Gestational Diabetes

[lemontop]

Hi

Just had results of my GTT come back high and have an appointment to see two doctors next week. I think one might be a consultant and the other a dietician. Has anyone had any experience of GD in pregnancy? If so what's likely to happen at my appointment?

I'm a bit concerned that I'll be 31 weeks when I have my appointment which seems a bit late.

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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

brightonbleach I'm feeling loads better. At 28 weeks I was wondering how I was going to manage at work etc but am feeling so much fitter now (32wks 2moro). It just goes to show what sorting your diet out can do!

mrs kitty how do you feel about a c section? at least you'll have a definite date etc. You never know the baby may still turn. Get Davina on, she might have an effect!
It's pretty cool that you can express now. Did you organise the BF counsellor through the hospital?

lemontop I'm absolutely terrified at the idea of a C-section TBH, and the recovery time afterwards and how I'll manage with DS (2.5yrs) but at the same time, realistically I know it's fairly likely that I'd end up with an emergency C-Section anyway if I were induced, but then I'd have had major surgery AND be exhausted by several hours of labouring previous to it...So perhaps an elective CS is the lesser of two evils...

My consultant sent me up to see the BF counsellor which I thought was fabulous of him -perhaps you could enquire at your hospital to see if it would be possible to go for a chat? It turned out I actually know the counsellor as she had a son at a similar time to me having DS and we went to the same BF support group! I knew she was a midwife at my hospital but didn't know she'd taken over from the old counsellor.

If pre-expressing is something you'd like to do there'd be no harm in asking the hospital if it's something they would support. My hospital advises GD women to express from 36 weeks, hand expressing in to syringes (due to the very small amounts) then putting a stopper on to the syringe,labelling, and storing in the freezer. Then you take it in with you (in a freezer bag) when you go in to hospital and they then store it in their freezer until it's needed. (Important that they store it in the freezer as once defrosted it has to be used within 12 hrs)

I've been wondering how diabetic patients make it through labour? my consultant hasn't talked to me about the actual delivery yet... I've been told by people without diabetes that they don't like you eating during labour in case you need an emergency C-section, but diabetics are meant to eat every 3-4 hours, and keep an eye on your levels?! and also, my DH wants to know at our next appoointment, if being hot or walking down the road now sends my levels shooting towards hypo what will the efforts of labour do? and how do they help that? all i know is that they've said about being on an insulin drip throughout - but that keeps your levels low, and I have several hypos every week no matter what I do, so surely that will only make it worse...?

my next scan to see growth and position and then app with obs is monday, so I will have to be armed with a list of questions (otherwise I'll forget to ask!)

I might be wrong, and it might vary from hospital to hospital, but I believe that as well as being on an insulin drip you're also on a dextrose drip to keep levels stable - I'm sure I've read that somewhere.

My consultant has yet to discuss delivery with me either - and I'll be 38 weeks next time I see him He'd better hope I don't go early!

As for not eating/drinking - I'm sure I was snacking (at least for part of my labour) last time around, and the whole thing took place in hospital as I was induced. Again, that may vary depending on hospital policy.

Went to diabetes clinic today and was annoyed that the doc had written a prescription for Metformin before even seeing or speaking to me. It'd been my first week of diet control and my blood sugar had only gone over a few times and I've worked out what had caused it each time (bran flakes and too much pasta). I'd written notes next to the readings to explain this. She said I could try till Sunday and if readings weren't good I'd need to take it.

The hospital wouldn't give me any more test strips so tried to ring the GP for more. The receptionist told me they'd given me enough already but I only got 50 and am supposed to test 6 times a day so it barely lasts a week. Have to see GP tomorrow, diabetes clinic and scan on different days at the hospital next week...I'm averaging 2/3 appointments a week. There must be an easier way of doing this. It'll keep me busy I suppose!

Lemontop it's annoying isn't it - I've been keeping a food diary and can (almost) always explain a spike in my levels (and therefore don't repeat it) but no-one's been remotely interested.

Tell your GPs receptionist to sod off - what does she know about how many is enough?! (sorry, GP surgerys and stupid policies annoying me recently )

Hi, Just having a wee panic tonight. Weeks ago the Doc said my glucose levels were high and to hand in a sample in about 3-4 weeks again. To watch out for weight loss etc. I thought nothing of it as I had had a big cake just before!!
My BMI at 12 weeks was just over 25 so not too bad (I put a lot on straight away as im staaaarving at beginning, both PG's).
Today I had two really bad dizzy spells where I nearly fainted (not iron as I take multi vits). Then I weighed myself and Ive lost 2lb in 2 weeks, not right at 23 weeks PG and baring in mind im loving my food!
Does this sound like cause for alarm? I have an appointment tomorrow as it happens but im just getting stressed here as I had a high risk PG last time for different reasons.

