Just got a call from the hospital...support needed.

[Newmum0113]

I went for my GTT (Glucose tolerance test) today and was told to call in 48 hours for the results.

Got a phonecall this evening from the Antenatal Day Care saying that I'm positive for gestational diabetes. They've arranged an emergency appointment for me on Thursday to "discuss".

I feel really awful about it. I've been pretty good with my diet since being pregnant, and the nhs website and NICE guidelines don't indicate what causes it.

Is it my fault?

Please reassure me before I call my DH.

[Dejected]

I doubt very much it is your fault at all. I have found this factsheet from diabetes.co.uk that may help put your mind at rest www.diabetes.co.uk/gestational-diabetes.html

[TinyCC]

It's not your fault. I'm in the same boat, currently controlling mine with diet. Don't worry too much, you'll get extra appointments and scans and lots of monitoring.

[rubyanddiamond]

Not your fault at all. Lots of women get it, including me. As pregnancy goes on you need to make more and more insulin. Some women just can't make enough, hence gestational diabetes. There's a good chance you'll be able to manage it with diet, but even taking insulin is easier than it sounds.

[strawberrypenguin]

Not your fault. It just happens sometimes I had GD in my pregnancy too, I am a size 10 with a good diet and went completely off chocolate and anything too sweet very early in my pregnancy. I was on paper very low risk for it and only had the GTT because I pushed for it as my DM had GD on her pregnancies.
Like you I got a call back and in my case was put straight on insulin. You might be diet managed but insulin really isn't scary if you need it I promise.
The good thing is its been picked up and you an your baby will have the best care possible.

[Newmum0113]

Thanks dejected - I have read this now. Still feel horrid :(

I'm just worried about how DH and MIL will react. I feel like they might blame me for it. I don't know why, as DH is always really supportive and lovely.

I am a bit scared as my mum had GD when pg with me, and also preclampsia (sorry for spelling) with my brother. She had to be hospitalised for the last few weeks and was induced.

However, both are ok, and he is older, so she went on to have me.

I think I'm just in shock as I have no symptoms at all and urine tests at midwife appt yesterday were absolutely fine.

[Newmum0113]

Thanks everyone. I also have PCOS which meant I was on metformin (to control insulin levels) pre-pg, but my GP told me not to take it when pg.

Some of the research I've just read contradicts that entirely, and now I wonder if I misundertood him and he said DO take it, and this could have been avoided.

What effects will this have on the baby, besides possible macrosomia (I was 11lbs...and my mum was only a size 10 too!)

[Beccadugs]

How rotten for you.

There was a feature on GD on radio 4's case notes last Wednesday, probably still on I player, and it explained everything really sell.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Pcos raises your risk of gestational diabetes.

Try not to worry. You'll have a close eye kept on you and if you can manage your blood sugar levels well then you'll be fine. You'll be given support and advice to do this and if diet doesn't work then there's metformin again or even insulin.

Baby will need some heel prick blood tests after delivery to check they're maintaining their blood sugar levels ok as it can be a shock to their system if you've got diabetes.

It's not your fault at all. You can't help having pcos.

[midori1999]

It's not your fault at all.

Risks in a controlled GD pregnancy, even of macrosomia, are small. Most women can diet control but if you can't you'll be given metformin and/or insulin. The main thing is its diagnosed so you can get it treated now.

I have previously had large babies (DS2 was 10kb when born at 38 weeks) but although I had GD in my last pregnancy, DD was only 6lb 15 at birth as it was well controlled. I also have GD in this pregnancy, diagnosed at 8 weeks, now 29 weeks. I'm on insulin and metformin.

[Newmum0113]

So we're at the same stage then midori I'm 29 weeks tomorrow!

Glad I'm not alone but still can't shake the feeling of failure. I just wanted a normal healthy pregnancy and so far it's been one thing after another...including surgery! I am just scared of being judged by my family and friends I guess.

Thanks everyone for your support. Hopefully I might get some sleep tonight but that's not looking too likely tbh.

[sparkle101]

Hi newmum.

Firstly please please please don't feel like a failure! Gestational diabetes is just one of the things I suffered with throughout this pregnancy and I know it's just my body reacting, nothing I could have done differently. From the way I read about gd the insulin is produced but the hormones in your body stop it being used efficiently, there is nothing you can do about that!!!!

I was diagnosed at 29 weeks (38+3 now) and have been managing mine with diet and metformin, I have to check my blood four times a day and record the results, it's good to do so I can see what increases and what's good for the blood.

I also get extra appointments and scans, it's always nice to see him a bit more than I would have done. They really keep an eye on you and can answer everything.

Good luck. The next 10 weeks go quicker than you realise and then you won't have to worry about it but please don't feel you could have done anything to prevent it.

[ExhaustedMamasita]

Don't worry too much. I know loads of women who have had GD throughout their pregnancies and have all gone on to have super healthy, gorgeous babies. It's just one of those things. With careful monitoring of what you eat and drink, you'll be just fine too. Good luck!

[mamakoukla]

((((hugs))))) I was diagnosed with GD and can remember very clearly the many thoughts, worries etc. I was put in contact with the local glucose/diabetes clinic and they helped explain so much to me and get me started on a diet. I had to take readings 7 times a day and submit them every week so they could check I was doing well.

Everything went well (the only thing that really gave me problems and caused blood sugar spikes was potato so I learnt to eat other carbs). Healthy pregnancy otherwise, DD was healthy. The diet was also healthy :) I think it may have helped me from gaining too much weight as well.

Luckily, there is a lot of information available and we do have the medical healthcare to support. It mya feel scary, overwhelming. You may feel responsible but it is simply just the way things are. If you look after yourself well, you will reap the benefits. I used it as an opportunity to learn and to educate others. It is simply something that sometimes happens.

I was advised that I may be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes even though I have none of the general risk factors (thin, healthy, fit,no family history etc). It was an incentive to watch what I eat and to exercise (not as much as I should though). There are positives in this - firstly what you do will help your pregnancy and the baby's health and future health, and secondly, you can use this to help your health now and in the future