Last updated on August 28th, 2025 at 11:14 am
Preparing for the glucose test to rule out gestational diabetes with twins can be a bit stressful. And actually getting a gestational diabetes diagnosis can feel even scarier. So to help you feel less alone, we rounded up some insights from other twin mams who’ve been there!
Prepping for your upcoming 1-hour glucose test (or maybe even the 3 hour glucose test) as a pregnant twin mom? Awaiting your results and next steps? Or wrapping your head around the fact that you have gestational diabetes?
We know all too well that twin pregnancy comes along with extra precautions and complications. Gestational diabetes, in particular, affects somewhere between 3% and 9% of twin pregnancies. So while you may feel a bit freaked out, know that you are nowhere near alone.
I say this as a twin mom (to healthy 3-year-old twins) who failed both the 1-hour and 3-hour glucose tests and had to manage gestational diabetes for the remainder of twin pregnancy.
In fact, the day I officially got the results from my 3-hour glucose test was the same day I tested positive for Covid-19 (back in 2021 when the pandemic was very much in full force).
My initial reaction to learning I had gestational diabetes was a mix of defeat and panic. It felt like just one more overwhelming thing that I had to take on during my twin pregnancy. But once I had a chance to talk to my doctors and learn the ropes of checking my blood sugar levels, it wasn’t so bad. It was more of a temporary nuisance.
I was lucky in that I didn’t have to go on any additional medications. I was able to manage my gestational diabetes with a few minor dietary changes (like cutting out foods with too much sugar). And more luckily was that once I delivered my twins, my gestational diabetes went away (yay to no more finger pricking!).
But in case you’re reading this while you’re still pregnant with your own twinnies and you’re feeling overwhelmed, keep reading to hear some helpful tips from other twin mamas who’ve been there.
All content on this website, including medical opinions and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.
If you just heard that second heartbeat for the first time, or you know it’s been two for a while, you need to read our twin pregnancy week by week timeline to help you learn what happens week by week with twins. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and twin parent coaching services.
We recently asked our twin parent community:
For those who did the glucose test during twin pregnancy, how did you prepare for the 1-hour or 3-hour test?
Here’s what twin parents had to say:
“Not pleasant but nothing to be so stressed about. I ate a low sugar breakfast!”
“I drank lots of water.”
“It was way better than I expected! I got to choose the flavor of the syrup.”
“Doctor said there was nothing extra to prep for.”
“I felt a lot sleepier after the 3 hour test, so make sure to take the rest of the day off!”
“Ate tons of pickles, drank lots of water, ate lots of protein and fiber.”
“No carbs, just greens and protein.”
“Just ate some cheesy eggs and toast the morning of the test.”
“Did the 3-hour. Had to fast so I went first thing in the morning.”
“I wrote all my twin baby shower thank you notes while waiting between the tests. Nothing like getting something done.”
“Forgot it was happening the day after Halloween and ate a bunch of sugar the day before…oops.”
“I did a morning appointment, ate scrambled eggs about an hour before, and drank a TON of water.”
“Very low sugar/carbs for 3 days before!”
“If you start to feel woozy, especially during the 3-hour glucose test, ask to lay down in between blood draws.”
“Having to fast before the 3-hour stinks, but just focus on breathing and resting during.”
Have you been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (with twins)?
Our hearts are with you if you have. We know it can feel like a lot to take in. Keep reading to learn how other pregnant twin moms handled their gestational diabetes diagnosis.
We asked parents who ended up being diagnosed with gestational diabetes in twin pregnancy…
What was your experience in managing gestational diabetes in twin pregnancy?
Fellow twin moms chimed in with these insights:
“I had a good plan from a nutritionist and gestational diabetes doctor plus insulin. Scary at first, then easy.”
“Glucose Goddess is amazing! Start with eating veggies, prioritize protein, and do short walks.”
“Tracking sugars (fasting and after each meal) and insulin along with diet changes.”
“It turned out ok.”
“Manage your eating!”
“Mine was diet-controlled.”
“I met with a nutritionist who helped me change my diet and I took Metformin so my numbers were good.”
“Seeing a nutritionist was extremely helpful.”
“I feel like it was just hard to pass the test because I didn’t eat sugar like that drink. I monitored my sugars and they were always within normal range.”
“Actually the worst part of pregnancy for me…I’m vegetarian so options for gestational diabetes suck!”
“Met with a dietitian and tested regularly. Lucky to have insurance!”
“I failed the one hour but passed the three hour. Don’t know how common that is!”
“I had a mild case so the hardest part was learning to test my blood sugar. It was fine after a few days.”
Have you taken your expecting twins class yet? We offer a great class on demand so you can take it on your own schedule! There are so many video modules covering everything from your twins’ baby registry to your first week at home with twins!
Sign up today to get started before your twins arrive.
How to prepare for glucose test during pregnancy with twins?
For the best guidance on getting ready for your upcoming glucose test for twin pregnancy, ask your doctor what they suggest, especially for your diet and fasting ahead of time!
For the 1-hour glucose test, you typically don’t have to fast before the test. But for the 3-hour glucose test, you likely will need to fast ahead of time.
Final thoughts on the glucose test and gestational diabetes with twins
- Listen to your doctor’s directions on how to prepare for your glucose test (you may not really have to do much at all).
- If you do get a gestational diabetes diagnosis in your twin pregnancy, there are ways you can manage it. Some folks end up having to take insulin, while others can manage their GD with dietary changes.
Craving more guidance on dealing with gestational diabetes or twin pregnancy complications!
- The Do’s and Dont’s of Gestational Diabetes
- What Are Complications of Twin Pregnancy?
- Your Guide to Coping With Twin Pregnancy Complications
Paige Figueroa is a mom to fraternal twins. After teaching English for 9 years, she now works from home as a content marketing strategist and entrepreneur so she can spend more time with her children. She loves helping other moms and women enjoy more freedom in their lives by monetizing their passions. You can follow her on IG and TikTok @mombossfreedom.
