Gestational diabetes diagnosis

Whenever I got my diagnosis I really did feel like this was the worst thing that could happen. I cried for 2/3 days and refused to get out of bed the first day because I felt so crap. You'll be asked to test a certain amount of times per day, I have to test six. So you'll soon learn what foods you tolerate or not. I can still eat pizza, toast, pasta, and my levels aren't affected and I can still have an occasional sweet treat after dinner if I eat enough protein. For me GD hasn't affected me or my lifestyle as much as I thought. It's annoying to test so much but that's the height of it. If your struggling with fasting numbers, try a high protein snack before bed, but if that doesn't help they will probably give you medication to assist as that's the only number we have no control over. I meet with my consultant, GD consultant and dietitian every 2 weeks for a growth scan and review my results over the last 2 weeks. So far I've been told I can go to full term without harming baby,

Its been 3 weeks since I was diagnosed and everything you're feeling is exactly how I felt. It feels like the longest time ever from diagnosis to the explanation appointment but the main thing I took away (which is not on the NHS website for it) is those doom and gloom risks are very low unless you were diabetic before you were pregnant. It's a lot of trial and error and don't worry if you're finding it hard trying to figure out foods, I can't tolerate most carbs at all no matter what it's paired. One or two high readings doesn't spell disaster it's just a case of figuring out how your body reacts to certain foods. I'm not going to lie to you and say it will get easier as I'm not at that point yet and I'm really struggling to get the support I need from the team I'm stuck with at the hospital but you fall easily into a routine with the testing and everyday is just a learning experience.

The good thing is they will keep a closer eye on how baby is growing so you will get more regular scans and a chance to see them which I love doing. As far as my midwife has told me it won't impact the birth part that much, depending on how things go I might just need to be induced a week early, theres slightly more monitoring during labour and sometimes the baby might need a little help with low blood sugar which is where collecting colostrum prior to birth comes in handy

No induction or section needed, and I can most likely still have the birth I want. I'm 35 weeks now, and have had the diagnosis since 28. So I'm at the point where it's hardest to control but in all honesty my results are very similar to what they were at 28 weeks. Don't let anyone scare you, you could get the lucky dip and eat almost anything you like, and your pregnancy be normal!! Only a few people have a really hard time tolerating anything so the chance of that being you is slim. Don't be afraid to take the help of medication, it'll make life alot easier!! And don't be afraid to say no if they are trying to push inductions on you if you're not comfortable!! You've got this. It's very overwhelming but you're going to be just fine. Baby is going to be just fine too. If you want to ask any questions, you can always message me. Lots of luck!!!

I got my diagnosis a week or so ago and i felt the same, i was having a breakdown and feeling overwhelmed everytime i tried to look into what i need to do. My advice is for now until your appointment don't do any googling, just try and lower your carbs a little (dont cut out completely!) Your appointment will be a great help at reassuring you and explaining that it is nothing you have done, they'll also give you lots of info on what you can do in terms of a bit of extra walking after a meal or what your portion sizes should look like etc. I've been testing my bloods for a couple of days now, absolutely terrified of the results but all mine so far are within the range it needs to be and thats with me barely changing what i eat! Try not to stress yourself out too much and definitely don't avoid meals! Remember, soooo many of us go through this, its super common and we manage! Reach out if you need anything! Sending positive vibes your way. You got this mama! 💕

Risk wise, you've been diagnosed, so they're pretty low if you get your sugars under control. Don't panick 😊 While you wait for your appointment the Gestational diabetes UK website is a great source of information as is their partner Facebook group x

Hey, I was diagnosed with the same last week - very out of the blue considering I haven’t had it in my prev 3 pregnancies! Anyway, managing mine by usual diet and exercise - haven’t needed to change my diet much as I eat pretty well anyway. It’s just things you don’t usually consider to be high in sugar etc such as breakfast cereals! Careful with carbs, it’s important to have them but make sensible choices/portions… eg swap white breads for wholemeal/seeded, limit mash potato, chips etc or swap chips for sweet potato fries. No high sugar drinks. Get plenty of protein into your diet. New/baby potatoes are a better option. Drink plenty of water to help your body metabolise (I aim for a pint with each meal and drink throughout the day too). I try to swim 3 times per week which is hard with other commitments (have done this throughout pregnancy and beforehand) and take the dog for a half hour walk minimum after my biggest meal, which is usually the last of the day.

Can only concur what everyone else has said here, I’m just over a week of diagnosis. Unfortunately I’m on steroids for something else so puts my readings before meals slightly high, so I’ve been put on metformin with breakfast and lunch to see if that will bring them down but I’ve been managing everything else with diet tweaks and being more active. Definitely recommend the Gestational Diabetes UK group on Facebook too. So much support there, and a lovely community as well. You’ll be able to search any questions you have as it’s likely someone has already asked it before x

The fb group is really helpful as well as the GDUK website. Hope you’re okay, feel free to message me! I’ve found the nhs support to be lacking in terms of emotional and practice advice but speaking to others in the same situ can be helpful. X