Gestational diabetes

[Eminybob]

I was diagnosed yesterday

We are going to try and manage it with diet and exercise first before resorting to medication.

I just wanted to see if anyone has any experience, can provide me with some low carb meal ideas, tips for managing blood sugars, fitting in the blood sugar tests etc. Just everything really.

And also can you share your experience with the end result - did you have a big baby? Did you need an induction etc.

Everything just feels a bit daunting at the moment.

Bump

I was diagnosed with GD at 24 weeks and am now 35 weeks. I am diet controlled so far.

It was abit of a learning curve for me as i didn't know what i could/couldn't eat. The hospital put me in touch with a dietician which was a huge help. Hopefully your hospital will do the same.

The diet is basically a high protein low carb diet. You can still eat rice, pasta and potatoes but small portions at a time. I was told I could eat shredded wheat or 2 slices of wholemeal toast for breakfast but they both sent my blood sugars through the roof. I later found out most people with GD cant handle any kind of cereal.

My diabetic nurse told me about carb splitting which is basically i have 1 slice of wholemeal toast for breakfast, wait an hour and test my bloods which are fine. Then i can have the second slice. It spreads the carbs out over a longer period of time so your blood sugar doesn't spike which is what your trying to avoid.

Theres alot to learn. If your on Facebook there is a really good support group calls gd mums uk. I got alot of great advice from that page.

I had a growth scan at 33 weeks and baby was measuring average size. Ill get another growth scan at 36 weeks. If you can keep your blood sugars under control your baby should stay at an average size. My diabetes nurse told me that as long as your gd is managed well they will let me go until 42 weeks. But every hospital has a different policy and every pregnancy is different. Gd is also a progressive condition so even though im fine right now that could change.

Its alot to learn at first but it does get easier.

Thank you so much for replying, that is really helpful.

I did my first test last night after dinner which was fajitas using 2 wholemeal wraps and my levels were over so that is clearly too many carbs for me.
This morning I had an omelet with cheese and spinach, no bread or anything and was well under so I guess it’s finding a balance.

My craving has been chocolate and cake since being pregnant so for me that is going to be the hardest thing to resist.

My consultant said they may induce at 40 weeks as that is their personal preference, but my ds was born at 37 weeks so I’m hoping that this baby comes early too. I’m terrified at the thought of an induction.

I joined the Facebook group - absolutely priceless, I have already posted questions and received replies, thank you so much Poptart for the recommendation.

Glad i could be some help :) it is a great page, its helped me loads.