I think I’ve got gestational diabetes and I’m abroad

[taylor2233]

I’m high risk for gestational diabetes because of medication I’m on for my mental health. I’m only 13 weeks pregnant.

I’ve had cloudy pee for a week or so, initially thought maybe a UTI but no other symptoms so just thought it was perhaps normal in pregnancy as this is my first.

I woke up at 1am last night gasping for water, busting for a wee and downed 2 bottles of water. I woke up at 6am (fasted for 8+ hours) and took my blood sugar and it was 5.6 which I know is right on the borderline for GD.

My issue is that I had to leave sharp to get to the airport, I’m now in Gran Canaria for 10 nights. I feel fine, apart from really thirsty. I wonder if there’s anything I can do while I’m away, any foods/drinks to avoid etc? Am I best seeing how I go and using my travel insurance to see a doc abroad if needed?

I wouldn't worry too much about it at this stage of pregnancy. Try to choose more fat and protein based foods if you can, and pair any sugary or carb heavy foods with something that will help slow your body's metabolism of glucose, for example, peanut butter with toast, or Greek yoghurt with fruit. Going for a walk after a meal also helps.

At the early stages you won't be medicated for gestational diabetes anyway, they try to control it through diet.

So your best bet would be to eat as if you have it until you get home and get it checked properly.

So reduce carbs (especially white carbs), more veg, more protein. No biscuits/cake etc.

Although the NHS advise low fat (presumably from a general health perspective), I found that higher fat slowed the blood sugar spike. For example a small portion of pasta with bolognese would put my blood sugar too high, the same meal with a handful of grated cheese on top would be fine.

Look up Glucose Goddess on instagram for general advice on keeping blood sugar level.

Avoid sugar and white carbs. Stick to slow release carbs (eg brown rice rather than white, new potatoes rather than mash) and keep any carb portions small.

But also some less obvious tips - having veg at the start of the meal helps reduce blood spikes for some reason. A walk or other movement after a meal. And always have some fat or protein with carbs: “put clothes on your carbs”. Toast with peanut butter is better than toast alone - not from a calorie perspective but from a blood sugar perspective.

Important: Bear in mind that occasionally actual diabetes (T1 or T2 not GD) can show up for the first time in pregnancy. So do get checked for actual diabetes especially if this thirst continues. I had GD and never felt unusually thirsty.

could easily still be a UTI (infection on it's own can interfere with glucose levels). Probably best to get some real life advice.

@taylor2233

How are you feeling now, OP?

This list should show you where you can get medical advice where you are, should you need to.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spain-list-of-medical-facilitiespractitioners/spain-medical-facilities-and-practitioners

Avoid orange juice, that was the only thing that made my blood sugar peak badly when I was controlling my gdm through diet

Thank you all for your kind replies, they’re really helpful! I’m feeling okay apart from tiredness but there’s a pharmacy next to the hotel which is good. Thanks again!!

Low carbs and no fruit apart from low GI like berries. Lots of green veggies. Have you told your travel insurance you’re pregnant?