Gestational diabetes - any experiences?

[icclekoala]

Hi

Just found out that I have gestational diabetes 😔

Wondering if anyone else has had to deal with this?

I'm a really fussy eater and thought I'd been eating well but something is obviously not quite right!

Seeing a diabetic specialist midwife for info today but feeling a bit worried about the next couple of months

[KayLouise]

I was diagnosed with it in the last few months of my pregnancy with my youngest (3 years ago). Luckily I managed to control it by diet alone, no meds required but it was still a lot of extra appointments at the hospital and checking my blood sugar 3 times a day myself. Fingers end up so sore 😢
I had an appointment with the diabetic dietician who helped me look at lower sugar and carb alternatives and they showed me how to use the blood test kit.
Try not to worry, it just means they will keep an extra eye on you and baby xx

[mason1]

I had it with both pregnancies. The 1st time it was diagnosed at 26 weeks and I was put on a daily insulin injection. The 2nd time it was detected at 20 weeks and I was put on insulin again, but having to inject 3 times a day. My son ended up being born a little earlier than planned, but all was well in the end. The diabetes disappeared immediately, but I still have annual check ups to make sure everything is ok.

[SquishTheWhale]

I've heard that gestational diabetes UK is a fantastic resource for controlling it with diet, much better than the NHS advice.

I have to be monitored for it through my pregnancy as I'm at a higher risk with type 1 in my family

[Mickie]

Mrs Mickie had it and her care was transferred to a special unit who were fantastic. She was monitored regularly given loads of advice and support and got much better care than she would have without it. My understanding is the care is pretty good in most areas.

Try not to worry and follow any advice the NHS or reputable websites priovide and you’ll be fune

[Mary A]

I had it - and I'm a midwife! I managed to control mine with diet alone fortunately.

You will be under consultant care now (if you were previously receiving midwifery led care) and will have more appointments at a joint obstetric & diabetic antenatal clinic.

Baby's blood sugars will be monitored when born in case of neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Hope all goes well for you

[icclekoala]

Thanks eveyone. Had the appointment today and was shown how to monitor blood levels. Feeling a bit better about things, but it still a bit daunting! Just got to wait for a call from dietitian so will ask lots of questions as I'm not the best with food!

[minnie29]

I had it too. Was a pain in the bum having to do that prick your finger thing all the time. One good thing was I become very healthy! I Was eating really well and without the gestational diabetes that would definitely not have happened! You just get used to it and then before you know The baby will be here and it just goes straight away

[Mary A]

Originally Posted by minnie29

I had it too. Was a pain in the bum having to do that prick your finger thing all the time. One good thing was I become very healthy! I Was eating really well and without the gestational diabetes that would definitely not have happened! You just get used to it and then before you know The baby will be here and it just goes straight away

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Unfortunately it doesn't always disappear when the baby is born. Some gestational diabetics are actually type 2, just picked up during pregnancy.

We're at a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life so should have annual blood tests

[minnie29]

Originally Posted by Mary A

Unfortunately it doesn't always disappear when the baby is born. Some gestational diabetics are actually type 2, just picked up during pregnancy.

We're at a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life so should have annual blood tests

See more...

Sorry! Yeah you’re correct - I know you have to have tests to confirm it has gone. My midwife said a lot of gestational diabetes goes undetected because the test isn’t offered to every pregnant woman and only to those at risk (ie parent who is diabetic). I felt so much better once I was diagnosed with it though - I changed my diet and checked bloods regular to make sure I was eating correctly and felt so much better for it.