Anyone want to join in a support thread for those with gestational diabetes?

[CantSleepWontSleep]

Since it seems to be reasonably common, I thought maybe we could have an ongoing thread where we could discuss issues relating to it, and maybe share ideas of meals that work for us to keep blood sugars down.

I was just over the threshold on my GTT nearly 3 weeks ago, and have been monitoring my bloods 4 times a day since last Thursday. Had my first visit to joint diabetic/obstetric clinic this morning, which I found thoroughly impersonal and demoralising, so am feeling a bit low about it at the moment.

I am nearly 20 weeks, so still have a long way to go. Am hoping to control it just through diet, but consultant gave me a prescription for insulin 'just in case I need it'!

Am having the most problem with my after breakfast reading. Have been told to keep it below 7 one hour after eating, but even with the cereals they have recommended, I am getting around 8-9. Dietician has recommended trying baked beans on toast for breakfast instead. Is anyone else struggling with this one, as they said it is a common one to find raised due to steroids produced by the body in the mornings?

Am in denial . Still too busy with building works (see pics on profile) to have a baby!

no wonder!!

good news girls, all clear from diabetic clinic AND have lost 15kilos!!! or 33 pounds

that includes DD3 though not SINCE having her and I still have a very very VERY long way to go

am still thrilled though - have to have an annual check and am still more prone to type 2 diabetes later in life or GD during next pregnancy but good news none the less

well done dixie, if it's any help I had GD with both boys and this time I haven't really developed it properly - despite dire warnings it was inevitable. Has been very odd eating normally tho
Well done on weight loss!

Great stuff dd. Hoping to lose a similar amount myself, but might be inclined to gorge on crap initially.

Can I ask if anyone has experienced visual disturbances due to low blood sugar? Both yesterday and today my eyesight has gone peculiar and I've had to have something to eat to sort it out. Tested bs and they were 4.8 yest and 5.0 today, so not very low, but on the low end of normal for me. Am term+1 today so only need to get through a few more days, but don't want to leave it if it could be something more serious.

CSWS - I'd get it checked out - says on the front page of my printed notes that "visual disturbance" is one of the things you should refer immediately. Pre-eclampsia is a poss I think - without wanting to worry you.
Good luck

s'ok pepper - I started a sep thread on it this morning, and have spoken to mw now. Doesn't seem to have worried her at all. For future ref on here though, it would be high blood sugars that could cause this rather than low.

Phew - I'll stand down then, glad you're OK - happy birth vibes for the weekend so you don't have to be induced Monday though!

any news CSWS??

hope you're doing ok

Nothing much to report dizzy. No sign of labour whatsoever, and cervix not open when they attempted sweep yesterday, so looks like it's induction for me.

well fingers crossed something has happened since last night and its all going smoothly

Induction today!

oh good luck, will be thinking of you

CSWS Good luck on your induction and congrats if you have already gave birth.

Went back to slimmimg club and have lost 23lbs thanks to giving birth. Am I right in assuming that this will be good for my diabetes.

yes Deb75 they'll be delighted, it may not change the overall outcome BUT its very definately a step in the right direction - well done you

CSWS - hope you and the wee man are tucked up safely having a snuggle

Thanks dizzywitches have been absolutely ravenous for a couple of days so trying to eat foosds that
a) are good for diabetes
b) good for energy to make milk
c) won't make me fat
Yes it is as hard as it sounds.

Has anyone heard from CSWS yet

Have to lol at 'has anyone heard from csws yet?' I've had a thread keeping everyone in suspense all week!

Will be back to posting properly in a couple of days.

have posted on your birth announcement, well done

Hi all, I wonder if anyone can help me...

I was diagnosed with GD at 30 weeks after a result of 8.8 on GTT. Was really shocked and at first stuck to really strict diet and my blood sugars were fine, never above 7.8, usually not above 7.0. Gradually I began eating my normal diet again and still my sugar levels were fine, even after eating chocolate, white bread, loads of pasta etc. Not that I eat this stuff all the time, but it didn't seem to matter if I did or didn't. The only thing that makes it go a bit high is if I drink a big glass of fruit juice or smoothie at the same time or just before breakfast.

I told the diabetes midwife this and she basically ignored it. Also, when I had the GTT they only left me for 1 hour 40 mins after drinking the glucose before re-testing my blood, not the whole 2 hours, do you think this could have made a difference?

Anyway, I'm 39+5 and they want to induce me on Monday, 40+1, because of 'the risk of stillbirth' but I really don't want to be induced as I really wanted a natural birth and feel as if there is no need. I know it's up to me in the end but they're really pressuring me.

I'd be gratefull of any advice...

I posted a few weeks ago and appreciate all the feedback on GD. I had my baby boy two weeks ago. He was healthy, delivered a little early at 8lb 6 oz. All good on that front

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about GD post-pregnancy? If it is going to 'go away' does it do so immediately? Do you still need to do your bloods? Do you still need to diet [if diet controlled, as mine was]?

I was a borderline case, diet-controlled and wasn't really given any advice upon delivery of my son. I haven't really stuck to my pregnancy diabetes diet. I've not been awful, but I've not been careful and I've not been testing. This morning I decided to test myself and was 5.7 upon waking and 7.0 2 hours after breakfast. All these were within my acceptable range, but seem a bit high for someone who should be diabetes free. I've read somewhere that non-diabetics fall around 5.0 most of the time....

Any thoughts. Am feeling a bit distressed at the thought that this might not go away as I'd assumed.

I was like you diagnosed late so diet controlled. Since birth i have checked them sporadically and am trying to pinpoint certain things which shoot the blood sugar up.

On the good note had my gtt last week and i am back in the normal ranges. I don't have to test bloods but will as above. Have to do gtt with gp once a year and as overweight losing weight would be advantageous but i have a 6 week old baby so not going too mad.
The docs were great and if i wanted they would refer me to a dietician to woprk out the best way to keep me diabetes free but i go to a fab diet group so said no.

One last thing as you have had gd it means you are something like 25% more likely to develop diabetes in the future. Use this 'scare' to make any changes you can.

thanks, debs75. my gtt should be in about 4 weeks so will see how it goes......

Hello,
I'm new to this thread and just wondered if anyone can give me some food advice.
I have tested positive for GD and will be seeing the specialist on Mon.
I was wondering if there was any foods i should be avoiding-I'M guessing no sugary snacks or much carbs am i right in thinking the the wholewheat alternatives are ok in smaller amounts(how much is a portion).
Also i'm having an indian takeaway tonight and have no idea what i can have.I take it nan bread and pilau rice are out-sob,sob.

Hi again nf. Just a quick response re indian - go for basmati rice and something without a lot of sweet sauce - tandoori chicken maybe. Or something with lentils or chick peas or other pulses, as they are low GI.

Hello-CSWS.
Thanks for the advice and the link to this thread.
I had chicken tikka, salad, veg bhaji-dry mix and a roti.
LOVELY.