Gestational Diabetes

[GIZMOE]

Hello,

I had the blood test done for this last week and my results came in this morning that I have to have the 2nd test done as my test came back abnormal (high levels?)

Does anyone suffer from Gestational diabetes - is it managable? What does this actually mean? :confused:

Amy

[babytoo]

Hi Amy
I had this with my first son and it was pretty scary to be diagnosed but in actual fact was very managable by diet alone. Some people need to inject insulin but i don't think this is true in most cases.....I say don't worry until you have it confirmed! I am preg with number 2 and the first test came up positive like yours and went for the 2 hour test which came back all ok which was kind of a shock to me as i had it first time and just expected it this time! Don't be too worried, if positive result, you will just really need to watch what you eat, test your blood levels after meals.....avoid chocolate (which nearly killed me!)
Anyway, let us know how you go and take car and try not to worry!

[Rudybecca]

Hi Amy,

I was diagnosed with GD two weeks ago and for a week i have been on a diet eating low GI foods (of which nutella is one and milo....gotta love that) and keeping my servings of carbohydrates to a certain amount.
When I first was diagnosed i freaked but really its not all that bad. the worse thing i think is that gluclose drink!

Bec

[pickles]

i had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies diagnosed at 26 weeks. for the first i just went on a diabetic low gi diet. for the second i did the same thing but had to monitor my blood sugars four times a day three days a week. the risk for the baby is that if your blood sugars are high they get used to a high circulating blood sugar level - then when they are born they can have problems with maintaining their own sugars. this did not happen with either of my babies however. For you the risk factor is that you have a 40% chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 15 years if you do not adhere to a good diet and exercise. Although it is frustrating to be diagnosed at least i did not put on too much weight and i now have a warning regarding my future health.
good luck
pickles
PS : i was still able to deliver at a birth centre and my babies were 3.5kg and 4.1 kg no problems

[Sarie]

Hi Amy,
I had GD with my second pregnancy. I managed to keep it well controlled and in the end they took me off testing with about 2 weeks to go.
We stuck to the diet and I did alot of exercise. After each meal I rode an exercise bike for 20 minutes and we went for a 3-4km walk every night.
In the end I also lost a heap of weight. By the end of my pregnancy I weighed 2kg less than when I fell pregnant (being fitter also made labour so much better) and I felt fantastic!! PJ also weighed less than his big brother Nat was 9lbs (even though I didn't have GD with him) and PJ was 8lbs 4oz.
The only thing I would tell you to be aware of is that your bub may need to spend time in special care. PJ had to spend 24hrs in special care on a glucose drip, even though I was very controlled he still had low blood sugar when he was born. It wasn't something I had even considered and I was beside myself that I couldn't have him with me.
My diest consisted of 2-3 serves of carbs (a serve being 14gms - read all the nutrition guides on packets!) for main meals and snacks of 1-2 serves of carbs twice a day.
Any questions just ask or feel free to PM me if you like!!
Sarie

[xkwzit]

Hi Amy

Don't worry too much just yet. I failed the first GTT with both pg, but passed the second test with both pg. So you may not have GD.

But there's plenty of knowledgable ladies here who have and can help you out if needed.

Hoping for the best for you.

[OM]

I had GD, and it was controlled via diet. The diet is a bit restricting but the hospital referred me to a nutritionist, which I am sure if you have GD they too will do the same.

I also had to moniter my sugar levels quite a few times a day till the end of the pregnancy, it was a little bit annoying, but in all it really wasn't tooo much of an inconvenience, I just kind of took the diet as though it is best for me and my baby to strictly follow the diet, and kept telling myself that (even on x-mas day).

Some people loose weight with GD I had the opposite effect and I put on alot, I think it affects people in all different ways. Some people get symptoms (frequent need to urinate, constant thirst) etc, others don't.

I am crossing my fingers that your test comes back negative. But keep us informed.

[GIZMOE]

Thank you everyone for your posts. I am having the next lot of tests done next week as you all know you have to do the 3 day diet first! All of your information has been great, I was quite scared when I first found out as I am sure all of you were as well but it looks as though it is easily managable.

Hope you all are doing well and I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again - as usual u ladies are just great!

Amy.

