Glucose tolerance test

[ICantThinkOfAGoodOne]

Hi ladies,

I have a glucose test for GD coming up in January and was wondering if anyone knows whether they typically do three separate blood draws, or if they put in a cannula for ease of access?

I'm planning on taking some marking up with me, but if I've got a cannula I figure that might be a challenge. OTOH, my veins are extremely uncooperative so a cannula would probably be for the best physiologically! 🤔

All advice gratefully received 🙂

[tampinfuminragin]

It depends on the hospital. I had mine years ago and it was butterfly clip and the vials taken from it but a canula would have been much easier.

[tampinfuminragin]

My veins are horrendous to get blood from but they managed to get it easily (must have been all that warm lucozade flowing through my veins)

They'll give you a sandwich after the testing is over.

Take a book, it's a long 2 hour wait between samples.

[ValentineFizz]

I had this a couple of months ago, it was separate blood draws and the waiting time inbetween was an interactive class on portion size, amount of sugar in everyday food etc, but this may vary depending on health board.

[ICantThinkOfAGoodOne]

Cheers - guess I will find out on the day!

I'm being tested because of family history of type 2, rather than any symptoms. I'm preparing myself to be extremely bored for 3 hrs!

[thingymaboob]

They won't put a cannula in as cannulas should not be used unless drugs etc need to be administered. They'll use butterfly's or similar. I have had 2 GTTs this pregnancy. I had a draw then drank the drink, waited for 2 hours then another draw. Some clinics will send you home in between but you could easily take some marking to do in waiting room.

[ICantThinkOfAGoodOne]

Yeah, it takes me an hour to get to/from hospital (despite being in the same city) so def won't be going home in between!

Marking in the waiting room room it is!

[CountessOfStrathearn]

"They'll give you a sandwich after the testing is over."

Not at my Trust. Take some food to have afterwards to save you queuing hungry at the hospital shop.