Gestational diabetes

[HarleighJayne]

I found out 2 days ago I have gestational diabetes and a lot of people in my family have type 2 diabetes! I can’t stop worrying and I just have no idea what to eat and drink until my hospital appointment on Thursday!!! X

Hiya, really no need to worry. I expect you have been told to carry on as normal until your appointment?

There is a really useful group on FB called "gestational diabetes uk Mums" which you may find useful, there is also a website which will help with what you should and shouldn't eat. There are recipes too.

Generally it's low carb, low sugar (inc fruit). Meat and full fat stuff, cheese, vegetables. Walking and remaining hydrated helps too.

I was diagnosed at 24 weeks and managed to remain diet controlled throughout pregnancy. But if you need medication then you just need to do what you have to for the baby.

You do need to think about what u eat a bit more but if I can do it, anyone can!

For now, check out the FB group (assuming you are on FB, if not google it and you should find their website) and try not to worry (easier said than done I know). When you see your diabetic nurse they will go through everything you need to know

Thank you so much for your reply! I am just trying to just keep calm until Thursday but it seems like such a long wait! I will really struggle with not been able to drink my usual drinks etc but it will all be worth it. Just can’t wait to have spoken to the professionals about it. Thank you x x

Avoid fruit juices and pop. Be careful how much dairy you have too. Low carb meals are the way forward. there is a book called carbs and cals and it was so helpful for me when I had GD. I had a major problem with carbs they sent my blood sugar really high. I ended up not eating any rice/pasta/bread/potato and still had to take metformin. I had bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes for breakfast everyday it was the only good thing about it lol. The diabetic nurse should refer you to a nutritionist but be prepared to be recommended a low fat diet and that isn't always the right way with diabetes. Pasta and tomatoes together were really bad for me. Everyone is different though and it really is trial and error.

Thank you for your reply. Yes I will just hang in there until I see the nutritionist and professionals and wait for my diet plan etc. I’ll make sure to avoid the main things like fizzy pop etc too! Xx

I’ve just been diagnosed today and was having the same worries. Especially as a friend has it so was worried about all sorts so thank you for posting this and I will also look at the FB site and try to relax!

You can have sugar free drinks, don't despair!

You need carbs but just less of them.

Aim for your dinner plate to be half veg, green veg best, avoid carrots. Lots of protein & for me 30 - 40g of carbs though you'll have to test to see what you can handle.

Basmati & brown rice good. Obviously brown pasta too.
I can handle around 3 to 4 small salad potatoes. Eat the skin with potatoes, sweet potatoes especially as full of fibre which helps.

I found Burgen soya & linseed bread the best.

For breakfast, I could have 2 slices with eggs & a glass of wholemilk. On my first pregnancy though I couldn't tolerate milk as the lactose sugar made my scores high so again you'll have to test as you go.

For lunch, another 2 slices with cheese, ham & mayo.

Get rice or corn cakes high in fibre & smother with peanut butter. But you gotta make sure peanut butter is right. In Ireland, we seem to have better choices regarding this but go on gestationaldiabetes.co.uk & search what is best in Britain.

Stick to berries for fruit, blueberries are great, raspberries & strawberries, you can add natural yogurt (provided its under 5 g of sugar) or even double cream for a treat.
Add nuts like walnuts for a change.
If you eat an apple, pair it with peanut butter.

Actimel 0% are fine as a snack with some cheese. Babybels can be handy.

So much advice you read online is awful, nature valley bars are often cited, they are still way too high in sugar, remember aim for 5g sugar or less per 100 grams.

You'll become a nutritional expert reading all the labels whilst shopping.

Again in Ireland we have sugar free brands that I'm not sure if they're available in Britain but 'free'ist' do sugar free cookies etc & yes although instead of natural sugar they are artificial sugars, if you can find these eat them, it's going to be for a short period & you'll need a fix. Also Spanish brand Gullon sell sugar free biscuits, just keep testing as you go.

It really is a pain in the neck, going out to cafes or restaurants becomes a challenge.

Popcorn & salted peanuts in moderation become a nice snack.

Honestly it's a reason while I'll probably stick to just 2 kids, I absolutely hate the diet. It's something to just get through. I just can't wait to eat normally again, best of luck.

Hi guys, I’ve been similarly diagnosed with GD and awaiting a referral, am 29 weeks. Am focusing on a low GI until I have my testing and plan worked out, but my question is if you’re working did you get signed off work?

I think my biggest challenge is my job? I’ve got a fairly senior role which is pretty challenging at the mo and always 60 plus hours, plus 2 DCs and to be fair carbs, processed foods and sugar are definitely my crutch and reward ! Self care has taken a bit of a back seat. Whilst I never take one off and work through holidays this feels like the time when I need to step back.

I got diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 12 weeks. How unlucky lol!!

By the end I was on metformin tablets twice a day, rapid release insulin injections twice a day and slow release insulin injections once a day!

I gave birth 4 weeks ago, so glad that is all over!!! No more checking my blood 4 times a day and no more medication 😁.

I wasn't great at the low carb diet. Although I did change fizzy and diluting juice to water and made some healthier choices I still pretty much ate what I wanted. My average glucose levels were around 6.5 which wasn't horrific.

You will be offered growth scans...which I loved!!! Got to see my wee button (her nickname before she was born) develop into a proper little baby. 32 week scan I saw she had a full head of hair...it was just floating in the water around her scalp 😍

My wee button was measuring above average in belly size on the scans and it was agreed I would be induced at 38 weeks so she didn't grow too big.

I ended up being induced at 35 weeks for pre-eclampsia and although she weighed a healthy 6lb 4 she was tiny. Growth scans are really unreliable. Her belly wasn't above average, she was perfectly normal and at 4 weeks old now, still perfectly normal size and completely healthy considering she was so early. No complications at all.

Don't worry about GD, it's just a pain having to check your blood before you eat and taking the medication is fine. Please dont get too hung up on what you should and shouldnt eat, i had it wayyyyy longer than the rest of you and my daughter was perfectly fine. It's only a problem if it is not monitored and your glucose is super high all the time. I'm sure you are all eating super healthy anyway 😉 xxx