Hello, I was sent for a Glucose Tolerance test at 18 weeks because my Hba1c (blood test that can indicate diabetes) came back at 6.1 which was borderline. My GTT results put me in the pre diabetic range and I was immediately sent off to see the diabetes dietician.
I was given a diet sheet and metformin was discussed. I made it clear that as it was such early days I wanted to try and manage it through my diet first of all. I was then sent off to receive my blood sugar monitor and handed a prescription for metformin. I repeated that I wanted to see if there was another way but was told to come back in 4 days time and if 2 or more of my levels were over the target I would be started on metformin.
To be honest the whole thing was so fast I was completely shell shocked. I tested a couple of times and both readings were slightly over so I figured I'd already failed.
It was then that I discovered all the gestational diabetes advice on mumsnet. It helped me so much and gave me the strength to stick to my guns which hasn't been easy. I made an appt with my GP who agreed to check my blood sugars weekly and I wrote to the diabetes dietician explaining that for now I didn't want any further appts with the clinic.
A midwife told me that if you try and challenge the guidelines in any way the medical profession will unite against you and attempt to beat you into submission, this was most certainly my experience except for my GP who believes that women have choices.
I'm now 28 weeks and had a growth scan a few days ago. My baby is growing normally and my Hba1c is down to 5.5. I have also lost 6 kilos (I was overweight to begin with)
A lot of the stuff on the diet sheet spiked my blood sugar levels. I can't tolerate "normal bread" at all especially at breakfast. A ham and cheese toastie with Burgen bread gave me a 9.8 and oatmeal made with milk and water gave me a reading over 8. Breakfast has mostly been bacon and poached eggs which usually gives me a reading in the 5's. I tried natural yoghurt, Lizi's granola (1 tblsp) and a few raspberries. This kept me within target but at the higher level. I've since discovered soya yoghurt (less carbs and sugar than regular yoghurt) Sojade is the lowest but Alpro and Provamel are also ok, I mix about 4 tblsps together with a teaspoon of Xylotol and I and a half dessert spoons of peanut butter (I've checked out a few brands and Sainsbury's Smooth So Organic peanut butter seems to be the lowest in carbs and sugar) I also add a few almonds and it really is rather nice.
I've also discovered Pro Fusion low carb bread which I use to make a tuna melt with an egg on top for lunch (only 1 slice though) Pulses are great but remember they're also a carb so I have them in a chicken curry with a salad.
I've also discovered that I can have a sweet treat, eg Café Nero chocolate hazelnut brownie but the rule is I have to wait 2-3 hrs before I eat again and make sure I don't have any carbs with my next meal. Kalista sugar free chocolate is also lovely.
The Low-Gl Diet cookbook by Patrick Holford has been invaluable.
I'm aware that I might not be able to control it with diet alone forever but even so I've still learnt a hell of a lot about how food affects my body and that I can stick up for myself.
Sorry this has been such a long post, haven't learned the art of self editing yet!