RP: PSA about Gestational Diabetes

jenerally

as requested ...

Hello ladies!  There is a lot of misinformation regarding gestational diabetes; I'm here to clear that up.

1.) You CANNOT get GD from "eating too much sugar" while pregnant. That's not how GD works. GD is an inability of your pancreas to break down natural insulin while pregnant. It has NOTHING TO DO with what you eat while pregnant.

2.) It also has nothing to do with how healthy you are or how skinny you are.

3.) Or how much weight you've gained (or lost). GD can affect ANY pregnant woman regardless of race, religion, height, weight, or ethical background.

4.) Having said that, you can be *predisposed* or at a higher risk of developing GD ... for the same reasons that you might be at a higher risk of type II diabetes.

5.) Untreated GD is VERY SERIOUS. There is a chance of stillbirth after 32w if you let your GD go unchecked. Because of this, as well as complications to you, the mother, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you take the 1 hour (and/or 3 hour) GD test even if you think it's totally stupid and you know you don't have GD and your OB will let you opt out of the test. Do not make me come through the computer and smack you. TAKE THE TEST. If you don't have GD, great! You sure told me!

6.) The signs and symptoms of having GD are the same as when you are pregnant. You might be more thirsty or have to pee a lot. You might be tired or nauseous. Or you might not feel any different than you have for the past 7 months. That's another reason it's important to be tested.

7.) Treating GD may be as simple as a modified diet and exercise program. But you may need a medication, like glyburide. Or even insulin. This does not make you a bad person, or a terrible mother. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Your body gets overstressed when pregnant; that's all.

8.) Having GD does not mean you will not be able to breastfeed your child. In fact, you are encouraged to bf! Some babies when born, however, are hypoglycemic and will have to be given a bottle (or two) of formula, taken to the nursery, and observed for a few hours. Don't worry! You'll get your baby back soon enough. In the meantime, use the time to eat your first cookie in several weeks, take a shower, or catch a nap. Labor is hard work!

9.) Please refer to my favorite website for GD information (and birth stories!) to learn more than I could ever possibly teach you about GD. If you want a quicker version to gain basic knowledge, this link will get you started.

And feel free to page me with any questions you have.

sprice88

thanks for the info!

JstnJL

Thank you for posting. I had a lot of questions which you helped to answer!!!

jjwheat1007

Great info!  Thanks - I haven't read much on the subject, but had planned to.  This gets me a head start - and also puts my mind at ease.

browneyes_24b

Thank you for all of the great information.  I had not known a lot of what you covered, and appreciate it!  I'd looked up GD before, but I could not find anywhere information you made in the first 3 points.  Thank's!

JenniferTCU

Good info- there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Thanks!

tandt92505

Thanks so much for the info. I have my test tomorrow and have to admit that I wasn't crazy about the idea of doing it, but your message was just the kick in the *** I needed to get over myself.

 

smilelari

Although you don't get it from eating too much sugar and some are just pre-disposed, there is anecdotal evidence that the proactive use of diet and exercise may reduce the likelyhood of developing GD, so I wouldn't go hog wild on the sugar just because of this post.

https://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/gd/gd_prevention.htm