So afraid I'll have GD

Mrs.Greg

Maybe it's because it's the next time my doctor is testing me for, I don't know.  But I'm so afraid I'll find out I have it.  I didn't have it when I was PG with my DD and my doctor says that's a good thing.  But then he said a second later that having twins can sometimes put a woman at higher risk for GD.  Did anyone else's doctor tell them this?  How common is it to have GD with twins?  If you had/have it, did you have any clue before the test came back?  Like because of the way you felt?

wannabealewis

I had GD and found out at 29 weeks along.  I was tested earlier in the pregnancy around 14 weeks and passed at that time.  I never felt bad or anything.  Having GD was not a big deal for me, I felt bad that it was having an effect on my babies.  I was able to control my GD by diet only, luckily no shots or pills.  The diet changes for GD are pretty easy, so don't worry about that.

MeggM1

My doctor told me this also - I think twins are at an increased risk, especially when there are two placentas, because of the additional hormones and it being difficult to regulate all that (this is totally not medically based, I think I just heard it somewhere and I didn't think to ask my doctor at the time why I was at an increased risk).

That being said, I was sure I had GD.  It seems like overnight my energy level went from decent to non-exisitant, and I always tend to have a worried attitude before I test for something.  I also see an endocrinologist for thyroid problems so I've seen my glucose before and it always seems on the high end of normal so I thought that this would push it over (although with some critical thinking I realize that I'm never fasting before the blood draw at the endocrinologist).  All this to say, I worried and worried and passed the 1 hr screen with no problem.  So, it's not guaranteed you'll have it just because you have twins and I think that not having it with a previous pregnancy is a good indicator that you might not have it again.  I'm sure my energy is just down because I'm in the third trimester and carrying around over 7 lbs of baby!

monkski

I had it and found out around 28 weeks. I had no idea and didn't feel any different. It sucks a little at first, but then you just get used to eating a little differently. I had to test my blood 5 times a day and do 2 shots a day, but it's all a blur now.  Anyways, you are worrying for nothing.  While the risk is higher, I'm sure most MoM's here didn't get it.  And PP is right that it is the placenta that creates a hormone that blocks insulin and when you have two of them, it makes it harder for your insulin to work properly, but lots of people do just fine.  No use worrying about something that might not happen.

sunnybrook.

There is a higher chance of getting it from carrying twins, but their are other risk factors as well. I had no idea I had it. No one in my family ever had it, so I assumed I wouldn't get it either. When I failed the 1 hour, I just knew that I'd fail the 3 hour as well. My odds are always kind of sucky that way

It really wasn't that bad. I couldn't control mine through diet alone even though I was strict about following it. I chose to use insulin instead of glyburide (a pill). I was very closely monitored by MFM already and I kept in contact with a dietician via email. My insulin had to be increased about 1-2 times a week and I had to stay on the diet. Honestly, it was not bad. I quickly learned what my body could and could not handle and never felt like I was missing out on anything. It is not a complete ban on things but was more about eating regularly and balancing carbs, proteins, and fats. Most likely you will not have GD. If you do though, you will manage and will get used to it quickly!