HBA1C after passing GTT twice?

[HeathenPlayingHouse]

35+2 and was told today that I would need a HBA1C test next week. I had GTT done at 28 weeks which I passed, but then had to repeat it at 33 weeks due to my baby measuring LGA with a big jump in growth between 28-32 weeks (the ultrasound estimate went from 3.5lbs to 6lbs).

I passed the second GTT as well, but I have been skeptical as to whether the results were accurate because I’m taking Metformin for PCOS and was not told to stop taking it for the blood tests.

In the last week, I have noticed a increase in my appetite and mentioned it to my midwife today. I also confirmed increased thirst/dry mouth and increased peeing, but I am recovering from the flu and a chest infection so I had put it down to that.

However, my urine dip showed glucose in my sample for the first time today , so all these factors together set off some red flags. I’ve been booked in for a HBA1C next week at 36+0 and told to stop taking the Metformin.

But now I’m panicking because it’s getting so close to the end, and because all the information I’ve found online says that a HBA1C is not a suitable test for pregnancy. Plus the fact that it will measure glucose levels over a 12 week period, when I will have been taking Metformin for over 11 of them.

What if I really have got GD but the tests don’t show it due to this? I’ve got another scan booked for 36+2 plus a consultant appointment to discuss options going forward. Will they be able to see placental issues at that point if GD has caused degradation?

Sorry for the essay, anxiety ridden mess over here!

@HeathenPlayingHouse the best thing for them to do would be to give you a blood sugar monitor and send you off to track your readings for a week. I'm surprised they haven't suggested it but maybe you can ask?

It also seems reckless that they'e taking you OFF metformin when this would be helping manage GD if you do indeed have it. I don't blame you for being an anxious mess!

Could you phone your midwife and have a big chat about your options and explain how this is all making you feel?

@LolaJ87 Thank you for replying ❤️

To be honest, my midwife doesn't seem to know anything at this point regarding GD, except to recognise the symptoms and to refer me to the hospital, which to be fair she did promptly.

It just never occurred to me that this issue might come up this late in pregnancy. My follow up scan and appointment with the consultant will be 2 days later, so I'll find out then if there are any issues. My worry is that there IS an issue, but it might get missed because the Metformin will skew the results.

I know that worrying about it isn't helping me, I just can't help it right now .

Also, I will mention the glucose monitor suggestion to the consultant!

It's actually hardest to manage blood sugar from 33-37 weeks if I remember correctly, which might be why you've started to show symptoms now. I was completely asymptomatic but ended up on Metformin myself at about 36 weeks, it does really help manage blood sugars so even if you do have it, it sounds like it's been pretty well managed (allowing you to pass the GTT).

I actually read that myself about this being the most difficult point, so I'm hoping you're right!