Worrying about Gestational Diabetes

[bcalkins]

I feel like I have so much on my plate that I worry about. Now I am worried about having Gestational Diabetes. I was already insulin resistant when I became pregnant so I worry that increases my chances.

I just moved up my next OB appointment to the week before thanksgiving instead of the week after so I can talk to my doctor about my concerns sooner. We will have plenty to talk about at this appointment since I didn't get to see him at my last appointment.

I guess I just need to just concentrate on eating healthier and walking more. Thats all I can do right now.

[AdamsMomAgain]

I had a positive test result when pregnant with Adam. The second time they tested me it came back negative, thankfully, so I didn't have to take shots. I've a lot of family who's diabetic. But I don't know much about it myself. Afraid this is one area I've not done my homework. I'd like some info on it too if any of you ladies are well informed. Information on diet mostly. Restrictions.

[KimMomof2]

I was also insulin resistant before pg too. I was on Metformin...My dr. had told me it was because I was so overweight and that it would resolve itself when I lost weight, which I did, 60 lbs, but I'm worried it will come back now that I'm getting to that weight again I completely understand.

[bcalkins]

I also lost weight before getting pregnant and worry because the weight is coming back on... I was never put on any medication though.

My husband took me to get some healthy groceries tonight so that I can start eating better than the junk I eat during the day. My plan is to start eating well and walking more.

I kept putting it off because I wasn't feeling well but I realized my morning sickness is just a part of my life now and I can't put off being healthy because of it. I need to do this for my little girl! I want her to be healthy and come into this world safe!

[Smashcc]

I have PCOS and am also insulin resistant and am currently still on Metformin. My OB wanted me to stay on it through the pregnancy for safety reasons. I worry about GD too because of the insulin resistance and i'm overweight. When do they test you for it? It's it like an all day test? I don't know much about it.

[twinsplusone]

Melissa- My mom and her 3 sisters are diabetic. As far as diet goes. the thing I notice most is they watch sugar and carbs. My mom keeps glucerna bars and drinks close so if she needs something because her blood sugar gets to low, she has something quick and easy. A lot of the time, if they have a hamburger they take off 1/2 or the whole bun. My mom will have a small piece of cake and take off the frosting for birthdays. They make a lot of stuff sugar free, and use a lot of splenda. I'm sure they are not the greatest role models for the best diabetic diet, but my mom and one of her sisters really do try to watch it and have made changes in their diet. My mom also has her chocolate, she just buys the sugar-free kind. She also is better about portion control. The other two sisters do whatever they want, but are not as healthy as my mom and the other sister. Diabetes is really about exercising and watching carbs. This has helped my mom lose 40-50 lbs since she was diagnosed.

[boysmom]

There are 2 tests that the lab does for GD. 1st is a 1 hour, if you fail that then they send you back for a 3 hour.

I had GD with DS and in talking to the OB and endocrinologist, ppl who have mild forms (like me) only really have problems in the morning, because that is when pg women have the highest concentrations of pg hormones. (Which is what causes the further resistance to insulin.)

Like pp said, really watch carbs and natural sugars. Try to start the day with lots of protein. Exercise, the earlier in the day you start the better, really helps metabolize your sugars and such.

If you have a mild form, it can be pretty easy to deal with...though not totally fun. I never had to have shots, my sugars went low at night, so I could still have carbs/ice cream etc at night (in fact HAD to.) I wouldn't worry too much about the test, but obviously the better care you take of yourself, the better off this pg will be for you

[AdamsMomAgain]

Hopefully natrual sugars such as the ones in fruit aren't too bad. I'd starve! LOL

[boysmom]

They aren't too bad, but I still had to stay away from them in the morning, unless I ate them with lots and lots of protein. (My case was also mild though, so it could be different for others, not sure.)

And if you live near a Trader Joe's they have lots of sugar free candy and snacks, or at least used to. Try to check it out, because most ppl can't do a strict diet 100% of the time, a sugar free cheat is better than real candy cheat.

[TaylorAna]

I worry about it too. So much has gone wrong this pregnancy, it wouldn't surprise me.

I don't know how much family history plays into it though. My entire family is basically diabetic, but I didn't have GD with DD.