Ways to avoid Gestational Diabetes

[Rainbowbrite]

I have to have the GD test in 3 weeks & was wondering if there are any ways I can try to avoid getting it? Bub is already measuring bigger & big bubs are VERY common in my family so would like to avoid it :o That & it may affect my chances of birthing at Wyong, they are so bloody fussy.

I hear its all eating low GI etc, but can anyone elaborate please? Maybe examples of foods etc.

Thanks :)

[Oscar's mum]

There are certain things that can put you at risk of diabetes like multiple pg, BMI etc etc. But unfortunately even if you don't fall into any criteria for GD you can still get it.

And unfortunately you cannot prevent it - kinda like stretchmarks, I think (but can't be certain), it's something in your genes.

If you do try and follow a low GI diet and exercise your chances of having GD are lower, but it isn't going to prevent the GD.

It has alot to do with stress on the body and the body not coping as well - thus why alot of multi pg the woman get GD.

[Oscar's mum]

I hear its all eating low GI etc, but can anyone elaborate please? Maybe examples of foods etc.


Use breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran and breads with wholegrains, stone-ground flour, sour dough. Reduce the amount of potatoes you eat (I would probably avoid any potato except sweet potato). All other types of fruit and vegetables (except corn) are fine and use Basmati rice.

[Rainbowbrite]

Thanks OM. My BMI would make me more at risk, but I was fine with MJ. Sugar levels have never even been slightly high. No history of it in the family at all either, and both my sisters & my mum had BIG bubs.

On the food, we rarely eat potato, but do have to cut back on the corn :o Will buy basmati rice today :yes:

[Amused]

I didn't know you could do anything to lower the risks, thought it was just one of those unlucky things!

[BabyLs]

Yeah I am not sure that there is anything to do to avoid it. It's to do with Genes and hormones I thought. I have a couple of people I know who ate really healthy and they were extremely fit and they still got it.

[~Emmylou~]

Nup there's not much you can do to avoid it.

I had it with both of my kids and I don't have a single risk factor for it. I'm normal (actually slightly below) average weight, and no one on either side of my family has diabetes. Yet I still got it...twice.

A low GI diet will control it, but it will not prevent it. Try not to stress about it there really isn't anything you can do (oh except to refuse the test ;) Always an option.)

[CharlisMummy]

I had it and my DD was only 6lb 6oz. I wasn't in any of the risk catergories either.

I had bub at Gosford hospital but they said I could transfer to Wyong after the birth :rolleyes: if I wanted. I didn't tho cause I'm right near Gosford.

[TwoBlue]

Sorry RB there is absolutely NO way you can avoid it..
If your gonna get it then your gonna get it :thumbsdown:

I had it with my first DS and I was so healthy...

With DS #2 I wasnt nearly as good with my diet and I didnt get it...

It all comes down to your pancreas mate

I wouldnt stress about it until you know one way or the other and if you do have it I can give you a HUGE amount of diet help

[Rainbowbrite]

No way i'll avoid the test. Want to avoid Gosford at all costs. I live around the corner from Wyong.

Here I was thinking that eating foods which controlled GD/regular diabetes, it would reduce my chances :confused:

Oh well, time will tell :fingerscrossed:

[pickles]

I had GDM with both my pregnancies. my risk factor is genetic ( all four of my mothers siblings have type 2 diabetes along with my grandfather ). for the second pregnancy i followed a strict diabetic diet both before and after conception. However my blood sugars are always fine except for the glucose tolerance test ( my body is obviously unable to handle large amounts of glucose when pregnant ). both times the two hour post was 8. I think diagnosis is over 7.8. I was still able to birth at KEMH birth centre - no monitoring during labour and two beautiful vaginal births ( 7pounds 10 at 38 weeks and 9 pounds at 41 weeks )

the diabetic clinic was also amazing !!!!

Good luck

Ps - i always measured large for dates from about 7 weeks. but i am also only 158 cm tall so the baby had no where to go but out.

Pickles
DD 02/03
Ds 03/05