lemon / MrsKitty oooo this really annoys me too about the test strips etc - i had the pharmacist questioning this again last week, but how would she know how many strips is enough for me?!?! surely it varies from patient to patient. what does she think I want them for, to sell on street corners?? I have to test, and fill result in a little book, before and after every meal and on waking, and going to bed, and in the middle of the night if I wake up; so the little box of 50 doesn't get you very far - especially when, if I feel really shaky inbetween normal testing times (like walking out somewhere) then I have to test, if its hypo then I have to eat something and test again in 10 minutes to make sure ok, this can take quite a few strips generally as well.

yeah, this regime certainly keeps you busy! also, I always shove my food diary right at them along with the blood diary as its totally relevent and I'm very vocal about "well that was when I tried xx food and I won't be eating it again" as twice they've raised my insulin on the basis of blood results from one item only for the amount of insulin to send me into dreadful almost-unconcious hypos and having to be lowered again in their clinic a few days later!!

MrsKitty re labour and diabetes - let me know what your consultant tells you, I'd be interested (and fingers crossed they tell you soon, you must be on edge wondering exactly what they're going to do with you at this stage, as they don't 'let us' go over apparently, or even get to the due date according to my hospital...)

bevlin hi! had you eaten when you felt dizzy? or had it been a while/or had you been overdoing it at all? sometimes it can indicate low blood sugars which would suggest that you should be tested for gestational diabetes (which can be managed ) to be on the safe side - or sometimes it can just mean that you haven't eaten enough or having been extra active, especially when pregnant... try not to worry but make sure you tell them everything at your appointment. best of luck! let us know...

On subject of test strips, in my last pregnancy I was on insulin from 5 wks and had to have 6 boxes of 51 strips per month due to testing before and after meals and again if correction doses were needed. My GP was fine about it and just put 6 on my repeat. This time, I saw my new GP as we've moved and she said "I'll give you 2 boxes on repeat and see how you go with that". I told her I need to test 7 times a day minimum, which is 49 a week, therefore 1 box doesn't last a week even if I'm not having to do any extra testing. She repeated - "well see how you get on with 2 and we can always increase it later". Arrrggghh. When I see the endocrine clinic next time I'm going to ask them to write to my GP stating how many times I need to test per day.

During labout with DD (induced at 38 wks) I was on a "sliding scale". It's a machine that has both insulin and glucose in it and they just adjust the amount you're getting of each according to regular finger prick tests. I wasn't allowed to eat, and was told if my sugar got low they would just adjust the sliding scale.

brightonbleach I had had porridge with a teaspoon of honey in the morning, I then ran around cleaning all morning for friends coming for lunch so maybe. The porridge usually keeps me going until lunchtime and I was in middle of making our lunch when it happened but then it happened later, after they had left and I had eaten loads for lunch. It was the weight loss on top that started me worrying. Im just so scared tomorrow brings bad news as it's been a real treat being 23 weeks PG with no problems so far. By this time with my DS I had had two big bleeds, been diagnosed with placenta previa, insufficient blood flow to the womb and asked to come in for emergency scan as they suspected Spina Bifida due to raised AFP. There were quite a few further probs but all was well in the end but you see why im scared of any bad news tomorrow, Id love to stay in blistful ignorance!

Slightly random question - does anyone know if raspberry leaf tea is OK to use in third trimester if you're watching blood sugar?

Had appointment today and they said glucose test came back negative. Should I be getting it checked again or is that it.....am I safe to eat my friends freshly baked chocolate brownies she left yesterday!!

Think you're ok Bevlin. Please don't mention brownies!

Oh sorry lemontop - what a stupid thing to say on a GD thread . They were dried out and disappointing if that helps.

I have just got back from 20 week scan and have been told babies head and torso are larger than they should be and i need to be tested for GD. My DD was 9lb2oz so i knew baby would be big.

Worried about it being torso and head that is big but she just said baby was big until i asked proportionaly big? and she replied no torso and head.

Anyone else been told this? must admitt i love sweet things and always have protein in my water but this is normal for my body!

HELP feeling sick with worry that something is wrong

Please everyone ignore the last message the wonderful midwife has left a message on my answer machine informing me baby isnt big!!! they made a mistake with the scanning machine and my results all F**d up and baby is fine. BLOODY HELL!!!!

Hi Ladies,

I really hope you don't mind me popping on here for a little advice? Have been searching for a forum to talk to ladies who actually have GD rather than medical professionals.

