PCOS and GD??

amd1982

Someone wrote a post on PAIF about twins, PCOS and GD - she said the combination of PCOS and twins is almost a guarantee for gestational diabetes. My new OB never mentioned anything about GD...I want to reiterate my pcos dx with her during my appt next week, but does anyone know any information about this? I really don't want to use Dr. google since it will probably tell me I'll die of diabetes someday.

TIA

shaunah816

For what it's worth, I was diagnosed with PCOS, am expecting twins, and do not have GD. I failed my 1 hr glucose tolerance test, which made me really nervous given that PCOS generally comes with an insulin intolerance, but then I passed my 3 hour with flying colors. I don't know what the percentages are (although I would speculate they'd be a bit higher, given PCOS' link with insulin resistance), but I can tell you it's not an absolute guarantee based on my experience

Rynleigh

Something to keep in mind is what your link with PCOS is, and what sort of diet you maintain. The increased risk of GD with PCOS, as far as I understand it, is for women who's PCOS has a link with impaired glucose tolerance (I do, and it is common in women with PCOS), and often increases in risk with multiples because you're trying to consume so many more calories that you often resort to foods high in sugar calories... which is a recipe for disaster if you have IGT. Limiting those sugar calories and sticking with healthy fats and proteins for your heavy calories helps reduce your chances of GB as it is, but far more so if you have IGT.

Your doctor should already have or be intending to do the 1 or 5hr glucose test to screen for GB, and if you are really concerned they can retest later in the pregnancy, too. 

trish3905

Anecdotally, I can tell you that I had the combo of PCOS + twins + GD.  I was tested at the normal time for GD (24-28 weeks) during my twin pregnancy.  I was told that I may have a predisposition to GD due to my PCOS + twins + family history of diabetes, but I was not told that it was a guarantee.

Since I had GD last pregnancy, I was tested early in my singleton pregnancy and passed the 1 hour.  Hoping I pass it again at my next appointment.  Again, just anecdotal info, but thought this may help.

 

leneae10

I have PCOS and had GD with my singleton.  I was able to manage it easily with diet, and really, it's the lowest on my list of concerns for pregnancy complications.  I'm not trying to downplay the seriousness, but it's certainly VERY easily treatable and very common in pregnancy. 

weareteame

I have PCOS--I am not IR, but I did develop GD with my twins. I couldn't control it even with the strictest of diets and was put on insulin. My doctor said the PCOS probably played a role (but didn't explain why), as did my family history of diabetes and extended bedrest.

Going_from_Miss_to_Mrs

I have PCOS and I am pregnant with triplets.  Due to both factors my MFM said I was at much greater risk for GD so they tested me much earlier than they typically do... they tested me at about 15/16 weeks and the numbers were great so they said based on those numbers they really don't think I will have it when they test me again at the typical time of 24-28wks (knock on wood).  Good luck!

JustcallmeGG2

shaunah816:

For what it's worth, I was diagnosed with PCOS, am expecting twins, and do not have GD. I failed my 1 hr glucose tolerance test, which made me really nervous given that PCOS generally comes with an insulin intolerance, but then I passed my 3 hour with flying colors. I don't know what the percentages are (although I would speculate they'd be a bit higher, given PCOS' link with insulin resistance), but I can tell you it's not an absolute guarantee based on my experience

Same with me, failed 1 hour but passed the 3 hr one, so no GD.  Also have PCOS, obviously. 

bearfootz

I did not have GD but tried to be careful about what I was eating. I also asked for a follow up test just to be careful. So far I have not been insulin resistant but now that we are tryin again my re recommended another test, actually he recommended an annual test due to diabetes in the family.