gestational diabetes

[brooklynx]

Hi mums,

Apologies if this topic's been covered a lot but I'm new and to be honest, too anxious to go through all the topics and replies and even then, reading everyone's experiences is great but it obviously is a different experience to mine so I guess I just wanted some advice from mums that have been through this... or know more :-)

I was diagnosed with GDM at 31 weeks as my sugar levels were 8.6 about 2hrs after the OGTT and I have been started on a diet. Seeing as how it's going it appears that the fasting levels hover around 5.3-5.4 which my midwife is saying is too high and she wants to start me on medication already. I am reluctant to start medication, but of course I am considering it if my levels don't improve, but am I being totally silly by

1. wondering if there's any way this can be improved by more adjustments to diet; or possibly exercise
2. thinking your body possibly needs more than a week to adjust to a completely new diet and lifestyle, which will in turn improve your sugar levels
3. how dangerous is it really to baby if my sugars are right on the limit (so before meals I should have

In my area the fasting levels have to be below 6 except the pre breakfast ine which has to be below 5.3.

For me, your levels are acceptable. But it strangely differs depending upon local trusts.

As you have been diagnosed with GDM your baby post delivery will have to have 3 pre feed blood sugar tests to check there has been no affect to the baby. The sooner you lower your levels the better chance of no effect for baby. Complications can arise for both you and baby health wise as GDM babies often are a higher weight and you risk being induced earlier due to this.

If I was in your area I'd be on medication but here my levels are acceptable, I am diet controlled and all my scans so far reflect that. My baby is estimated at 8lb full term.

It's odd how it can be so different depending upon the area you live in.

Once you figure out what you can eat and what spikes your levels it should make it easier for you. Unfortunately though sometimes, no matter how well you eat your hormones can keep raising your levels and medication will be the next step.

I've had it with all of my pregnancies so far, it really takes a shine off if I'm honest, but worth it to keep you and your baby healthy.

My fasting sugars in my trust had to be below 5 and my post meals under 7.

Take the meds. You are risking having a massive baby and 38 week induction if you don't. There are other risks associated with diabetic pregnancies to both you and the baby.

I have had 2 gdm pregnancies, one sugars were controlled with tablets and baby was born normal weight but in nicu due to severely low blood sugars.

Second pregnancy on insulin, insulin resistance, insulin allergies, 11lb 4 baby born at 38 weeks, carb free, dairy free, nothing worked for my sugars. Baby was in nicu for 5 days following the birth due to severely low blood sugars.

I've now got pre diabetes from the pregnancies.

Hi Op, the diagnosis is a lot to take in at first. I find it helpful to basically view it as my baby is allergic to sugar so I need to do what I can to ensure it doesn't get too much.

In relation to your fasting numbers, there are a few things you can try such as having a protein snack before you go to bed (i.e. Some nuts, baby bells etc) as some people find this helps. Also be sure to test as soon as you get up as your blood sugar will start to rise as you move around more.

Regarding targets, the guidance is as long as you are under the limit it's ok but I'd bare in mind the blood sugar monitor isn't 100% accurate so I allow a bit of a safety buffer. Also your body doesn't need a few days to adjust to the new diet, it is directly effected by what you've eaten recently and your hormone levels.

Have you been on the Gestational Diabetes UK website and Facebook page? There's so much helpful information on there. The advise a high protein, high fat diet with low carbs and very low sugar. They have some lovely recipe ideas.

Please don't be reluctant to take medication. It's going to protect your baby and due to hormone levels some women can't control it by diet and need a helping hand.

Thanks to all for the messages!

It is quite helpful reading all your advice and comments and I'm sorry some of you have had difficulties caused by this :-( I think once you get that initial shock you just have to start seeing it as it is - deal with it and help baby deal with it :-) I do also find it quite strange how different the targets can be depending on where you live - surely it should be a national standard? Hm

It wasn't so much reluctance to take the medication I guess but trying to figure out if there's a better alternative (or even insulin), apparently it doesn't go through the placenta so could be less risky to baby? I don't know. So much confusion and google really isn't your friend in times like these :-(

But thanks to all, you have been quite helpful. I will definitely go on the medication and hopefully the fasting ones improve.