Do they still do POAS alternative to GTT?

[AndiE]

So my acupuncturist thinks there is an alternative to the GTT (which in her opinion is dangerous to the developing baby because of the huge sugar hit - note: "her" opinion). She said I should be able to do a POAS test weekly/fortnightly and get the same result. She said that's what she and women her age did when they were pregnant (so, 20 years ago).

Does anyone know anything about this? I'll assume the GTT is considered by the medical profession to be a more accurate test. But I've always wondered about whether it just captures a moment in time, if that makes sense. And ... I presume if you don't have much sugar and then have the GTT it could well give an inaccurate picture.

I'm definitely keen to go the POAS route if it's still available. Any advice welcome, thanks

[Little Chicken]

I think she means urine dipstick testing for glucose. It will detect glucose in urine, but glucose generally only spills into urine once the blood glucose in really high, and a positive urine glucose alone is not diagnostic, you would still need the blood tests. Also everyone's 'spillage' level is different, some spill at relatively low levels, and some at excessively high.

[AndiE]

Thanks LC - that's most likely the test (though the words POAS were used when I was told about it, but I think this may be what she meant).

What you say makes sense too and is food for thought - if I did get GD with this pregnancy (I did with DS1, not DS2) then I'd prefer it be picked up sooner rather than later. Still, maybe the dipstick test builds a picture up if done with some regularity, rather than a once-off GTT. Hmmm ...

[Little Chicken]

Regular finger p**** testing would give a better and more accurate trend.

[LionsandBears]

Regular finger p**** testing would give a better and more accurate trend.

This. I'd prefer to do this next time. The GTT is still a moment in time and a friends of mine developed GD after passing the test. I also dont like the idea of having a big drink of sugar, along with the additives and preservatives, so would prefer to p r i c k my finger.

[AndiE]

Well, I've got all the gear from when I had GD with DS1, so p r i c k ing my finger(s) semi-regularly could be the best option. Should have thought of that before!

I'd like to know what the amount of glucose in the GTT is the equivalent of - without a clue, I'd assume a few glasses of coke. I just wonder how many of us would consume so much glucose/sugar in one hit normally. Having said that, I would like to keep tabs on whether or not I have GD again, so I do feel I need to do something.