Non-toxic Tuesday | Jelly Beans And The Glucose Screening Test
by Tierney Johnson in Non-Toxic Tuesday , Pregnancy As you may know, I'm currently pregnant with my second child. During my first pregnancy, I had a pretty good grasp onnon-toxicpersonal care and cleaning products, but hadn't yet ventured into the world of non-toxic eating. I completed my first glucose screening test by downing the infamous orange drink and thought nothing of it. I thankfully had no apparent adverse reactions and tested negative for gestational diabetes. This time around, I'm a little more informed, for better or for worse!I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant and need to make a decision on the glucose screening test. Yes, I want to somehow make sure I don't have gestational diabetes, but no,I don't want toconsumethe traditional glucose drink, mainly because of the ingredients it's likely tocontain.I try to avoid artificial flavors andcolors,genetically modified ingredients, preservatives, MSG, and flame retardants (all of which are commonlyfound in glucose drinks, whether hidden under innocent-sounding names or not)andI refuseto accept that I needto consume these toxic things in order to stay healthy! When I was about 26 weeks pregnant with my second child, I started researching alternative options to the glucose drink like it was my job. I came across many blog posts discussing a slew of ideas, but the only " reputable " study I could findwas one that concluded thatjelly beans were an acceptable (although perhaps slightly less reliable)alternative to the glucose drink.The problem was that I couldn't figure out if I would have to eat a certain brand of jelly beans, what the ingredients had to be, or how many I'd need to consume.Brach's kept coming up, and unfortunately the ingredients in their jelly beans aren't anybetter than the ingredients in the typical Continue reading >>
Gestational Diabetes And The Glucose Tolerance Test: Do You Have To Consent?
Gestational Diabetes and the Glucose Tolerance Test: Do You Have to Consent? Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing problem among pregnant mothers in the U.S., affecting an average of approximately 7% of all pregnancies over 200,000 cases annually. GDM significantly increases the risk of preeclampsia, premature and cesarean delivery, shoulder dystocia and other birth injuries, newborn hyperinsulinemia, transfer to neonatal intensive care, and newborn jaundice. The current U.S. standard of care dictates that all pregnant women should be screened for GDM during weeks 24-28 of gestation via the glucose challenge test (GCT), in which a 50-gram glucose solution is administered and blood glucose is measured after 1 hour. Patients with a GCT result of >=130 mg/dL are then referred for the gold standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in which fasting blood glucose is measured and again at 1, 2, and 3 hours after a 75-gram or 100-gram solution is consumed. Patients with abnormal results in 2 or more of the 4 readings are then officially diagnosed with GDM. But how accurate are these tests? This meta-analysis of 26 studies found that the initial GCT screening identified only 76% of GDM cases, with a significant false positive rate of 15-23% of all women tested. Why is this significant? Much has been written about the troubling ingredients in the Glucola drinks administered for the GCT. Potential fetal harm has been associated with genetically modified corn, bromated vegetable oil, and artificial food dyes . The sheer volume of pure simple sugar , taken on an empty stomach with no fats or protein to slow absorption, is enough to cause the nausea, vomiting, bloating, and headache many women experience. To put this in perspective, 50-100 grams of carbs consists o Continue reading >>
Jelly Beans As An Alternative To A Fifty-gram Glucose Beverage For Gestationaldiabetes Screening.
1. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1999 Nov;181(5 Pt 1):1154-7. Jelly beans as an alternative to a fifty-gram glucose beverage for gestationaldiabetes screening. Lamar ME(1), Kuehl TJ, Cooney AT, Gayle LJ, Holleman S, Allen SR. (1)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott and White Clinic and Memorial Hospital, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, USA. OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that a standardized dose of jellybeans could be used as an alternative sugar source to the 50-g glucose beverageto screen for gestational diabetes mellitus.STUDY DESIGN: One hundred sixty pregnant women at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation were recruited for a prospective study to compare 2 sugar sources for serum glucoseresponse, side effects, preference, and ability to detect gestational diabetesmellitus. Patients were randomly assigned to consume 50-g glucose beverage or 28 jelly beans (50 g simple carbohydrate). Serum glucose values were determined 1hour later. The test was later repeated with the other sugar source. Finally, a100-g 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Participants completed a questionnaire recording subjective outcome variables. American DiabetesAssociation criteria were used to interpret all test results.RESULTS: Among 136 participants completing the study no significant differenceswere found between 1-hour serum glucose values (116.5 +/- 27 mg/dL with 50-gglucose beverage, 116.9 +/- 23.6 mg/dL with jelly beans; P =.84), frequency ofdiscrepant results (P =.47), sensitivity, specificity, or predictive value. Jellybeans yielded fewer side effects (38% with 50-g glucose beverage, 20% with jelly beans; P <.001) and were preferred by 76% of participants (P <.001). Five cases(3.7% incidence) of gestational diabetes mellitus wer Continue reading >>
Glucose Tolerance Testing (gtt) In Pregnancy
Glucose Tolerance Testing (GTT) in Pregnancy This test is done to determine if you suffer from gestational diabetes or glucose intolerance of pregnancy. This test can be done fasting or non-fasting, with blood drawn from finger sticks or from your veins. You may be asked to drink a special sugar enhanced drink called Glucola, eat jelly beans, or a specific breakfast, candy bar, etc. Your blood will then be tested for the level of glucose. Which test you use will depend on the practice that you are in and the most recent research. It is usually offered to most women around 28 weeks gestation. However, if you have a family history of diabetes or had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, they may test you earlier. There are also places that say not everyone needs to be tested for gestational diabetes , though it is routine in many places. Given the risks associated with gestational diabetes, it is an important part of healthy pregnancy screening. A blood glucose of 139 and below is considered not gestational diabetic, anything above this reading will usually be sent for further testing. This further testing will be considered the definitive answer about a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. There are no risks involved in testing. This is a fairly non-invasive test requiring only blood from the mother. Some women are concerned, rightfully, about the effects on a bolus of glucose to a baby who has not been used to receiving it in such quantities. Not testing or assuming you are glucose intolerant and beginning dietary precautions are the most common alternatives to testing. If you "fail" the one hour test you will be asked to take the three-hour glucose test. You will have your blood drawn fasting, then be asked to drink or eat something with sugar and will be tested Continue reading >>
What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know About Gestational Diabetes
Here is how the glucose tolerance test works Anytime between 24 - 28 weeks your healthcare provider will have you do the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). This is a simple test called the One Hour GTT.You will have to drink a 50 gm. glucose drink (it is like drinking 2 sodas back to back) and get a blood test one hour later. Basically the doctor is testing to see if your body can bring your blood sugar levels down to normal. If your blood sugar levels are below the cut-off number, then you pass. However, if you dont pass, your provider will ask you to follow up with a diagnostic test called the Three Hour GTT.You will be required to fast for 8 hours and get your blood drawn.Then drink a 100 gm glucose drink and have your blood tested at 1, 2, and 3 hours.If you fail 2 or more of the cut-offs you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I've actually tried the glucose drink. It's not as sweet as you'd think.It comes in different flavors however, there are some ingredients that aren't so great for you or your baby. But with that said the test is super important. Check out Dr. Aviva Rohm's blog on Don't Drink The "Glucola" without Reading The Label. You can ask your doctor if you can do an alternative test. Your health care provider does have alternatives because some women are sensitive to glucola. (But you MUST test your blood sugar levels). During the 1st trimester, request the AIC Hemoglobin test. It can give your doctor a picture of what your blood sugar levels look like for 2 - 3 months. You should request this test anyway so you can test your blood sugar levels early. The Jelly Bean Test - lots of midwives do this test. Basically you eat 28 jelly beans which also provide 50 grams of sugar and then your blood is taken an hour later. The good news is that there are j Continue reading >>
Guess How Many Times This Pregnant Mama Has Consumed That Orange Glucose Test Drink?
