 AM, you should start ingesting your 50 grams of glucose at 9:00 AM, to finish by 9:15 AM.