Gestational Diabetes

I also got told this morning. Iv got to go to hospital on Friday to see diabetes midwife. X

I have an appointment tomorrow with diabetes Clinic

It was overwhelming at first but you will get the hang of it and the finger pricks and diet all become normal 😊 I panicked about the risks, but I’m told that the biggest risk is when you’re undiagnosed, so the main thing is that you know and are being looked after! My hospital invited me in for a group session with a dietician which I found really helpful, so ask if they offer that where you are. This website is also brilliant for help on diet etc: https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk

There’s a few groups on Facebook with loads of helpful advice! I’ve found out more from there than the diabetes nurse, she wanted to put me straight on metformin but I asked to try diet control and with the help of these groups I’m now on week 4 of my blood being in range with just diet control x

Try not to worry about risks to baby and don't stress yourself out by reading lots of articles online. The diabetes team should tell you what you need to know at your appointment next week. I was tested a couple of weeks ago & diagnosed a couple of days later. Told not to make any drastic changes or play Dr Google that weekend. Then had my appointment with the clinic last Tuesday. At the appointment, we had a 30 mins class about gestational diabetes. Then 30mins class with a nutritionalist who gave tips on how to use diet control with light exercise after eating to help improve blood glucose readings. Then 30mins live demo on how to test blood Medication might be prescribed but not necessarily... Depends on results of GTT and/or 1st week of testing bloods at home. & as long as blood glucose is kept under control, baby should be fine 😊👍🏼

I’ve been on Metformin throughout my pregnancy due to having PCOS and touch wood have encountered no issues with it, so it’s not the worst thing if you’re put on it x

I was diagnosed at 11 weeks just by chance because I had itchy legs and was around children with chicken pox (very weird turn out). I have been taking my blood sugar (finger pricks) 4 times a day for the last 15 weeks. You get used to it and then work out your pattern (my blood sugar is always high if I eat curry so I now eat a smaller portion of it or less rice more protein etc.) Please don't worry , it's so common and not a big risk once you've been diagnosed. You also get more scans so can see baby more often which is great reassurance x

I had 6 days from finding out until my first appointments. I kept a food diary of times and meals so the dietician could look at what i was eating and when. It was really useful in my first meeting as a gauge. It also stopped my baby brain in the meeting trying to think of examples of what i eat.

@Haley Hope the appointment goes well for you xx

@Simi I hope it went well xx

@Alice Well that’s good to know! thank you!! I’ll defo have to ask about the group! xx

@Hayley Wow that’s good! I’ll definitely have to have a look, thank you xx

@Helena Thank you so much 😇 yeah i’m trying not to read too much before my appointment, just making small changes until I speak to them on Tuesday xx

@Alice Thank you for the reassurance😊xx

@Katie Thank you🙏🏼 I think watching my diet / portions will be the hardest part but i’m sure i’ll get used to it! The extra scans are a nice little bonus though🥹xx

@Rebecca That’s a good idea, thank you x

@Kya hi. They took blood tests for Hba1c and electrolytes . Glucometer given for glucose monitoring It's 4 times per day. Dietition discussion will be on telephone.

I was diagnosed at 16 weeks. It’s overwhelming at first but when you start changing meals and snacks around and work out what spikes your sugars and what doesn’t it gets easier. I’m on Metformin too after having higher fasting readings but I couldn’t do anything for those myself as it’s my body whilst I’m sleeping. The finger pricks aren’t bad at all it’s just annoying. You’ll get more scans and appointments and they may offer induction but the choice is still yours if the GD is managed well. Good luck mama, you’ll be just fine! I’ll be clamming for my chip butty at the end of this pregnancy though and alll the Christmas chocolate 😝 xxx

Hi there, Please find gestational diabetes information websites below. To Access Diet Leaflet: http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/services/services-a-z/maternity-services/#tab-patient-leaflets And: https://www.carbsandcals.com/diabetes/gestational-diabetes https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/meal-plans https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/information-in-different-languages Aim for blood glucose levels: Fasting Level < 5.3 1 hr post meals <7.8 https://rfl.sensynehealth.com/app/gdmhealth/hub