Last week when I shared 5 Prenatal Standards That I Refuse, the conversation, if I can call it that, got a little heated on social media and I hadn’t even mentioned the orange glucose drink yet. Some folks were up in arms that I would say no to my doctor about anything, apparently, or they didn’t read the post and assumed I said NO to everything. Others echoed my sentiments, and still more were on the far end of the spectrum and had no medical care at all – no ultrasounds, no doctors, no tests of any kind. I see my own choices as slightly to one side of the middle, personally – a little closer to the “no medical intervention” side than the “do everything your doctor says without question” side. Clearly others didn’t agree! Out of all that mess, which is both intriguing and exhausting to keep up with and participate in, I did realize that I forgot one important prenatal test that deserved mention: the glucose drink and blood test for gestational diabetes. It’s at this point that I need to remind you that I’m just a mom telling my story. I don’t have any medical knowledge of any kind. You definitely should not listen to me or take any of this as medical advice. We’re just chatting about our own experiences, m’kay? This is the second in a five-part series. Catch up here: I would never tell anyone that the test isn’t important, because gestational diabetes is a BIG deal and for sure something that needs to be known and addressed via a healthy, low-carb diet. Perhaps all pregnant women should eat more that way, my hunch says. All human beings, perhaps, but that’s another post entirely… (top photo modified from lisasolonynko via MorgueFile) Take heart – I have a list of my Top 10 Baby Steps to take as you move towards real food living. Whet Continue reading >>
Gestational Diabetes And The Glucola Test
June 14, 2012 by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, APRN © Copyright Evidence Based Birth®. Please see disclaimer and terms of use. In the comment sections of one of my first posts, I received this question from a reader named Lela: “I would like to know more about what routine tests are actually necessary. The one that particularly caught my interest is the gestational diabetes test. The American Diabetes Association presents a list of low risk women who should not need the glucose test , even though I fit all those categories, my physician’s office still insists I take it. Is the glucose test truly the only way to catch gestational diabetes? Am I really risking both the health of me and my baby if I declined?” **This post was written before the 2013 NIH Consensus conference on “Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes.” Since then there has been new evidence published on this topic. To read updated, in-depth information about the glucola test and screening for gestational diabetes, you can read these blog articles about the conference: Day 1 and Day 2.** This article has taken me quite a bit of time to write for several reasons. First, gestational diabetes is a very complex and controversial topic. Second, there is a ton of research that has happened in the last 10 years, and it took me a long time to read the literature. Third, my readership has really taken off in the past few weeks, and I want to make sure that my posts are of the highest quality. Fourth, my kids have had a bad virus and I was very sleep-deprived this week. It was hard for my brain to function well and critically think about this issue on so little sleep, until now. With that being said, here is my best shot at an evidence-based article on gestational diabetes and the glucola test. I tried to remain as un Continue reading >>
Glucola Pregnancy Glucose Test: What I Do
In my post about the pregnancy and prenatal care options I chose, I mention that I don’t take the pregnancy glucose test that requires drinking glucola (that syrupy orange or grape drink) and that I use an alternate method of testing. I’ve gotten so many questions about this that I decided it deserved its own post, especially while I am still pregnant and the topic is fresh on my mind. IMPORTANT: Please note that I am only writing about my own personal experience with this and the decisions I made after consulting with my OB or midwife (depending on which pregnancy it was). The information in this post (or any post I write) is not medical advice in any way… I’m just sharing my experience. Always consult with your own medical providers before making health decisions, especially during pregnancy, and make sure that you find providers who are willing to work with you to make the best decision for your pregnancy. All that being said, here’s what I do when it comes to the pregnancy glucose test. What is the Pregnancy Glucose Test? This was one of the sections I found in all of the many pregnancy books I read when pregnant with my first child. Current guidelines call for a glucose challenge test somewhere between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy to test for gestational diabetes. This test typically involves drinking a sweetened drink called Glucola that contains 50, 75, or 100 grams of sugar in different forms. In most cases, the first part of this test is an Oral Glucose Challenge Test (OGCT) that involves drinking the 50 gram solution and having a blood test exactly one hour later to measure blood sugar. If a woman passes this test, she typically won’t be given further testing for gestational diabetes. If a woman does not pass the test, a longer test involving a higher Continue reading >>
Jelly Beans Instead Of Glucola For Gd Screen
Jelly Beans instead of Glucola for GD Screen Easy Steps to a Safer Pregnancy - View e-book or Download PDF - FREE! An interactive resource for moms on easy steps they can take to reduce exposure to chemical toxins during pregnancy. Other excellent resources about avoiding toxins during pregnancy These are easy to read and understand and are beautifully presented. We used the 16 regular sized jelly beans for our 50 gram glucoseload and it went way easier in the moms. The routine was(is)--fast for3 hours, 16 jelly beans, blood draw in exactly 1 hour. Worked fine, andmost moms chose that over the liquid. I'm dubious of this. We tried to do the same thing with 3 MusketeersBars when was in residency, but the absorption was different. Patient statesthat her last pregnancy she choked on the glucola. I told her that studieshave shown no difference if you dilute the carbohydrate drink, but JellyBeans? I would think that Three Musketeers would have fat, which could inhibitabsorption, as opposed to jelly beans, which are essentially fat-free.If I recall, the jelly beans had to be Brach's brand in order to make surethe size and number were accurate. I have always considered the 50 gm carbohydrate drink imprecise, soI'm not too concerned about the jelly beans being imprecise. We have beengiving patients the option for the past year or so. Some prefer the jellybeans, especially when they have had nausea or even vomiting in responseto the drink in the past. Also, it is convenient to give them jelly beansat 24 weeks, with instructions to eat them 60 minutes before their 28 weekappointment. I just heard Steve Gabbe discuss this at our district meeting (actually,last October). He uses it occasionally. The problem, though, is the studywas only validated with Brach's jelly beans. In addit Continue reading >>
Dear Stephanie: What Are My Glucose Screening Options?