[♥Heaven Sent♥]

Hi girls i have type 2 diabetes and am diet controlled have been on insullin and tablets but i donot need to be on it now due to my strict diet.With my first pregnancy my sugars wernt too bad and didnt go on any meds just the routinely bloods and ultrasounds well wen i got to 39 weeks the bub looked very bib so they induced me wen bub was born she had the heal pricks all the time and i had to give her a bottle cause she wouldnt attatch to my breast her sugar levels too about 1 day to go up then all was fine my baby didnt end up being to big she was 7lbs 14oz it was because of all my fluid.I am pregnant again and am expecting the same with this one i have been having low sugar levels in these first couple of weeks which usually happens and then they start to rise later on.I wouldnt be too worried as it is very easy to control and i have it all the time lol.I have lived with diabetes for 5 yrs i was 14 wen diagnosed and very skinny they said i had juvenile diabetes but now that i dont have insullin i am supposably type 2 (weird i dont get it?).I have put on about 30kg in 5 yrs very bad i have to accept it.

[W & T's sleepy mummy]

I never actually got diagnosed with GD, however at 36 weeks I suddenly put on 5 kilo's in one week! They thought it was GD, but told me it was too late to do anything and told me to stay on a planned diet. They thought it was odd that no one had bothered to check for GD when I gained 30 kilo's all up, and was eating 1800 cals a day and exercising! However, Bubs was completely safe with no treatment - a healthy 8 p 12 oz.:)

[OM]

Nice to see that I wasn't the only person that gained alot of weight from GD!

[Sarie]

I think the only reason I lost weight is because I went hard core on the exercise. If I ate anything I would be on the exercise bike for 20 minutes afterwards, as well as going for a 3-4 km walk every afternoon. But I was determind not to go on insulin (after one doc told me I wouldn't get to the end without it).
It's like anything though, it effects everyone differently.

[GIZMOE]

Thanks Neaby. I have my 2nd lot of tests tomorrow. I'm not going to get all stressed about it I guess that there is worse things that could happen and like you have, you learn to manage. Although I think the whole chocolate thing upset me more than the diabetes :)

Glad to know you are sneaking them in ;)

Amy

[Sarie]

I whole heartedly believe you are better off having a treat (specially if your readings are low) when you feel like one or you are more than likely to have a big binge.
But I think too, if you're going to do it do it early in the day so you have the whole day to up those calories and they're not soaking in over night ;) :rolleyes: I know I harp on about the exercise, but it really does help. And I think it made my labour a hell of a lot easier too.

[GIZMOE]

Hi Sarie,

I am finding exercise abit of a struggle. Even walking I am becoming very breathless. I might try walking of a morning rather than in the evenings maybe it's because I work all day and I am just too tired to walk :)

Amy

[Sarie]

That was one reason why I started out on the exercise bike first. It took us awhile to get me feeling better. When we first started doing our 3km walk it took us an hour and a half. By the end we were doing it in half an hour.
Even to start with walk on the spot for 10 minutes after each main meal. You have to start somewhere, even if it doesn't seem like very much it's getting your body moving and using up the calories. :D
It's hard too with the heat, I was diagnosed the week before Christmas last year, so I know how you're feeling, believe me!!
If you do end up with GD and you need to talk to someone, I am here! :D

[GIZMOE]

Had the tests done this morning ( I was so hungry and so weak by the end of it ) glad it's over! I am hoping to get the results either in the next hour or early in the morning so I will let you ladies know how it went.

Thank you for your support.

[OM]

Yes definately let us know how it went. The results should be back soon shouldn't they?

[ETsMum]

I had GD. I drank the horrid sweet stuff about week 26 or so, but nobody from the hospital bothered to contact me. It wasn't until a month later when I went for my next check up with the midwife that they noticed a piece of paper with big writing on it saying I was way over the limit. Boy, then did they look after me! Rushed me through to see a doc. Rushed me through to see the diabetic educator. Got me back the next day to see the dietitian. Couldn't see the midwife anymore (even though I asked for one) only saw doc's. Got to have heaps of scan's (which I loved). I didn't look very big so they kept checking bub. He was fine - 7lb 10 or 3.4kg at birth.

I had to test my blood 4 times a day, 7 days a week and even when I was in labour. After a few hours and quite a few lung fulls of gas I just held out my hand and they could do the test if they wanted it. I was over it!!

