If you’re approaching your glucose tolerance test (GTT), you’re not alone in feeling a bit anxious or uncertain about what to expect. Whether you’re going in for the 1-hour screening or the 3-hour diagnostic test, understanding the process—and how to prepare for it—can help ease some of that stress.
As a pregnancy dietitian, my goal is to provide you with the support and guidance you need to feel confident, no matter the outcome. The test is just one small part of your pregnancy journey, and whatever the results, you can still have a healthy pregnancy with the right support and care.
The Difference Between the Tests: 1-Hour vs. 3-Hour
There are two main types of glucose tolerance tests: the 1-hour test and the 3-hour test.
- The 1-hour test is a screening test, meaning it helps your provider assess whether you might have gestational diabetes, but it’s not diagnostic. You don’t need to fast for this test. After drinking a sugary solution, you’ll have your blood drawn one hour later. If your blood sugar levels are elevated, you’ll be asked to take the 3-hour test to get a clearer picture.
- The 3-hour test is the diagnostic test, which confirms whether or not you have gestational diabetes. For this test, you’ll fast overnight, drink the glucose solution, and then have your blood drawn at one-hour intervals over the course of three hours.
How to Prepare for the 1-Hour Glucose Tolerance Test
For the 1-hour screening test, you don’t need to fast (unless your doctor says otherwise), but it’s still important to prepare to help your body process the glucose effectively.
Eat a Balanced Meal
A couple of hours before your test, try to eat a meal that’s rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. This combination will help stabilize your blood sugar before you drink the glucose solution. Think eggs with avocado on whole-grain toast, or a Greek yogurt bowl with nuts and seeds. Avoid eating anything too high in sugar or refined carbs before your test, as this can cause your blood sugar to spike.
Relax and Breathe
You’ll be sitting for about an hour after drinking the solution, so bring something that helps you stay calm—whether it’s a good book, a meditation app, or even a cozy blanket. Stress can affect your blood sugar levels, so take this time to focus on yourself and relax.
Prepping for the 3-Hour Glucose Tolerance Test
If you’re taking the 3-hour test, the preparation looks a bit different since this is a fasting test.
Bring Comfort Items
The 3-hour test requires a longer wait, so make sure to bring along items to help pass the time and reduce any anxiety. Consider bringing:
- A good book or magazine to keep yourself entertained.
- Earbuds and calming music or a meditation app to help you relax.
- A cozy sweater or blanket, since medical offices can sometimes be chilly.
Plan for After the Test
After the test, your blood sugar may feel like it’s all over the place. You’ll want to have a high-protein, high-fat snack ready to help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you feeling your best. Consider packing something like:
- A small bag of nuts and seeds
- Cheese and whole-grain crackers
- A peanut butter sandwich on whole-grain bread
- Hummus with veggie sticks
- A meat stick with cheese
- Your favorite protein bar
Coping with the Results: No Shame, Just Support
If your results come back elevated, please remember that this is not a reflection of anything you’ve done wrong. Gestational diabetes (GD) can happen to anyone—it’s simply how some bodies react to the hormonal changes in pregnancy. It’s also entirely manageable, and with the right support, you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Individualized nutrition guidance: If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, we can work together to create a meal plan that supports your blood sugar and keeps you and your baby healthy.
- Ongoing support: We’ll help you make manageable, realistic changes to your diet and lifestyle that work for you. No guilt or shame—just compassionate guidance.
- Stress management: Dealing with GD can be stressful, but we’re here to offer practical ways to reduce stress, which can positively impact your blood sugar levels.
Click here to apply to work with one of our dietitians.
Your Health is a Journey, Not a One-Time Test
It’s important to remind yourself that your glucose tolerance test is just one moment in your pregnancy. Whether your results show that your blood sugar levels are completely within range or you find yourself managing gestational diabetes, you are doing your best.
No matter the outcome, having the support of a dietitian can make all the difference. We’ll help you feel confident in your choices and provide you with tools to nourish yourself and your baby without fear or guilt. Let us help take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on enjoying this incredible time in your life.
And if you’re feeling nervous about the test, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help guide you every step of the way—before, during, and after.
