Gestational Diabetes

The fasting level is the only one we can't control due hormones. From about 32 weeks your levels are the most uncontrollable until about 36ish. I got diagnosed at 28 weeks and now 34, I have been diet controlled. My daytime readings are 100% and most of my fasting readings have been around 5, I've only had 3 high fasting readings in that time so it's very unlikely medication is needed for me. Medication will make your diabetes so much easier to control, and only a few people have any effects from taking it. If your fluids high, it's a sign that your GD isn't being controlled so I wouldn't say no to medication. Your more at risk for pre eclampsia, baby can be at risk for having issues relating to blood sugar when they are born, and baby will have a higher risk of developing diabetes. The last few weeks are the most crucial to have your blood sugar controlled so baby is healthy as possible.

I’m the same and just submitting my readings this week so they haven’t said for sure. But at 32 weeks they found excess fluid and yesterday at 34 weeks a large baby . I will review the readings with them on Tuesday next week

I’ve been on metformin tablets and insulin since 25/26 weeks (now 31 weeks tomorrow) and my levels are all over the place! But I haven’t had any ill effects from the medication. They do keep having to up my meds 1-2 times a week as my hormones increase so you may find it harder to manage without meds as the pregnancy hits those final few weeks. Personally I’d advise taking the meds if that’s what they suggest.

This is my second GD pregnancy, I’m on metformin for fasting levels and personally have had no side effects. It’s completely up to you what you decide to do, but this close to the end maintaining blood sugar is actually more important because baby produces their own insulin, and if they’re continuously having to over produce, they can carry on doing that out of the womb not realising they don’t need to and have hypos. They can easily be treated but would lengthen your stay in hospital. I personally wouldn’t risk not but it is entirely your decision xx

Also, your trust are already quite lenient with readings. NICE guidelines are for fasting levels to be below 5.3 xx

I had to go on metaformin in my last pregnancy because my fasting levels were always high - they will start you on the lowest dose and work up to an amount that works for controlling your levels and this also helps to avoid any unpleasant side effects. I didn’t have any and I ended up taking a relatively low dose to control my fasting levels (although I can’t remember exactly what that was now). You could always ask your diabetic nurse for options and pros and cons for and against taking medication too - they can’t force you to do anything but you do have to consider the risk to you and the baby. I’m sorry you’re going through this though so close to the end of pregnancy - the final push is already hard enough without GD on top!

Fasting is the only one we can't control with diet. I wouldn't say baby is big at 1oz higher than expected. At 34 weeks my little ones estimated weight is 6lb 4oz and I have very well controlled gd. I am on metformin, been on it since before pregnancy. Starting taking it slowly after food that is low in carbs and fat,high in protein and fibre and you should be OK quite quickly after starting it.

Thanks everyone for your advice! Update- My readings have been at 5.2 the last few days fasted and my readings after meals have always been fine so the nurse has said that she is happy that we can maintain my levels with diet and lifestyle and they are not going to consider any medication for now and happy to review me in 2 weeks. I will be 36 weeks almost by then and apparently your levels can steady again by then so feeling a lot more optimistic about things 😅 x

I have a few more days to monitor … hope mine settle down also