Anyway - I also was determined that I would NOT inject insulin. Doc said if I had 3 levels over 7 in a week I would be on insulin. Once I got over my fear of needles I would pre-test myself about half an hour earlier to see if I was on track to being below 7. (Esp if I already had 2 highs that week.) That would determine how much exercise I would do. :) I would walk a few times around the block (didn't want to go far just in case). But, I found stairs the best and the quickest at bringing down the levels. We have 6 steps at our front door and 10 mins on them (not fast - I didn't want to trip) would be heaps.

Also drink lots of water and you bleed easier!

[treightonsmum]

I had it too with my daughter 6 years ago and went through all those things that len has posted. I have been for 3 GTT's (2 HR) during this pregnancy as a precaution, but a pain! Boy do I know that feeling of being sick and wiped out from that test! I have had to test my BSL 4 times per day since I found out I am pregnant but I have had normal to low levels with this baby. I keep telling the doctors Im fine but the wont listen. I am 35 weeks now and have had all clear tests. Ya think they just want to be sure? hahaha. And it is a pain during labour how they have to grab your finger and check your BSL while you have a whopping great contraction! LOL and hugz Kathy.

[Rudybecca]

I've been told once I go into labour to stop the tests and 6 weeks after the birth to go for another gluclose test.

I've gone from 4 tests a day to two. reading all these posts i've been told some very different things.

[Ky]

I had gd with all of my pg and have 2 very healthy kids and me now type 2 diabetic.

I was on insulin both times as no matter how I attempted to control my diet (and yes, I was very strict as I was afraid of needles!) my body was simply not producing enough to cope! In the end, I just got into a routine and doing the tests and injecting the insulin became second nature.

I had c/sections with both and although they were pumping glucose into me through the op and in recovery, my b/s levels dropped back down to normal within hours despite still getting the glucose through a drip! It was bliss ... the first thing they gave me was ice-cream!

The biggest benefit was that I lost 15kg each succesful pg and 6kg with Sam this year!

btw ... I didn't lose Sam through any gd complications ... I was extremely ill with bi-lateral pneumonia and temps were spiking at over 40.5degC and my organs systematically shutting down, making it a very difficult environment for any bub to survive in! I am now fully recovered and dh has finally agreed to ttc again - yay!

[OM]

I've been told once I go into labour to stop the tests and 6 weeks after the birth to go for another gluclose test.

I've gone from 4 tests a day to two. reading all these posts i've been told some very different things.

I think it all depends on the severity of the GD as well as the doctor and hospital's policies.

[GIZMOE]

Hi Everyone,

I had the 2nd lot of tests done and it came back normal. My Doctor however is not convinced :confused: saying that it is unusual for the first test to be high and the second to come back normal - so we are going to discuss at next appointment whether or not to do another one.

I am however pleased :)

Thanks for listening everyone - will keep you posted if anything further happens.

[Sarie]

Good stuff Amy. My first test with Nathan was high, but the second came back as normal and nothing else was said. I also wasn't told tht because he was4.1kg and having the high reading that I was more likely to get GD second time round.
Good luck for your next app!
Sarie

[xkwzit]

Hi Amy
My tests were the same as yours for both my pg. Failed the first test and passed the second. My doc was not at all concerned. The way it was explained to me is that the first test is really just a screen to check who need further investigation with the second test. They don't want everyone to have to do a 3 hour test that requires fasting, so there's the first (screening) test. So you've been investigated further and it looks OK - I'm sure you're OK. LEt us know what he says.

Cheers

[delliepooh]

Hi ladies..

I was diagnoised yesterday with GD, and i thankyou all for making me feel normal. I honestly felt like i had already failed as a mum by getting this, silly thing to think i know but thats what was floating around my head.

I was just wondering how long after having baby did it go away? did it effect bub at all? Im hoping like some of you that i will be able to control this with diet and excercise, i will find out more when i have all my appointments etc tomorrow.

Im still feeling pretty scared over it all but you have given me hope..

THANKYOU!!!

del

[Goosie22]

Hi delliepooh.

GD usually goes away with birth of the baby. Your caregiver will probably send you to repeat the tests about 6 mnths following the birth to check everything is back to normal. Directly after the baby is born you may have some BSL done to make sure depends on your Diabetic Nurse and how well controlled you have been with your levels.

