Gestational diabetes?

[rooksby]

17wks + with DC2.

The last couple of days I am really thirsty, tired (but what person with a toddler isn't) and a bit "woolly headed". Feeling a bit concerned that I might have GD...I am speaking to mw tomorrow for advice, but thinking I should modify diet right away just in case.

Anyone had GD, please could you tell me what I should be eating? Think I will stick to this for rest of pg whatever, just to be on safe side. I was slightly overweight before (BMI 26/27) and think there might be type 2 diabetes on maternal side of family but not sure.

i was diagnosed with GD at 32 weeks. The best advice would be to avoid processed foods as much as possible, especially white flour and sugar. instead, choose lean meat, fish, eggs, vegetables and fruit (but go easy on the fruit - juice can be very sugary). i've been avoiding potatoes and corn as well, as they are quite starchy, but sweet potatoes and butternut squash have been fine.

make sure to eat some protein with every meal and snack to slow down carbohydrate release. so if you're having an apple, for instance, have a handful of almonds or some cheese. watch out for hidden sugar in things like soup, pasta sauce and yogurt.

other things that have helped me are eating smaller meals, with snacks in between, and taking a brisk 20 minute walk after my evening meal.

hope that helps! don't restrict your carbohydrates too much - you need a good balance of nutrients for yourself and for the baby. good luck :)

I've had GD twice now and my diet advice would be: drink plenty of water, eat porridge and low GI foods eg granary bread, brown rice and as prev mentioned eat protein (its can feel like following the Atkins diet!) Be careful with fruit or fruit juice as it can have high sugar content.
Ask your midwife for an early glucose tolerance test as they can make a diagnosis from 16 wks (thou this early can give a false -ve)
Good luck!

I've had GD since 13 weeks, I was put on insulin at that point, they had me testing myself 4 times a day with finger prick tests. They're almost certain I had it last time (ended in a stillbirth at 37 weeks) hence the early testing now.

Some foods are bad for some people and some affect others differently, I've seen a lot of people react badly to cereals, porridge etc but then others would be fine. It's finding what works for you. White breads and too many carbs aren't great, try and stick to wholemeal and more protein.

Thank you! Was careful with what I ate yesterday and feel loads better, so will keep it up.
Mate is coming round with some urinalysis and BM sticks so will see if anything shows up, then will phone surgery and ask for GTT booking if necessary. I think I was just being paranoid but will treat it as a wake-up call and watch diet, and ask MW to monitor carefully.

Cheers for all the advice, I really appreciate it, and CheeseandGherkins I will keep everything crossed for you, I remember your thread when you lost your lovely daughter. Take care x