Self-diagnosed Gestational Diabetes - about to move to Spain @ 31 weeks

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At my 28 week scan 3 weeks ago my glucose test was high (10 after taking the sugary drink). They advised that it needs to be investigated further with the fasting test but have not got back to me since.

I have been feeling quite thirsty/tired so bought some home prick glucose test. 2 hours after a home-made curry last night my levels were 15. This morning, 14 hours after eating, my levels were 7.

I am due to emigrate to Spain in 6 days' time with my partner. We are having our baby there and will live there. I already have a fit to fly letter (obtained before this escalated). We are seeing our private maternity doctor there almost as soon as we arrive.

My question is - am I safe to fly? Do I need to try and get myself on some medication now? From this morning I am starting strict low carb diet. I am normally very healthy, of a normal weight and eat well. Thankyou so much in advance for any advice.

I think, although I’m not a medic, you’re fine to fly. As I recall from when I had GD, the overall concern is around the size of the baby and how that impacts on the birth. I had to eat low carb, monitor my blood sugars, have regular growth scans and attend a clinic every fortnight to be monitored, but over and above that there was no restriction on my going about my normal everyday life IYSWIM?

Hi I'm a midwife - always feel anxious about providing advice online but felt I should at least add something as you must be concerned.
Firstly - don't panic - raised glucose levels are not ideal but don't cause immediate harm - you will be safe to fly.
From those levels you mentioned they are definitely too high and you probably have gestational diabetes. I'm so sorry that your healthcare guys haven't sorted out a diagnostic test for you soon - I would immediately contact them - just to let them know.
It's great that you have your own meter - test systomatically - we normally advice first thing in the morning and one hour after breakfast, lunch, dinner. Keep your results so you can share it with your care-giver in Spain. I would make it a priority to arrange that as soon as you arrive.
Do aim for a lower carb diet (don't cut them out completely - I think our dietitian suggest max of 50g per meal - basically carbs shouldn't take up more than a fist sized portion) - and have complex carbs - more wholemeal than white stuff. Cut out sugars - including honey or other sugars that seem healthier - body sees it all as glucose. Don't cut out fruit completely but be a bit careful. Don't drink fruit juice/smothies..
It's likely if those values are accurate (sometimes meters can be wrong?) that you will need meds but don't self medicate - that could go horribly wrong. And a diabetic nurse would need to see your readings over at least several days to know what meds to suggest.
The main worry is baby getting bigger - just be super vigiliant - if you think baby is moving a little less get onto your hospital straight away.
And enjoy Spain!!
Hope that helps

Follow up - as always rethink things - DEFINITELY contact your hospital triage/midwifery unit today before you go. They really should check you out before you go. As I said before - you should be fine to fly but I think you need a check over

To add to the above dietary advice you need to make sure you govt get into a 'losing weight diet' mindset. GD diet isn't about loosing weight it's about managing sugar levels.

You do need carbs from green veg and small amounts of whole grain products.

You also need protein and fat, these are important as they don't raise your sugar levels and they help your body to break down glucose.

Don't go for 'low fat' alternatives as they are often high sugar.

You want cheese, full fat Greek yogurt, eggs, meat, pulses, nuts.

Fat and protein will also fill you up which can be a problem when you reduce stodgier carbs like bread and pasta.

If you're stuck for ideas look at the GD UK Facebook group, diabetes.co.uk or search for low GI recipes.

Breakfast - egg and bacon, omelette, Greek yoghurt with berries

Lunch - warm salad of steamed asparagus, green beans, baby corn with chicken slices or ryvita with cottage cheese, or avocado or boiled egg

Dinner - bolognaise but substitute green beans or courgette for some or all of the pasta, meat and 2 veg if you or want potato sub in sweet potato.

Test

Thankyou so much for the really helpful advice. It is massively appreciated

I ended up speaking to my midwife and they called me in for further tests and a once over. Turns out the nhs kit was giving me consistently lower scores than my home kit. One explanation is that I wasn't washing my hands before testing - so fingers getting contaminated - or my Amazon home kit is less accurate

Under the nhs kit and with a lower carb diet over the last couple of days I have been getting numbers only slightly above target. A big relief. I'm speaking to the midwife again on Monday and we are planning to fly as intended

Can't rate the midwife care I have received on the nhs over the last couple of days highly enough! They have been so kind and thorough. I'm sad not to be following through with them to birth.

Thankyou again for the replies and happy new year :)

Really glad that got sorted out - that all sounds much more manageable