How were you diagnosed with Gestational diabetes?

[WorriedMamma101]

Hi all,

I recently met my new midwife for the first time at 29 weeks pregnant (having moved my care from another hospital)
She took usual 28 week bloods and advised a few days later my glucose was slightly raised in urine and blood sample but 'other diabetes test' was ok and I would probably not need to repeat.

I heard nothing further until last week when I received diabetes clinic and scan apps and a letter advising I have GD :(

I am concerned this is based on just one blood reading (particularly as I had treated myself to a McDonalds just before app)

Just wondering if anyone else was diagnosed off just one blood test? or if it is likely I'll have my test repeated at my first clinic app?

That’s a bit weird.

I had a GTT (glucose tolerance test) at 28 weeks as I had a risk factor with my DM being type II diabetic. That’s the one where you fast, have a blood test, drink a disgusting sugary drink, sit around for 2 hours then have another blood test.

Can you request a GTT just to be sure? I wouldn’t feel happy about a GD diagnosis under those conditions, what if you’d just scarfed a bag of haribo?

A lot of trusts are using a one off test looking at hba1c which covers the body response over a period of time . So if this was used the McDonald’s wouldn’t be the trigger. I would contact the midwife team/diabetes team to go through result and any plan to treat/repeat/monitor etc

Was it the hb1ac test you had instead of the GTT? That test gives an indication of your glucose levels over the past 3 months so much less likely to be affected by what you'd eaten prior. I used to have the GTT yearly after gestational diabetes but now get the hb1ac instead

My thoughts exactly ...

Letter for first app is vague and doesn't mention anything about retesting or fasting to do so.
I did the GTT test with my first pregnancy and all was fine.

Clinic app later today so will see what they say but they have already booked me in for clinic apps and growth scans every two weeks for remainder of pregnancy!

Turned out I didn't have GD, but I had a GTT because baby was large-for-dates (8lb10oz at birth). It was like drinking icing sugar .

It seems odd that you're diagnosed after inconsistent testing and without any follow-up. Is there anyone you can ring/email before the appointment? Does the letter say anything about fasting before the clinic?

ah, cross-post. Definitely see if you can get it explained today.

I had a glucose tolerance test to rule out GD as I had a large baby.

Me too GTT due to large-measuring baby (negative).

GTT test
To be honest though following the diet if they are wrong won’t cause any harm, so better to be diagnosed with it in error than have it missed.
I did not have a large baby and never measured or scanned big, but I definitely had it.

Thanks guys,

Yes I agree the diet can only be helpful in keeping both me and baby healthy and have stuck too a low carb low sugar diet since I received the letter.

I was hoping for a home birth but it looks like that may be out of the window now unfortunately :(

@WorriedMamma101 can you call the doctor and ask what test you had and what the level was?

Have a look at the Gestational Diabetes website and Facebook page. There are plenty of women on there who have had hole births so please don’t worry. Ultimately it will be a decision between you and your consultant as to what is safe for you and your baby.