This may be a little long, sorry...
I have recently been diagnosed with GD (I am 30 weeks today) and saw the diabetes dietician on Wednesday (there was no clinic but she called me in to see her as my results were not good and she didn't want me to wait). She was lovely and very helpful and am due at diabetes clinic this Wed for a follow up, consultant and maybe scan. However my readings are just not going well, today is my 3rd day on the "diabetes diet" and following the advice I was given but have only had one 'target' reading in this time.

My results have been as follows:
B4 Breakfast 6.9, 7.6, 8.3
1hr after B 13.4, 14.1, 14.9
B4 Lunch 5.1, 7.7, 9.8
1hr after L 8.1, 10.1, 11.7
B4 Dinner 6.2, 6.2, not too bad?
1hr after D 9.6, 12.6
Before bed 9.8 (only did once as dinner was near bedtime)
My targets are 3.5-5.5 before meals and under 7.6 1hr after.

I am getting a little upset and frustrated as I just don't seem able to bring these down. Some of the foods recommended to me I see some of you have problems with so I realise it is trial and error. Tried Shredded wheat & muesli for breakfast, wholemeal bread sandwich, cous cous and herb oatcakes for lunch, quorn and veg, little rice & fish for dinner with fruit, muller lights yogs and carrots or oatcakes for snacks. Think I am doing the right kind of things?

So I guess I am just wondering if it looks like my body may need some extra help? I actually feel terrible and have a headache for most of the day which gets worse at certain points in the day.

Oh and just wanted to say I have found this thread so helpful for dinner ideas and questions to ask the consultant, thank you.

Well done if you got this far.... xx

Hi MrsR2004

Welcome to the thread!

As you say, it is a lot of trial and error as some things work for some, but not for others! (which is very frustrating!) I have yet to see a dietician (and doubt whether I will now) so have been making things up as I go along!

Here's what's been good and not so good for me:

Breakfast:
Bad: All cereals are a no-go for me including porridge, weetabix & special K

OK: Fruit and yogurt is sometimes OK, sometimes not

Good: I've only ever managed to remain in target with x2 eggs (boiled or scrambled) and toast, but there's only so many times a girl wants eggs for breakfast!

Lunch/Dinners:
Always avoid too many potatoes - especially if pairing with another mid-carby food eg breaded quorn/breaded fish - New potatos or jacket potatos seem better than boiled/roast

If having a pasta dish use less pasta & bulk up with veg (e.g I made a brocolli, cauliflower & macaroni cheese last week)

Try to have protein and carbs (low GI preferably) together and lots of veg to fill up.

Successes I've had for dinners include:
Pasta bake mentioned earlier

Homemade beef chilli (lots of veg added too) with basmati rice (approx 60g uncooked is a decent portion)

Homemade chicken curry with basmati rice

Steak with veg new potatos

Homemade cottage pie (beef & lots of added veg) with a sweet potato & cheese topping (was able to have a huge portion of this, presumably because of the switch from potato to sweet potato mash)

Successful lunches have been:
Jacket potato with hummus & salad
Jacket with cheese & salad
Sandwich with bacon/salad/cheese and guacamole
Egg sandwich

Hope this helps a bit.

If you're struggling to control by diet I imagine they'll put you on insulin shortly, which isn't as bad as it sounds (i've been on it a week or so) ad just remember - it's not your fault,or anything you've done wrong - your body just needs a bit of help for a while!

Good luck-let us know how you're getting on

Hi Mrs!

Welcome indeed! I've started having ham salad in wholemeal pitta for breakfast (not conventional breakfast food I know) or scrambled eggs on one slice of toast. I also find if I've done any sort of exercise during the day my results are lower and I can get away with a bit more.

To be honest my chat with the dietician seemed to be about eating healthily in general and not particularly targeted at keeping blood sugar down (e.g she suggested bread, bran flakes, pasta etc that give me high results.)

Keep us up to date on how you're getting on!

I managed to get 2 weeks worth of strips when I saw a GP yesterday but they won't put me on a repeat prescription. I swear there must be some sort of underground market for these things. I've never known docs be so cagey about handing out something that isn't even medicine!

Thanks Mrs Kitty & Lemontip, really appreciate the meal ideas, it's all a bit daunting when it's new.

I'm gutted that cereal seems to be making my levels go really high as I love all cereals and can't eat eggs or anything too savoury at breakfast time & suspect I would be really hungry on fruit & yog? I will try porridge tomorrow but Ithink the same thing will happen

Thank you for reassuring me that the insulin is not too bad and that it's not all my fault as I am feeling very much that way at the moment, feel like I am failing even though I am following the advice.

Lemontip, unfortunately I can't exercise as I have a trapped nerve in my lower back and an achy pelvis, falling apart lol! I still manage the shopping and nursery run but am close to tears after, its so frustrating as I have always enjoyed walking.