Dear Stephanie: What are my Glucose Screening Options? The information included in Dear Stephanie posts is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own situation, or if you have any questions regarding conception, pregnancy, or your prenatal treatment plan. For more Dear Stephanie posts, click here . Have a question for Steph? Click here to e-mail her. Dear Stephanie, Ive been following a Whole30-ish diet for almost a year and was just told that I need to drink a sugar solution to screen for gestational diabetes. Do I really need to drink it? Do I have other options?. Please Help! An Instagram Mama On behalf of moms all over the world, thank you for asking this important question. Its important to know your options before making any choice, so I appreciate you taking the time to voice your concern. Many moms Ive spoken to and worked with over the years were surprised to know that there are options outside of the standard glucose screening test, so Im happy to get this information out there. As you approach weeks 24-28 of your pregnancy, your provider will likelydiscuss screening for gestational diabetes. (Note: If you have risk factors for diabetes, you may be screened for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes at your first prenatal visit). In the U.S, theres a two-step approach for screening and diagnosing gestational diabetes. The first step requires you todrink a solution containing 50-grams of glucose. Yourblood sugar is then tested one hour after drinking the solution. If the screening is positive (your blood sugar level is elevated), its recommended that you take athree hour test that includes drinking Continue reading >>
Gestational Diabetes: Please Don’t Drink The “glucola” Without Reading The Label
I’m a midwife and MD who specializes in the health and wellness of pregnant mommas. While I’m one of the original crunchy mamas, I got the science thing down tight in my medical training at Yale, so I can keep you informed on what’s safe, what’s not, and what are the best alternatives. This article, in which I take on the toxic ingredients in oral glucose test drinks, is the first in a 3-part series on gestational diabetes. If you’re pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or working with pregnant mommas – this series is for you! Is Gestational Diabetes Really an Issue? In the past decade obesity has become rampant in our country. With it the rates of diabetes in the general population, and gestational diabetes (GDM) – which is an excessive increase in glucose intolerance in pregnancy (some increase in glucose intolerance is actually normal and allows more sugar to get to the baby for growth) – have risen dramatically. Current estimates are that 5%-7% of pregnant women in the U.S. develop GDM. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of a host of serious medical problems for mom and baby. However, at levels even lower than those that would qualify a woman for a GDM diagnosis, chronically elevated blood sugar also puts mom and baby at much higher risk of pregnancy and birth complications. Elevated blood sugar creates a condition in the body called “oxidative stress” and in pregnancy, which is already a state of somewhat increased oxidative stress, this can lead to high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Also, babies born to overweight or diabetic moms have a much higher lifetime likelihood of developing chronic health problems associated with obesity and diabetes. Women who develop GDM also have at least a 50% change of becoming diabetic later Continue reading >>
Healthy Alternatives To The Pregnancy Glucose Test
If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the future, you will no doubt be instructed by your doctor to do a blood glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. This is a routine test given to practically all pregnant women in the U.S. Basically you go to the lab or your doctor’s office and drink an extremely sweet beverage full of sugar and other toxic crap, and then wait around for an hour. After that hour, you have your blood drawn to see how high your blood glucose is. The problem with this “oral glucose tolerance beverage” also known as “Glucola” is that it has ingredients in it that pregnant women should never be consuming. Most mothers-to-be are watching what they put in their bodies to make sure that baby only gets the best nutrition to thrive. Doctors should be on board with this motherly instinct, yet they are instructing them to drink this nasty drink. Let’s take a look at what is inside this toxic beverage. Vani aka the “Food Babe” recently posted about this topic and shared a picture of what the ingredients are: This beverage is full of artificial colorings and preservatives that pregnant women shouldn’t be consuming. It also has Brominated Soybean Oil which is known to accumulate in the body and is linked to heart lesions. In the 1970’s the FDA questioned the safety of BVO (Brominated Vegetable Oil) and put the ingredient on “interim status” which means that food companies could legally put it into food products until further toxicology research was done. Well that research has still not been done and it’s been 40 years. Looks like someone dropped the ball. BVO contains bromine, which is known to cause thyroid issues. It is also found in brominated flame retardants that are used in upholstered furniture. BVO leaves res Continue reading >>
Has Anyone Done The Glucose Test With Jellybeans As An Alternative?
