Gestational diabetes

[Jodien1]

Hi
I was told I have this after the test yesterday anybody know what the next steps will be? Also does anyone have any tips/ stories of their experiences
Thanks

[birdofthenorth]

They ought to bring you in for a full appointment ASAP. I had it last time. Mine was managed with a strict diet high in wholemeal stuff and low on refined carbs. Had to price my finger several times a day to monitor blood sugars. Some cases are controlled using insulin or metformin (& you could possibly start with dietary control the progress to medicine if your blood sugars are still to high). You will likely be induced about 38 or 39 weeks depending on how big the baby is measuring (the danger is huge babies who might sustain birth injuries). You will likely not be diabetic after birth although you may be more at risk of developing it and offered annual checks. Sorry to hear you've got it, it is a bit of a pain, but I actually found it led to a much healthier pregnancy and it was nice to have more medical contact and more frequent checks on the baby.

[Jodien1]

Thank you for your reply, they have rung and I have to go in next week! I had to have metformin whilst ttc as I had pcos and I really struggled with it so I'm hoping they don't put me on that

[JennyBlueWren]

Thanks for the information bird I might have the GD. Waiting on scan and tests.

Jodien did you have any symptoms or was it just from the tests?

[tiggy2610]

I am 2 weeks into my life as a 'diabetic' after being diagnosed with GD recently and posted a very similar thread myself. Honestly, for me it has been far less scary and traumatic then I thought it would be when I first got the phone call. The dietician will talk you through GD friendly alternatives to normal every day foods but it's pretty straight forward - wholemeal instead of white bread, no sugary foods, not too much 'starchy' foods like mash potato. She did go on to say that for many woman in the first few days it's complete trial and error and what will increase glucose levels for me might not increase yours. E.g. I CAN get away with a chocolate biscuit or a few blocks of dairy milk but I can't eat white bread or more than a slice of bread in one sitting.

In the past 2 weeks I've had 2 high blood sugar readings - one caused by porridge and honey (silly choice on my part!) and the other was caused by two slices of thick wholemeal toast. Exercise helps keep levels low so when I did get a high reading I just went for a 15 walk around the house (it was chucking it down) and it dropped right back in to normal range.

I take bloods first thing in a morning (fasting), after breakfast, after lunch and after my evening meal. The finger prick-er really doesn't hurt, infact I can barely feel it most of the time.

We had an extra growth scan this week (which you'll be offered) and baby is absolutely normal - I'm not growing a monster and his weight and measurements are average. Consultant is now happy for us to go to 39 weeks of everything remains as it is and diebetes team see me once every 4 weeks.

I know every single woman is different and this won't be the same for everyone but I thought I'd share my experience. If anything it was a blessing in disguise, a little shove to stop eating that extra serving or ice cream or that extra chocolate biscuit. Oh and for what it's worth I don't fall into ANY of the risk categories, no past history, no high BMI etc...it was purely an administration error which resulted in me going for my GTT, but Im glad I did.

[Jodien1]

I've got a bmi of 30 pre pregnancy and pcos so I was tested! I feel like it's daunting because it's the unknown but hopefully when I go next week I will feel a bit better

More people tend to be diet controlled which is reassuring

[Findingthisdifficult1234]

I'm worried I may develop GD. At what week is it your diagnosed in pregnancy? How many weeks ha e you got to be to be sent for the test? I'm currently 10 weeks.
Thanks

[bev26]

I had my blood sugar done and got results back, this wasn't at my GTT this was by request from my gp, after fasting for 12 hours my results came back 6. What was everyone's results after fasting? X

[liesal79]

You get tested about 24-28 weeks as it doesn't develop until then. Every different health authority use different guidelines. For mine, fasting is 5.5 or under. After eating is 7.8 or under :)

[Zahrah5]

Hi 18w and my dad measured my sugar levels at home (he is diabetic and has the machine).

My levels were day 1 6.9 and day 2 9.6, that was after eating, the second measurement was after eating some sweets, but not too crazy sweet.

Is this is reason to concern, should I go to GP?

Both me and my husband have a diabetic parent on insulin.

Week before mw did my sugar out of the rurine and said it was fine.

[Jodien1]

I'd imagine you'd get tested as 1 of the criteria is family member with diabetes perhaps speak you your midwife?

[Jenny1231990]

I had it with my first born son. I was only 16weeks when tested and think it was because my BMI was higher than it should have been.
With my daughter my appointment came through at 28weeks and I didn't develop it again. They said I should have been tested earlier in my pregnancy especially as I had it before.
I'm now 16weeks pregnant and have my test on Saturday so I don't think it only develops between 24-28weeks sorry.
With my first I just diet controlled and had to check levels through the day. My son was born at 39weeks (induced) and was 8lbs 6oz. My daughter was born naturally 1week late and was 6lb15oz.
Look after yourself x

[broodysnoopstie]

I've got it too I'm 31 weeks and have first consultant appointment on Tues next week. Had a 2 hour lesson on what to eat/not eat and monitoring blood sugar levels with machine they gave me. I've been testing for a week and have got used to it. It is taking real will power to keep off the sweet stuff though!

[BigCatFace]

My BMI is 37 and was tested yesterday, 2 hours after the drink, my reading was 5.4. So it's not pre ordained you'll have GD due to high BMI.

[Jodien1]

No it's not due to high bmi but that's one of the criteria for them testing you amongst other factors! I am on day 2 and craving chocolate so badly, I'm just thinking it's all for the baby

[cheshirem2b]

our Trust is piloting lower gd levels. my fasting bloods were 5.3& or Trust is using a cut off of 5.1!!!
I have been told as close to 5 pre-food and under 8 if testing within 2 hrs of a meal.
I find pasta and rice make my readings spike but porridge is fine as is wholemeal bread (in moderation)
my general diet plan is porridge with dried apricots for breakfast.; soup, piece of bread and a yoghurt/fruit at lunch and then I bulk out an evening meal with veg. If I'm peckish in the evening I snack on cheese or something low carb.
Don't worry about having GD. Look on the positive side, you have to eat well and healthily which is good for you and baby and you get extra mefical care/scans.