It is important to also to Know that your risk of developing Type 2 later in life is increased. So think seriously about your diet and exercise following. Another thing that also helps keep this nastly disease away is to Breastfeed (helps minimise the risk of your baby developing it)it reduces your risk of developing Type 2 the longer you feed the smaller your risk becomes.:)

[Sarie]

Hi Del!
First of all you are so very normal!! My doc told me the three ways of developing GD are because
1 you're over weight to begin with
2 it can be genetic
3 luck of the draw (some people just get it)
It's the placenta that is the cause of the problem, so usually when it goes so does the GD. Though you still need to watch what you eat for the first month or so. I was retested 6 weeks after PJ was born (the 2 hour test) which came back fine, though I am due to have another test in a couple of months just to keep an eye on things.

But I was very determind not to have insulin so I stuck to the recommended GD diet (feel free to PM me if you need any hints!) and did alot of exercise.
(20 minutes on the exercise bike after each meal and a 3-4km walk every evening)
The one thing you also need to remember is that even though you stick to your diet and your levels are low your bub may still be born with low levels and need some time in special care. This was something that I hadn't even considered and if was awful when he was taken to special care for 24 hrs.
We're now ttc #3, so I'm back on the GD diet and exercise that I was on when I was preggie last time. I hope to keep it at bay or at least have it under control from day one.

If you ever need to chat or want some ideas fee free to PM me.
Best of luck
Sarie

[ETsMum]

Hi Dellie,
Feel free to PM me too. I found the hardest part was at the beginning when I gave up sugar and fat and my body CRAVED sugar (I'm a sweet girl.. :p ). I thought I was starving, I was always sooo hungry, but it was just missing sugar and that starving feeling passed in about 3 days. Also, don't wait until you are hungry to eat, start eating by the clock - nicely spaced out - 3 meals and 3 snacks.

I am feeling a bit sorry for myself this week though and will prob start a tread about this next week, looking for advice - Doc thinks I am now a diabetic since I had GD - don't think it went away.... :( I am going for my second lot of tests next week. :( Anyway fingers crossed. :rolleyes:

Goosie.. Nobody told me about the BF bit. Wish I tried harder with DS!!

[Goosie22]

Nobody told me about the BF bit. Wish I tried harder with DS!!

Next time you will succeed, I will help you:) if you want, but don't cry over spilt milk.

[delliepooh]

Thank you all for your support!! And chances are over the next few days i will be needing you all more than ever.

I had the diabeties class yesterday and that went well.. we are trying the diet and excercise to see how that goes.. and testing 4times a day.

Is is possible to be too low?? i mean they told me to be 5 in the morning and 7 at other times..
i was 4.4 this morning (before breaky) and 7.8 after (and i only ate 2 slices of toast and a glass of plain milk?!?! its harder to excercise after eating esp while im working in a sit down desk job, ive been trying to just go for walks around the office and taking the long way back to my desk when possible.


To be honest i wasnt going to breastfeed (personal choice) but if it helps jnr im going to re-asesse (sp?) doing it.


again thanks for your help.. you are all soo kind!

:) :) :) :)


UPDATE: for lunch i had a wholemeal ham and tomato sandwich and a bottle of juice, when tested i only got 3.9?!?! ( oh and i had an apple before lunch as my snack). im now munching out on grapes to get me back up again??

[ETsMum]

Yeah - I agree with Neaby. Always wash your hands and retest if in doubt. I was also told that perfumed soaps can muck up the reading too.

I was using the Optium brand tester and I was told not to be over 5.7 before breakfast and not to be over 7.2 2 hours after eating. If I was over then that was considered a high and if I got 3 in a week I had to see the doc. Give yourself a week or so to get used to the new diet and portions sizes though....

I used to get high readings after breakfast when I went back to bed on the weekends. :) Maybe sitting at the desk has the same effect - though I know where I would rather be! :D

STAIRS are good. An hour after eating I would walk up and down stairs of a double storey building (not fast as you don't want to trip.) I can't remember if I did 2 flights or 4 though, and it would only take a few minutes. I think once you can feel the 'muscle burn' then you have done enough. :D

[ETsMum]

Oh #$%&*

I had GD - Now I am a type II diabetic!! :(