Gestational Diabetes - What would you do?

[kirlou92]

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently not pregnant so sorry for barging in like this! I'm actually TTC for no #2 and I'm worried about GD.

Reason being, after I had DD I looked back on my pregnancy and thought I may have had it. I'm 5 foot 3 and slim, no big babies in the family. My DD was 9lb7 when born , I had a bad labour ending in c section. I wear daily contact lenses and slowly over the last 3 months of pregnancy my eyesight got worse and worse, my prescription changed dramatically. It never corrected itself after the birth either. I had episodes where I would be hungry and feel like I was going to pass out and I would be shaking until I ate something to boost my sugar levels. I developed anaemia from 28weeks as well so I was tired all the time etc.

I was never sent for a glucose tolerance test and yet most of my mums side of the family has Type 2 Diabetes!!!!

What do you think ladies? If I fall preggers again should I push for one?

Thanks

 

[CARNAT22]

I have GD, was diagnosed after a GTT (given at 28w due to higher BMI at booking appointment)

I would push for a GTT given your concerns and family history. My hospital now offer a "glucose challenge test" as standard to everyone at their 28w appointment. It's a mini version of GTT (no overnight fasting, just the drink and then bloods an hour later) and if you flag as high then you have a full GTT.

No harm in asking.

Have you since had any tests with GP to make sure you don't actually have type 2?

X

 

[kirlou92]

Have you since had any tests with GP to make sure you don't actually have type 2?

Interesting you should say that, I've got to go for a blood test on Monday for that reason! Been having a few symptoms so doctor thought it was better to check.

Do you have to do anything different in pregnancy to control it?

 

[CARNAT22]

I'm medicated.

Controlling diet and exercise only has limited benefits as GD is hormonal (I was at risk of it due to high BMI but actually having it is purely down to how efficient / inefficient the placenta is with regards to producing insulin. It's also progressive so you are more insulin resistant the further along you are)

It's only really a problem if it's undiagnosed and uncontrolled. I feel fine, am still working and taking care of my other children. I don't feel any different.

Although of course I would much rather not have it.

Have your blood test and see how you go from there. Good luck and I'm sure all will be fine.

X

 

[kirlou92]

Thanks hun x

 

[Lolie14]

I was diagnosed with GD at 19 weeks in my first pregnancy. I was diet controlled and my daughter was born at 37 weeks weighing 6lb 3oz. I was then tested at 20 weeks with my son (which came back negative) and again at 28 weeks (which was then positive). Again I was diet controlled and he was born at 39 weeks weighing 7lb 7oz.

Both times they told me I was having huge babies!

I would push for one especially if there is diabetes in the family.

Good luck!

 

[kirlou92]

I was diagnosed with GD at 19 weeks in my first pregnancy. I was diet controlled and my daughter was born at 37 weeks weighing 6lb 3oz. I was then tested at 20 weeks with my son (which came back negative) and again at 28 weeks (which was then positive). Again I was diet controlled and he was born at 39 weeks weighing 7lb 7oz.

Both times they told me I was having huge babies!

I would push for one especially if there is diabetes in the family.

Good luck!

Thank you for replying! Good that you managed to control it with diet, that's probably why your babies were a normal size too in the end. I couldn't believe it when they told my my DD was 9lb7. It came as a shock at the time

Definitely will push for one if I am fortunate enough to have another one. Always good to plan ahead with these things.

 

[CARNAT22]

I'm on quite a strict diet Lollie and still unable to fully control it. The consultant seemed very keen to put me on medication (Metformin) and now at 33w 3d I'm seeing the odd erratic reading? I was told higher readings are to be expected, the further along you are and almost everyone with GD ends up on medication, as it's progressive.

I'm looking at insulin as a next step. Even though I'm on a very strict carb controlled diet and have cut out all refined sugar [I'm not even having fruit].

 

[Lolie14]

It's no fun is it Carnat, pregnancy is supposed to be a time where you can indulge a little!

My consultant said to add cheese to everything! Fat helps the sugar break down better. I could eat a medium Domino's pizza on a thin base and get a reading of 6.0! She also said to walk as much as you could after meals to get a lower reading. So if I wanted a dessert or an ice-cream,, we would go for a half hour walk afterwards and my readings would be fine.

Yes, I was told it could get harder to control too and they kept telling me that I might need Metformin but it seemed to get a little harder and then levelled out again.

 

[CARNAT22]

God I could murder a Dominos!!! Have decided that is what I am ordering for my first "meal" after we get home

I am still having spikes on rabbit food so dread to think what a Dominos would do! I am limited to brown rice / wholemeal pasta (portion controlled) new potatoes and mini Hovis slices...

On the upside I do feel pretty good? Well as good as one can expect to feel at 34w!! My enforced healthy regime definitely has benefits.

I do a fair bit of walking but eat quite late and can't face getting out of my PJ's at 8pm for a walk round the block, I have lots of stairs though so I must use them.

x

 

[Katybaby87]

Yeah definitely ask for the check - you’ve got nothing to lose and if it turns out you did get it then at least you can get some treatment