The bleeding that occurs while you take the inactive pills isn't the same as a regular period. Nor is the bleeding necessary for health. This is good news if you take birth control pills and want more control over your menstrual cycle, either for personal or medical reasons.
To prepare for the glucose tolerance diagnostic test: 1  Eat a balanced diet that contains at least 150 grams (g) of carbohydrate per day for 3 days before the test. Fruits, breads, cereals, grains, rice, crackers, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, beans, and corn are good sources of carbohydrate.
When screening for gestational diabetes, a test might be done before the 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). For the first test, you will not need to fast. You will drink 50 grams of glucose. Your blood sample will be taken 1 hour later.