Am planning quorn chilli tonight with only a small bit of basmati rice and maybe some pineapple for pudding. Think this sounds ok?

Thanks again ladies x

MrsR2004 welcome, welcome Don't be scared, you'll get the hang of it - if like you say you've read through this thread you'll find we're all confused and bumbling through, even those of us who've had weeks and weeks to get a handle on it... you've certainly not done anything wrong, but I know exactly what you mean, believe me! try to relax and not blame yourself.

by the sounds of it you might possibly have to go on to insulin - if so, you'll be glad in the end, as high results may result in extra large bubba, so insulin will help you avoid growing him/her too large... you get used to the injections pretty quick in my experience & its not forever if thats any consulation...

I've put some food tips that are helpful to me on this thread, but to add:

breakfast is quite difficult for everyone: the one good cereal for me is a muesli labelled 'no sugar' or 'no added sugar', I usually add some berries & a nice dense muesli can be quite filling. I also had a wrap the other morning with advocado mashed in it, not traditional breakkie I know! but I didn't have to inject with it. grilled tomatoes and mushrooms and one piece of toast is ok, as are eggs for me.

I try not to have bread for breakfast AND lunch as it seems not to be good for me. I've found some good quick lunches from the Baxters soup range (they don't seem to have sugar in the ingredients like alot of the tinned soups do) Hummus and carrots are fine, tuna is fine, fruit salads are fine (but not fruit juice).
evenings - sweet potatoes are amazing, they're low GI and I don't need an injection with them. Brown rice is also great, so we have alot of 'grilled or baked chicken or salmon with brown rice & xx pile of veg' entries in my food diary! nice and simple, also you can bake things in foil with garlic, soy sauce and ginger (especially salmon) and get lovely results easily.

I've also had 3 bouts of sciatica in this pregnancy, youch! not this week touch wood, but I definately can't get out and about as usual when it attacks. Normally I like walking quite a bit as it keeps my levels down and I can eat decent size portions if I'm doing enough physically.

Hope eveyrones having a fab weekend we have my mum visiting and helping me to 'nest' and shop for the things that I didn't even know I needed!!

evening all :-)hope you're all doing well.

just had a scan & appointment today, went well, he's still in 75th centile for size and they seem very pleased with his growth, his tummy is in fact slowing down (it was pretty big, which they worry about with diabetics, now the rest of him has caught up to it!) they measured my tummy and were pleased and seemed pretty happy with my weight gain (11lbs overall now) plus he has changed position to head down BUT he's face up (!), anyone know if this poses problems?

they have told me I'll be induced or c-section, "whichever is called for nearer the time" in week 38 which is 5 weeks or slightly less from now. I will be given a date in 2 weeks, and presumably be told then exaclty how they will deal with my diabetes in delivery. gulp... this is all very real now, wow.

My insulin was raised for evening meal ("you're becoming slightly more insulin resistant" urk) & lowered for bedtime.

quite a good appointment overall. Hows everyone elses going?

best wishes

Thanks for the welcome Brightonbleach and for food tips etc

I tried no added sugar/salt muesli again today and even took out the raisins and nuts so really it was quite bland and my reading was 14.9 I have felt dreadful all morning with a bad headache, don't think I should try it again!

Porridge has been my best reading at 10.9 but can't get lower, probably have to try fruit and yogurt? Just not filling like cereals and I can't face cooked savoury foods in the morning.

To be honest I don't think I stand a chance of getting a normal reading after meals when all my before meals are already high. I have clinic and consultant tomorrow so will see what they say/recommend.

Glad to hear your appointment went well yesterday and your changes/insulin has helped slow down the belly growth, how exciting that you could have a date in 2 weeks!!

Do they tend to induce/c-section early even if the diabetes in quite well controlled and you are on insulin?

xx

hi MrsR
yes, my consultants have told me they don't let diabetics get to the due date and policy in my area is to induce at 38 weeks (or c-section if thats needed) even if diabetes is well-controlled etc.

shame for you about muesli, have you tried all-bran? that was quite good for me. I was not having to inject with breakfast until the last 2 weeks (when you get more insulin-resistant in last trimester) and all-bran or bran flakes (making sure theres no sugar high in the list of ingredients) were also good for me. porridge was bad for me, giving me higher readings than a pile of toast!! every body is different obviously. TBH if your readings are really high before meals you may need to go on insulin anyway, so don't be too surprised if they suggest it... Obviously I'm not the expert let us know what your appointment brings tomorrow! whatever happens, remember its in yours and baby's best interests, and whenever anyone has a 'condition' its usually cos an organ (in this case the pancreas) can't produce or do what its meant to, not cos you've done anything wrong. so just go with the flow (and hopefully your body goes back to normal after pregnancy anyway!)