Been referred to the diabetic clinic

[Noappointmentnecessary]

Possible gestational diabetes - what will this mean for me? Can anyone help please. Quite upset about it x

I had this with my first baby and I was upset because I felt I had failed but don't feel like that.
The pancreas produces insulin but the production of this slows down in pregnancy. If it slows down too much then the sugars in food instead of being broken down enter the bloodstream and therefore the baby. the reason why this is not good is it can make baby bigger making natural birth harder or impossible needing a section, it also can lead to placenta failure so usually those with GD don't go beyond 40weeks.
Depending on how diabetic you are, there are three courses of action: diet controlled for minor diabetes, then onto tablets and if not working with these or severe diabetes, injecting insulin as per type 1 sufferers.
I was diet controlled and as I didn't want the other things I stuck to the diet controlled rigidly. Not only should you avoid sugar, ie pop, choc, fruit etc but also carbs (which turn into sugar) such as bread, pasta, rice, pastries, cooking sauces etc, so stick to protein and fat so cheese,eggs, veg and meat are fine. You'll get more scans to check baby's size, probably be induced and be consultant led and alot of monitoring in labour.
After all this I had a beautiful 8lbs dd 2.5 years ago and I didn't have GD in my second pregnancy at all.

Thank you so much for your reply. Lots of useful information. They said the cut off reading was 7.8 and my blood test showed I was 7.9. This is the 2nd blood test after the glucose drink. Gutted. Funny though, at my scan they said the baby was big for what I was (11 weeks). They changed my dates so I'm now 13. I just want to have a chat with them. X

What treatment you need depends on the severity of the diabetes, not how well you stick to the diet, so don't bear yourself up about needing metformin or insulin. Your body needs some carbs to grow the baby and, if your diabetes is particularly bad, you might not be able to eat enough without taking some medication.
They will get you to test your blood sugar levels several times a day. If you keep a food diary you will soon see what affects your levels. It's not the same for everyone but in general eating protein is key.
How far along are you? It tends to get worse as the pregnancy progresses so even if you are only just over the threshold now, by the end of your pregnancy your bs levels might be significantly higher.

Hello op I was diagnosed with gd, about 3 weeks ago, my level was 7.8! I am currently diet controlling it and have learnt that carbs are my enemy, but aside from that doing well. I also had my thyroid tested which was found to be under active so have been given tablets for that, you may get sent for that blood test to.

You could be me with DC1, OP. I got the same result, also was put a week ahead at my first scan. I just had to monitor my blood sugar, balanced carbs with fat, didn't have to go on meds. DC1 was - and is - perfectly healthy. And despite measuring 8lbs at 38 weeks, he was delivered at 39 weeks (not GD related) weighing 6lb 13... So not the monster we were expecting!

Try not to be stressed or blame yourself. You're very borderline and this shouldn't be a big deal.

I had GD- well that's what they said. I must have been borderline too as my blood sugars were all fine every time I tested. It wasn't a problem. They also said my baby was on course to be enormous and they had me really worried about it. He was 8lb at birth (hardly massive!) and is now 3 months old and 13lb- bang on average. I am overweight and so all of this stuff really worried me but in reality it was all fine. I went for the diabetes check 6 weeks after giving birth and my bloods were fine. I think they're just overly cautious when you're pregnant. You will be fine xxx

I've just been diagnosed with it. Had it with last baby too. Don't be upset. Is it just diet controlled? Mine is. Just means I have to cut out sugary stuff really as it can make the baby a bit on the chunky side. Hugo was born 4 weeks early weighing 6lb6oz so not too bad really. Just try and exercise and eat a healthy, balanced diet and you're good to go hunny. Don't stress about it, you'll be closely monitored :)

Don't be upset. The worst thing will probably be having to watch what you eat! I was diagnosed at 38 weeks in last pg, too late to treat before section the following week. I went in night before section and had some insulin overnight to help the baby. When he was born his blood sugar was a bit low so they helped me express extra colostrum to give him in a cup. It went up again nice and quickly. No dramas.

I have Gd in my second pregnancy. Combined with hyperemesis too (very self pitying, me, right now )

Doctor very nice and reassures me genetics plays quite a big part (df is a diabetic). Was diet controlled but it wasn't good enough so am on insulin which keeps being upped. I was in a huge tantrum when injections were prescribed - really toddler furious as I felt I had failed, was being bulldozed into something I didn't want etc etc but the reality is that I feel so rotten after I eat that I know I need something. I test blood sugar levels 7 times a day and inject 4 times. I am terrified of injections (cried at first). The nurse told me it woul hurt less than the finger tip prick for testing blood sugar which made me furious but rather anti climatically turns out to be true. Hope you won't need injections but if you do it's not the worst. I'm being induced at 38 weeks exactly.