Is there a gestational diabetes support thread on here?

[NoRoomForALittleOne]

I can't find one. I had my OGTT yesterday and then received a text message today 'reminding' me of my appointment on Monday with the diabetes service. I phoned up and found out that my results do indeed mean that I need to be looked after by the diabetes team There must be more ladies on here with gestational diabetes. Where are you all hiding?!

[TeresaGreene]

Hello, not sure where everyone else is but I'm here! I'm 32 weeks and just had to start on Metformin although I've had GD in 2 of my previous pregnancies so I sort of hope I know what I'm doing by now! How far along are you?

[NoRoomForALittleOne]

I'm 26 weeks. I'm Still a bit shocked. The only risk factor that I had was having a previous large baby (with a shoulder dystocia at birth). I had two GTTs in that pregnancy IIRC at 24 and 36 weeks. I was told that I didn't have GDM but DD3 did have a massive abdominal circumference and was very jaundiced after birth. She was 4.46kg (just over 9lb 13 oz) when she was born.

So I'm guessing that I'll be given a blood glucose monitor, diet advice and a food diary on Monday? I'm already booked for a growth scan on Thursday so I'm assuming that I need that even more now

[TeresaGreene]

It is a bit of a shock and lots to take in at first I agree. Those GTT tests are strange because my results were right on the cut off point and they said that if I hadn't had GD before then they probably wouldn't monitor me. But since I've been testing my bloods, they have been all over the place, hence the need for the Metformin tablets now. It is a bit if a faff having to watch what you eat but the positives are that you won't put on much surplus weight during you pregnancy and by following a low GI diet, you will feel super healthy!! However, I have a few treats packed in my hospital bag for after the birth!

[NoRoomForALittleOne]

I may have to pack a Mars bar for my hospital bag!

My second GTT in my last pregnancy was very bizarre. The pre and post readings were exactly the same. I couldn't help but wonder if the lab had tested the same tube of blood twice...

[NoRoomForALittleOne]

Do you think that having a broken foot will make them less likely to pester me about exercise? I normally do exercise but have been able to. I understand that this is a major part of sugar control.

[TeresaGreene]

Definitely!! To be honest, exercise has been barely to mentioned to me in this pregnancy, except to say that a quick 15 minute walk after my evening meal can really help to bring my blood sugar levels down. So far I haven't managed this due to being bone idle! having to juggle kids bedtimes etc and my levels have been fine -although I am quite strict with what I'm eating. Typically, I eat porridge for breakfast, made with skimmed milk and cinnamon. Lunch is ryvita with egg/tuna/ham or cheese and I eat whatever I make the family for tea but reduce the amount of rice/pasta/potatoes and up my portion of veggies. It's not very exciting, and perhaps I'm being too strict but it's working and I feel very healthy virtuous!. Of course the difficulty is that those foods which are fine for some people to eat can be disastrous for the blood sugar levels of others - it can be trial and error at first!

[TeresaGreene]

Also, bloody poor you, being pg is hard enough without a broken foot and GD!