gestational diabetes: anyone got any experience?

[neuroticlady]

It looks like I've developed/am developing gestational diabetes. I'm 28 weeks and I had a glucose test this week and results show elevated diabetes levels so I have to go back and have the two hour fasting test. Up till now I haven't really taken much notice of what this is or what it means for the pregnancy, the baby or me. I'm pretty upset, even though I'm trying to tell myself it's probably controllable, as I thought my diet was really quite healthy and I walk daily with our dogs etc so apart from being over 30 I don't really fit the bill for those who are at a higher risk of developing it. If anyone has been through this I'd find it really helpful to hear of your experiences. Is it inevitable you'll give birth to an overweight/big baby or give birth early, and do you have to have repeat tests for type 2 diabetes for ever? Just what I've gleaned from the internet so if it's all wrong please tell me! Any tips for managing it? Guess what I'd really like is some reassurance that it isn't such a big deal as it feels right now and that hopefully bub will be fine (and me!). Thanks.

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Hi there - this thread is a little old. [[https://www.mumsnet.com/pregnancy/gestational-diabetes
If you want to read more about gestational diabetes, we’ve got some information here]]. MNHQ

Hi NL
I think that you need to understand that this is just how your body is coping during prg, you haven't caused or triggered it, its simply the fact that your body is not producing the right amount of insulin [hormone] to break down the sugar in your body. Having said that, once it is diagnosed you have to try and control it with diet otherwise you will end up injecting which is what happened to me. So yes a few blow out meals will affect you if your body isn't coping or producing enough insulin anyway. I was told to try and control with diet and on xmas day I had the usual turkey and ham etc, no pudding and ONE glass of shloer - it would seem that was enough, my reading went sky high and if you get more than 3 readings of 7.0 or over you have to go on insulin. So if you are waiting on the results and they are high they will start by trying to control it with diet so be warned! Also you are in control of this prg not the docs or mf's. If you don't want to be induced early then they can't force you unless there is strong evidence that there is a severe detriment to the baby. They will guide you and help you make decisions but they are not there to make decisions for you. Ultimately if you want to go into labour natuarally you can ask them what the possibile adverse outcomes would be if you did. Also take someone with you when you go for your obs and diabetic nurse visits, and try not to feel intimidated or firghtened. This is your body, your baby and your choice! x

thanks Daisy and WTB, it makes me feel a bit better about it all that I probably did nothing to invite GD - but WTB it's very interesting that you found your reading was sky high on Christmas day depite no pud etc, and just one glass of shloer . Can't get over that and keep telling DH about it! So when you say a blow out meal it obviously doesn't have to just involve lots of sugary things, it just has to be a big meal...?

Since finding out my levels are elevated I've totally cut out anything sugary, am making sure I walk/exercise for a min of 30 mins daily (though was doing that before), but due to almost daily eating out with in-laws who are staying with us I'm probably still having larger meals than I would normally. And it sounds like I need to watch portion sizes (not just because of big backside...) Oh bloody hell it's not easy is it? I'll just be glad when I go back to the obstetrician on Wednesday and find out exactly what's going on and what I need to be doing about it... thanks so much again for your advice and guidance in the meantime. x

Schloer is full of sugar - it is like drinking a can of normal coke. Other things to watch out for are fruit juices - they can push your blood sugars sky high very quickly - I use apple juice to bring my blood sugar levels up when they are too low.

Also watch out for things like mashed potatoes and baken potatoes which are high glycaemic index foods - basically they go into your blood stream quickly and then come out quickly. A good book to read on this is the Glucose Revloution.

I know this all sounds really complicated but as long as you eat sensibly and moderately, you can control your blood sugar levels easily. I promise - been doing it for 21 years now!

Hey friends,
Today I got to know that I have a gestational diabetes 10.5 which is pretty high... And it was 8hours fasting result.
Right now I am 28 week pregnant and my midwife told me my baby looks larger than usual...
Now I am so much in depression that I might have a large baby....? Or If I can control my diabetes so my baby will be an average weight?..
Next week I have an appointment with diabetes team. But i am in depression now and I am so scared that is my baby normal?
I don't want c section.... I want a natural vaginal birth...
Please share your opinion..
Thanks in advance

Posting on a super old thread but PM me if you like. Just had a little boy 4 days old and was told would be a big baby. Hes tiny! 6.1lbs and we had to go and buy tiny baby clothes!