RP: GD - I've got it, now what?

AmyKbride

This is a RP from SAL

I'm SO bummed...this pregnancy has been going great and then I went in for the 1 hour test last week and failed it by 2 points so I took the 3 hour on Wednesday and failed the last draw by 4 points.  I know it's borderline but they are going to treat me as if I have GD.  I'm really upset about this, I am already worried about this pregnancy because of what we've been through and now to throw in a complication is just not what I needed.  I have to call the insurance company to find out where to get a glucosometer (or whatever) and testing supplies and the nurse is sending over the diet info.  I'll follow the diet and in 2 weeks I'll meet with the dietician and see where we go from there.  With any luck just following the diet will work and I won't have to do insulin.  The nurse assured me this wasn't something I did, it's my placenta but I can't help but think that if I would have eaten better, exercised and been in better shape I could have avoided this. 

Any advice from anyone?  Thanks!

madhatter2003

First off, I'm sorry. It does suck to get that diagnosis.

Secondly, it's NOTHING you did. I had it with my first, and just found out I don't have it this time.  It's completely hormonal....trust me I'm probably in worse shape this pregnancy than my first one since my only exercise is chasing my toddler around.

Thirdly, many manage it on diet alone. With my first that was all I needed. It's not that bad, it just takes time to learn the 'tricks' on the diet that work for you.  Even if you do need insulin it won't be the end of the world.

 Good luck, you'll do just fine. The testing is super easy to do.  You can get the meters anywhere, even walmart, etc.  And really nothing changes too much. YOu'll have some additional monitoring, etc but it's not a huge deal.
 

AEK&BGT

Just what Mad said it's definitely not the end of the world and it's nothing you did.  I didn't fail the 1 hour and I still have it but also have a family history of diabetes too.  I never had it with my first DD and have to say its really not that bad.  Walks after eating really help and portion control is a big part too.  You will definitely have good days and bad days with your numbers.  Stress and lack of sleep really play a factor in your numbers too so try and relax and just think it's only temporary.

Jscaggs

I failed the last of the four blood draws so I am borderline as well. ?I just have to control my diet, i.e. watch my carb limit. ?And prick my finger twice a day. ?The weird thing is that I usually fail the sugar test in the a.m. right when I get up before I have breakfast. ?I don't know what to do about this. ?Doc has suggested having a snack before I go to bed which I have tried, but my hormones must be crazy at night and hike my sugar.?

AmyKbride

Thanks, I feel better already between what you have said and the replies from SAL.  I know it's temporary and it's for the health of the baby (which I would do anything for).  I guess I just was shocked to get a "diagnosis" of anything given all we've been through.  I know I can do it!!  Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it

leslienpete

I'm surprised that they are not sending you to meet w/ a dietician. If my dr.office just sent me a packet of info and a glucose meter (I got mine at my meeting/class w/ dietician) I would feel overwhelmed! They also showed me how to use my meter. Sure, it comes with instructions, but i think having someone show you how to use it in 5 minutes far outweighs messing w/ the meter and book for an hour.

The first couple of weeks will be trial and error for you. I quickly learned that it is not just about how many carbs/sugars you eat. Your b/s is also related to what your previous reading was and if you have exercised. Also, I found that white sugars and breads affect me a lot differently then whole wheat bread, rice, etc.

After 3 weeks of following the diet, i think I have a pretty good grasp of everything. I'm not going to lie and say that my b/s never gets high, but it doesn't get too far away from where it should be.

Right now I am tackling variety so I don't get bored. That has a always been an issue w/ me when it comes to diet plans.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions!  

 

megkreig

Yeah, i know it sucks but you did not do anything wrong and your baby is okay.  I had to take the tests twice because i'm pregnant with twins and the second time i took the 1 hour i really bombed it.  I chose not to take the 3 hour for a second time and have been to 3 classes and doing the diet for 2 weeks now.  It really is not difficult at all and while i was scared that i would always be hungry, the dietician wants me to eat more than i was before! 

The way i have been looking at it is: I can do this for the 8 weeks until the babies arrive knowing that it is keeping me and the babies healthy.  Plus, i have had several friends tell me that when you do the GD diet you are more likely to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight faster.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Solelle

That's really crappy, I'm sorry.

I thought you had to fail two different draws to have GD? 

aldyn

Sorry to hear this - I actually find out my 3 hour results today so I was interested to read all the comments.

I guess the one saving grace is that it's only temporary!!

totalpanic

Getting the diagnosis is better than having GD and not knowing it.  By knowing what's going on, you have a better chance of being able to control your blood glucose levels. Having it and not knowing it can lead to "fat baby" not healthy for you or baby.

It is NOTHING that you did, as your doctor told you, it's all about your placenta.  Keep in mind also that as your placenta grows, your blood glucose levels could change too; what works the first few weeks may not work a few weeks later.

I was given a diet to monitor carb intake - 3 meals and 3 snacks.  I test first thing in the morning and after each meal.  My breakfast numbers continue to go up (b/c of the growing placenta) so they put me on insulin... that has increased slightly each week as well.
 

DBride2006

I've had a great pregnancy and after I was diagnosed with GD I couldn't even say "GD" without bawling. Rationally, I knew it was no big deal & I could handle it, but it really messed with me emotionally.

I've been on the diet for over three weeks now, and as the other gals said- its really not that bad (and the way we should be eating anyway!). It's frustrating at times (like say on HALLOWEEN!!), but its temporary and for the health of the baby, which makes it MUCH easier to cope with. Plus, it really helps keep your weight gain in check!

It will take some time to figure out what works for you, but I can have (some) pizza & I'm able to have "dessert" at night (South Beach or Sugar free, but still!) You'll get through it!

AmyKbride

Thanks so much ladies, as this has been sinking in and I've been doing research I feel better.  I guess it was just the initial "diagnosis" that freaked me out...we've been through so much in the past 2 years that it would have been nice to have a complication free pregnancy.  I spoke with my nurse again and she went over everything again.  I have an appointment with the dietitian in 2 weeks and until then I will start following the diet as soon as I get it -they mailed it out today - I can pick the monitor up but don't need to use it till the dietitian shows me what to do.  I will be testing my blood 4 times per day and we'll go from there.  I know this is the best thing for the baby and it certainly won't hurt me - but is healthier for me and something I should be doing anyway I'm sure.   And, my due date is in 12 weeks so it's not like this is a forever thing.  I'll do whatever it takes for my baby to be healthy, believe me!