Gestational diabetes

[Rose0804]

Hi, looking for some support and advice on gestational diabetes, I had my test on Friday and then got a call from the doctors today to say I may have it. I was very emotional when taking it all in and it’s all a bit of a blur. I’ve got to meet with a midwife and nutritionist on Wednesday. I rang the doctors back and they said before the test I was 4.3 and after I was 8.8. Was wondering if anyone had any similar results and what they done for you and how you are finding it?

Hi OP, are you on Facebook? There is a fantastic group on there for GD. So from your results your fasting level was ok but your one after the glucose drink was over the upper limit. I had the opposite, high fasting but fine after glucose.
Have they given you a testing kit yet?
This is my second GD pregnancy, I won’t lie and say it’s fun but it’s bearable and for a limited time only.

That's interesting because I was diagnosed on Friday and was told the upper limit was 10! No advice as yet as I've only just started but I'm finding it stressful trying to find out what doesn't make my sugar levels surge! And also trying to eat around a strict schedule!

The upper limits vary from area to area, it’s very frustrating.

@singerleon yes I have joined an amazing group today thank you. No I have an appointment on Wednesday so I’m guessing they will give me the information I need. Can I ask how did you cope with work like? I was going to work until 3 weeks before but I’m now feeling like I need to leave a bit earlier

Rose I think I saw your post pop up about 30 mins ago on the group? I’d didn’t answer on there because I didn’t want to double up.
So much support and info on there.
Work was easier for me because I’m self employed. But DD came early which seems to be the norm for GD so 3 weeks before due date might not give you much time for anything before baby arrives.

Yes limits vary from area to area but think the NICE guidelines are 5.3 for fasting and 7.8 for after. My GTT was 5.4 for fasting and 6.2 after glucose. Enough for me to be diagnosed on fasting level alone.

Hi OP, sorry you've been diagnosed with this. I had it in my second pregnancy 4.5 years ago. All tests since then have been normal.

You shouldn't need to leave work early - it shouldn't make you feel unwell. You will be asked to monitor your blood sugar levels and attend regular clinics. If you can't keep your levels under control through diet and exercise you may be given medication.

I kept mine under control without medication. What I did was cut out sweet things, minimal fruit (only non-tropical, and with meals), ate lots of vegetables, eggs, pulses and some cheese. Full-fat plain yogurt and nuts for breakfast. Check bread for carb content - I remember Bergen being good. However you might not be able to manage without meds in spite of all this, it's not totally under your control. It's ok if you need more than just dietary changes.

And keep active - a 30 min brisk walk per day is a good way of keeping sugar levels down.

If you do have unhealthy factors, eg overweight, less than great diet, lack of exercise, take this as a warning and make changes now before you develop full-blown diabetes later on. GD kicked me into losing seven stone so it did have a positive effect!

Good luck.

@Singerleon thank you very much, I’m due to go back after Christmas for 3 weeks so may just stop at Christmas.

@rubbishrobotfromthedawnoftime I am over on my BMI so I’m sure this is going to have a positive impact on me giving me the kick I need. I just need to get my head around things I can and can not eat. Thank you very much