Gestational Diabetes Diet

[MonaTheMoaner]

After my 20 week consultation with my consultant, she's decided it's best if I follow a diet that's recommended for those with gestational diabetes as I have a high BMI and my dad is a type one. I've never had it in previous pregnancies but to be on the safe side until the Glucose Tolerance Test in June, she wants me to follow it.

So those who know a lot/have been through it, what can I eat? I eat a mainly protein and carb heavy diet so portion control is going to be a big issue for me here but are there any meals you recommend without going overboard on potatoes and pasta?

Take a look at gestationaldiabetes.co.uk and Gestational Diabetes uK mums on Facebook - they're a great resource and explain how food pairing works

The high protein will be fine, it'll just be the carbs you need to watch, and everyone's tolerances are different. They also change throughout pregnancy.

You don't actually have to take a GTT, you could ask them for a monitor so that you can self check your levels.

Who would I ask regarding a monitor? Is it the consultant or a midwife as I won't see my consultant until 28 weeks now after the booked GTT.

I would recommend having the GTT test if they think you need it. This normally happens around 24-26 weeks I believe. If you do have GD then they will give you a monitor to check your blood sugar levels throughout the day. If they continue to be high they can start you on medication to help reduce your sugar levels and if the medication doesn't help, insulin will be given too. I am currently 37+6 and was diagnosed with GD at 28 weeks, it is very hard to cut down on carbs but even if you cut down a little you can see the difference in your levels. At my 36 week growth scan my baby was weighing around 8lb 10oz - so a very big baby, because of this I am being induced on Wednesday at 38+1 to reduce the risk of his shoulders getting stuck. They check the babies sugar levels once born and if they are too low we will need to stay in until stabilised. So I would definitely recommend having the test to make sure! X

Your midwife should be able to source a monitor for you 😊 If you start tracking your numbers, out have a good idea whether you have GD or not.

I won't be taking a GTT if I am ever pregnant again, I'd self monitor. I don't see the benefit in pumping baby full of sugar, and wish I'd researched what the GTT was more before I just agreed to it. Just my opinion though!