Gestational Diabetes, levels within normal range

[Chocolate4me]

Hi everyone, I'm on my 5th pregnancy and the 28 week test came back as me having gestational diabetes, I've been testing at home and been quite strict with a GD diet, my levels are always around 3.8 to 4.2 fasting and pre meals and usually around 5.8 to 6.4 after meals. I decided to eat what I normally would, a big jacket potato and veg and my levels were 6 something after. And today we had burger and chips and my 1 hr level was 5.6
Im going to try and eat healthily anyway, wholegrain bread, not too many carbs, protein, natural yoghurt and berries as a snack etc. But if your levels are OK when you eat something like a take away, is that OK? Or do you think my body has released extra insulin to compensate, hence why my levels actually went a bit lower to the 5s as opposed to 6s?
I have a history of pcos and my Dad has type 2 diabetes so I know I need to generally be careful, but I'm wondering if having the occasional chocolate or takeaway is OK like it would be for non GD ladies, or if my body or baby is still at an increased risk by me having these even if my levels are OK?

Thanks

It seems everytime I try to post a new thread it directs it to 'work' as opposed to the place I choose... Pregnancy.... Any idea why or how to move it anyone? Thanks

Report your post and ask to have it moved to pregnancy. As for your question I'm afraid I'm not sure but I hope someone who knows more will be along soon.

Thank you

We're moving this thread over to our Pregnancy topic for the OP.

Great, thank you

I was told By my consultant that the occasional ‘treat’ was ok as long as your levels were good the rest of the time. I classed a treat as a magnum or a kit Kat though, not a takeaway or ‘normal’ pre GD meal.

That's good to know, I seem to feel better when I've eaten something more carby or a biscuit, maybe I'm just used to slightly higher sugar levels and need to adjust. Had almost 2 weeks of cutting out sugar and having smaller amounts of carbs and just felt like I needed a cheat day

I have GD and often have a takeaway but usually have kebab minus the bread, so meat with salad, garlic mayo and i can tolerate a few chips as long as they have a tonne of cheese on them.
I'll have a walk after a takeaway to help burn sugars.

Ive never had a high after eating and have had a couple of borderline fasting highs.

I have GD in this pregnancy but my levels are never really over, I've reverted back to my old eating habits and I'm still normally within the limits (occasionally my fasting limits are iver, but usually way below 6, maybe 5.8 max). I still eat takeaway and on those days my readings are slightly higher but still below the limits. I think i am borderline and got diagnosed as when tested my fasting level was 5.6 the morning after my DHs birthday where we had a Chinese and birthday cake! Personally I'm eating what I usually eat in moderation.

That's a good idea to go for a walk after something a bit heavier to help burn it off. I guess eating more sensibly will help prevent long term type 2 diabetes but I definitely couldn't go all keto with no cheat occasions! Had home made chicken soup for tea today so that's helped to ease a bit of guilt.

Ah i am very jealous of all you guys. I'm eating so well, like a model patient but my levels are so high and I'm on tablets, if they continue to be ineffective for fasting I will be on insulin. I'm normal weight and honestly my diet is exemplary. It's such bad luck. Good for you all tho, I'm just venting haha

Sorry to hear that Wecandothis, hope it goes away after delivery. I've heard it's down to the placenta but I don't know much about it.
Will you have an earlier delivery? My midwife mentioned my hospital like to induce at 38 weeks, but I also have a low placenta which I have a scan for at 32 weeks to see if its moved. After 4 normal births around the due dates, it's quite different to be doing it a different way

With GD it is possible that your blood sugar spikes quickly but has crashed down in time for your reading. Some people 'spike test' every 15 minutes after eating something with more carbs or sugar to see if they can actually tolerate it like they think.

It is frustrating though. I failed my test GD test by 0.1 and was diet controlled the whole time. Only high readings I had were after a pizza and then some calamari.

Have you been on the gestational diabetes UK website and Facebook group? They are both really helpful and have lots of lovely recipes.

@ALC1985 are your GD midwives ok with your fasting levels being over? In my hospital you're only allowed 3 readings over before they put you on metformin. Apparently fasting levels are the hardest one to control yourself.

It's worth bearing in mind that GD gets worse as pregnancy goes on. I was like you at first and didn't actually believe the doctors that I had it but by the end I was on metformin even once I cut carbs and sugar out of my diet completely! Don't get complacent now.

That makes sense Teakind, I did wonder if my body just gets them down in time for my 1 hr past meal test. Luckily my fasting levels have always been really good, it just depends on what I eat... But I am one for not eating often and then having big portions when I do eat so I am getting used to eating more often but much smaller amounts. Will check out the Facebook groups thanks

Yes I've heard about it getting worse the further along you get, I've only had 1 or 2 cheat foods but will get back on it.

@Teakind yeahbim in every week and show them my weekly readings, initially I was concerned and annoyed when they were over but they said as long as they're under 6 they are fine and not to worry, its maybe once or twice a week im maybe 5.6, think my highest reading ever was 5.8. All growth scans and other checks are fine. I got tested as my last baby was on the 97th percentile, she was tested when born and her levels were fine, this baby is smaller and theyve said unofficially they think this babies sugars will be fine too on birth but will obviously still be checked and monitored.

@ALC1985 it amazes me how different hospitals have different levels. My fasting levels couldn’t be over 5.3 (which is what the NICE guidelines say).

I’m glad everything is measuring well for your little one and the midwives are happy. I’d be tempted to ask them why their levels are higher than the guidelines though out of interest.

I think I was told for fasting it had to be between 4 and 5.3 and then under 7.8 1 hour after a meal, is strange how different places have different level requirements!

@Teakind @Chocolate4me hmm, very interesting (and maybe a tad worrying.....) I'm having an ELCS on Thursday so won't have anymore contact with the diabetes team or i would question it!
My before meal and after meals were never over and were always way under the required levels, i wonder of that has an effect? Anyway, I'm so glad I only have 2 and a bit more days of jagging myself!

Sounds like you have had pretty good levels anyway and your scans etc. All look well so it's well managed. Guess different areas do things a bit differently, with ds1 I didn't even have any extra scans, no talk of induction even if over 40 weeks, so basically no change if my levels were OK.

Good luck for your delivery, so close, so exciting!