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Hunger pangs

As I was sitting quietly in a corner at the Ambulatory services of the Medical City, the scent of hamburger wafted through the air. In a roomful of people who fasted for at least eight hours, that was sheer torture. For me, who fasted for 16 hours, it was downright inconsiderate. I couldn't concentrate on the very engaging novel in my hands.

Why was I there in the first place?

In the previous week, my gums bled several times in one day. I had to resort to ice chips and ice-cold drinks to stop the bleeding. It was either a lack in Vitamin C or too much sugar in my blood that is causing it. I was on strict low-sugar (no chocolate, mostly fruit desserts) diet. I had to curb my craving for iced coffee and chocolates. I survived my first pregnancy without gestational diabetes. I hope to avoid it this time, too.

The lab test is called OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). I was asked to drink 100ml of flavored, sweetened liquid in a span of five minutes. I was glad that it was carbonated this time, like a concentrated orange soda. The one I had two years ago resembled corn syrup. Then, blood was extracted one hour after the other. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything in between. Half way through the battery of extractions, I was feeling faint. I am not sure if it was the hunger or just sleepiness kicking in.

At 1PM, I was glad to finish the test. The insides of my elbows were already bruised. I can finally eat.

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