Gestational Diabetes - Meeting the diabetic educator tom...what to expect???

[sare]

Pretty much as the title said.

My OB called me last week to say this I have GD this time around and asked me to call the diabetic educator to make an appointment. He said he will discuss GD with me at my appointment on Thursday morning, but I have my appointment with the diabetic educator tomorrow and really don't know what to expect. So any advice, hints, tips etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[natski]

Hi Sare,

I'm not sure, it might be different depending on your OB, the hospital etc.

I had GD with my first and my OB didn't ask me to see a Diabetes Educator. I was going to a public hospital, so I organised it myself as I was a little confused about what to do (without OB knowing) and saw the Diabetes Educator there. At the time, I had already been testing my BSL levels 4 x a day and keeping a record of what I ate and my exercise. We basically went through that and checked my levels. I then went to see a dietition where she gave me advice on the food to eat.

They felt that my levels were too high and wanted to refer me to the Endocrinologist so they could put me on insulin, but they needed my OBs referral. When I went to see my OB, he was adamant that I didn't need to go on insulin and my levels were only 'slightly' above what they should be and no cause for concern. He referred me to a private endocrinologist who was a professor and it turns out that I was snacking too much, which is what the Dietition had told me to do!!!!!

In the end, I didn't have to go on insulin and managed it with diet and exercise. Basically, the Diabetes Educator will (hopefully) go through diet, how to test your blood etc. (I had to buy a testing kit from the chemist). They also might give you some extra info to read etc.

Hope this helps - sorry for the essay!!!! Good luck tomorrow!

[natski]

How did you go with the diabetes educator???

[sare]

Really well thanks Natski.

She went through what GD is and talked a little about the effects that it could have on the baby. Then she asked what I had been eating recently (I had modified my diet after finding out, similar to what I had when I was on Sureslim a couple of years ago, just greater quantities). She gave me some guides about shopping and what foods are ok and then taught me how to test my bsl.

She also asked me to email in my bsl weekly or if I get 3 readings above 7 in a week. I have to test 3x a day (2hrs after meals). So far my readings have been 5.9 and 5.6, so hopefully they continue to go that way. She said if everything goes along ok, then I won't even have to see her again, just take my diary with the bsl into all my OB appointments.

Thanks for your advice, it did help put my mind at ease a bit.

[natski]

Hi Sare,

Glad everything went well yesterday....it does make much more sense and less stressful once you know what you're doing!!!

I bought a Diabetic cookbook that helped me alot - it had nice desserts and pancakes and stuff that I love and thought I'd have to give up. That might help you with your diet.

Another good tip I got was to make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before you test your blood - it can make a big difference to your readings. And don't stress out about the readings....that doesn't help

Good Luck