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Original poster

Gestational diabetes and headache?

14 replies

dreamerkr · 12/08/2022 23:44

Hey guys, I just got diagnosed with gestational diabetes 4 days ago and I’ve cut out sugar from my diet. I’m trying my best to eat healthier to keep my blood glucose levels down, and it does seem to be working. However, I have a headache today and a bit of upper back pain too. This could be because of the hot weather these days but could it be because I’ve changed my diet too? Is headache a symptom of GD? It’s not a really bad headache but it’s just there. I’m scared about pre-eclampsia but as far as I know, my blood pressure has always been normal or on the lower side. My blood pressure was checked last week and it was all good.

OP posts:
thunderonlyhappenswhenits · 12/08/2022 23:52

I have GD too and sometimes have a dull headache. It is one of the signs of it. But also heat doesn't help with headaches etc try and make sure you're drinking enough water

livelaughlovewine · 12/08/2022 23:53

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Original poster
dreamerkr · 13/08/2022 00:02

It’s only a dull headache but it’s so annoying! I’m drinking plenty of water but I’m feeling weakness probably from changing my diet, even though I’m eating healthier. Must be because I’ve cut out sugar. Tbh though, it’s my upper back that’s hurting more than my head. 🥺

OP posts:
Cas112 · 13/08/2022 00:03

Yes I have GD and have a few dull headaches from time to time. Try not to worry as long as they are keeping an eye on your urine and blood pressure

thunderonlyhappenswhenits · 13/08/2022 06:35

dreamerkr · 13/08/2022 00:02

It’s only a dull headache but it’s so annoying! I’m drinking plenty of water but I’m feeling weakness probably from changing my diet, even though I’m eating healthier. Must be because I’ve cut out sugar. Tbh though, it’s my upper back that’s hurting more than my head. 🥺

Yup I get the weakness too. I think it's a mixture of sudden dietary changes, pregnancy tiredness and the heat ! Not nice is it

Idontgiveagriffindamn · 13/08/2022 06:39

I had GD with my first pregnancy and T2 diabetes with my second and had headaches. Cutting out sugar can lead to sugar withdrawal which can cause a headache that nothing shifts. Keep going and it will go away. However if you have any concerns speak to your diabetic nurse. Have you been assigned a consultant? You could speak to them.

mathanxiety · 13/08/2022 06:41

You need to do more than just cut out sugar for GD.

Look up online meal plans. Do you monitor your blood sugar levels?

However, I think you need to go and get checked for your headache. After 20 weeks, headache can be a sign of pre eclampsia.

Original poster
dreamerkr · 13/08/2022 11:00

Thankfully the headache has gone. It wasn’t that bad in the first place tbh, backache was worse! I haven’t been assigned to a consultant yet but they said they’re going to be sending a letter for an appointment which still hasn’t arrived. I just got diagnosed with GD on Monday.

I do have a blood pressure monitor at home since years, I sometimes use that and my blood pressure seems to be normal but I’ll definitely go in and get checked if the headache comes back.

@mathanxiety it’s not only sugar I’ve cut out, I’ve reduced my carbs a lot too and I’m just eating healthy carbs that are low GI like brown rice or pasta (small amount) with a lot of protein, healthy fats and veggies. I have started to monitor my sugar levels (I bought the monitor myself) and for the first few days readings were a bit too high, but now they do seem to be under control (fingers crossed!). I was struggling with my fasting glucose level but since the last 2 days that’s been good too.

OP posts:
Original poster
dreamerkr · 13/08/2022 11:02

My fasting level this morning was 4.7. Is that okay or is it too low?

OP posts:
Goingtogoinsane · 13/08/2022 11:04

4.7 is fine

thunderonlyhappenswhenits · 13/08/2022 11:09

Yes 4.7 is good. I had a sausage sandwhich this morning on seeded bread and I went upto to 7.3, still within target but the higher end. I just miss eating what I want

Original poster
dreamerkr · 13/08/2022 11:27

@thunderonlyhappenswhenits my glucose level goes high too whenever I eat bread! Even if it’s seeded bread. 2 days back I had 2 slices of seeded bread with butter and egg, and it was like 7.5 after an hour! Weirdly, I had a bit of white rice last night for dinner and my level an hour after dinner was like 5.4 which was good. Probably because the majority of my plate was veg and chicken. I too miss eating what I like!

OP posts:
trrk · 13/08/2022 12:07

I felt pretty rubbish the first week including headaches and feeling tired, both as a result of sugar withdrawal I think. It got much better after that and my energy returned (as much as can be expected in the 3rd trimester anyway). As always with pregnancy it’s best to get checked over by medical professionals if you have any concerns about your health or your baby’s.

Fasting levels of 4.0-5.2 are good.

Cas112 · 13/08/2022 22:17

dreamerkr · 13/08/2022 11:27

@thunderonlyhappenswhenits my glucose level goes high too whenever I eat bread! Even if it’s seeded bread. 2 days back I had 2 slices of seeded bread with butter and egg, and it was like 7.5 after an hour! Weirdly, I had a bit of white rice last night for dinner and my level an hour after dinner was like 5.4 which was good. Probably because the majority of my plate was veg and chicken. I too miss eating what I like!

You need under 5.3 fasting readings and under 7.8 after meal readings

I have had to cut bread out completely as they sent my sugars crazy. Other carbs ok in a small portion and eaten with veg and protein

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