Has anyone done the glucose test with jellybeans as an alternative? Just wondering what kind of jellybeans to eat...I read that you eat 28, which equals 50 grams of simple carbohydrates, but 28 of the kind I have is only about 34 grams or something...my doctor already said I could eat jellybeans instead of taking the drink. What!?! Is this for real?? Why do they keep making people drink that crummy drink jellybeans are the bomb!! Lol seriously though that's awesome wish I'd heard of this before. My dr laughed at me when I brought up the jelly beans. :-( I wish! I asked about jellybeans or fruit juice and I was told NO! I also have to do the full 3 hr glucose test which include the 1 hr EVEN though I have no history of GD nor do I have family history of diabetes :/ This is my 4th baby and the 4th time I'll be drinking that flat orange pop. It's not that bad, actually. I was given the option of either eating the jelly beans or drinking the glucose drink. I chose the jelly beans of course. How many did you eat/what kind? I guess I needed to consume the equivalent to 50 grams of carbs, but with the starburst jellybeans that's way more than 28. I did!! You have to eat 28 or the equivalent of 50 grams of sugar. It was more difficult than I thought because you had to do it in 5 minutes but it was a heck of a lot better than that nasty drink!! Mine did too! I asked her "so for that, is the drink my only option" and she laughed at me and went off about this weird other way of testing over a long period of time or something, and I said "no, I mean like can I have jelly beans or pancakes and maple syrup or something else. I've read that some places give you other options" and she just looked at me like I was an idiot and said "no, I'm not sure where that is, but there's not a cha Continue reading >>
Natural Alternatives To Glucose Drink – Glucola For Pregnancy Glucose Screening Test
When I first found out I was pregnant one of the first things I began researching was about all of the prenatal tests and procedures. There are many more tests and procedures done now compared to over 30 years ago when I was born. One of the tests that I researched was the pregnancy glucose screening test. I wanted to find natural alternatives to glucose drink that’s required for the test. At first, I researched online and found that many women just consume 50 grams of sugar as a natural alternative to the pre-made glucose drink called glucola. Then they take the glucose blood test just as they would when you drink the glucola. Legionella Testing Lab - High Quality Lab Results CDC ELITE & NYSDOH ELAP Certified - Fast Results North America Lab Locations legionellatesting.com My OB, who actually delivered me when I was born, said that I can have anything with 50 grams of sugar an hour before the test instead of drinking the gluocla. He said that if it was him, he would just have a fruit smoothie containing 50 grams of sugar for the test. Before I talked to him about natural alternatives to the glucose drink, I was prepared for him to tell me that I had to drink the gluocla and there were no other options. I was surprised that he supported drinking something else instead of the glucola. Even though drinking glucola isn’t healthy, I would if I needed to. But, when you’re already nauseous from pregnancy and want to try to avoid processed/chemically laden foods, why not choose the healthier option with less side effects as long as it’s just as effective. How the Pregnancy Glucose Screening Test Works: The pregnancy glucose screening test is recommended some time between 24 and 28 weeks of your pregnancy. It is a test used check for pre-diabetes and diabetes. The test Continue reading >>
Think Before You Drink: A Closer Look At Glucola
. . . and don’t forget those vegetables. Healthy fats are essential, of course, and don’t skip meals! You dutifully nod your head, and then look down at the bottle of glucola that’s just been handed to you. All of a sudden you’re in a “choose your own adventure” story. Which path will you take? What are the risks and benefits of this test? Today I’m going to share my personal process in deciding whether or to take the oral glucose challenge test (OGCT). Please keep in mind that as I wrote in my posts on the vitamin K shot and Group B Strep, “Best Boo-Boo Kisser South Of Puckett’s Gas Station” is about as official as things get for me professionally. I am not a doctor, this is not medical advice, and your decision is completely up to you. If you need some convincing on this, read my full disclaimer where I say it over and over again. Okay, let’s jump in! What is gestational diabetes? Most doctors say we don’t really know why gestational diabetes happens, but there is a theory out there that makes a lot of sense to me personally, and it’s this: Before modern conveniences like grocery stores, people ate what grew in their backyard. Our ancestors’ staples were sometimes starch heavy (like the maca root consumed by Peruvians), and other times they were more fat and protein-based (like the Inuit). Our bodies do an amazing job adapting to whatever’s available, but there are certain things we all need to thrive. Glucose is a particularly essential nutrient for babies, but in some regions it can be scarce. According to this theory, our bodies adapted to the risk of scarcity by giving our babies preferential access to it during pregnancy. How does that work? As Chris Kresser has observed, “Pregnant women are naturally insulin resistant.” In other Continue reading >>
