Levels high following Glucose test..does that mean GD?

[Linny]

I had a Glucose test on Monday and wasn't expecting any issues to come back however the hospital called yesterday to say my levels are high and they want me back tomorrow to see a dietician, diabetic clinic and obstetrician! I'm probably coming across really stupid but does that mean I definitly have GD??

Really confused as this is second pregnancy and had no issue first time! Thanks for anyone reading x

 

[Smonsta]

I am in the same situation as you. I did the glucose test and it was high. They have said that I am now classified as having GD even though my levels were border line but they have a yes/no cut off point. I also had no issues last pregnancy. The staff at the hospital and clinics have been great and have been so helpful in answering all my questions and concerns!

 

[Linny]

Thanks for replying. I'm back tomorrow to hopefully find out what my course of action is. As your borderline do you just have to be careful about what you eat and drink? X

 

[Smonsta]

I have to be careful on what I eat and drink and they have given me a small dose of medication (tablets not injections at this stage) to help control my fasting level (the level first thing in the morning) as I have struggled to get it down to the level they want. I have to take blood tests (finger pricks) 4 times a day, but would rather that and ensure the levels are controlled than risk some of the complications.

 

[Linny]

Wow I really didn't think it could be so dangerous! I haven't googled cos don't wanna scare myself till I know the facts. So much for a straightforward last pregnancy. Thanks again for your response, I really hope your levels stay controlled x

 

[Smonsta]

Good luck with your appointment today. It was a wise idea not to Google beforehand as they should explain everything to you.

I should warn you that they want me to go back every couple of weeks for monitoring, so it is likely they will ask you to come in pretty regularly also.

 

[Linny]

Thank you. It all went well, I'm starting diet controlled this week and have to go back next week for a scan and to see how I'm getting on. I really hope I can control it diet wise but it's very early days. You were right about the hospital team being lovely. I feel like I'm in good hands x

 

[Smonsta]

I'm glad your appointment went well. Good luck with controlling it by diet, it takes a while to work out what you can eat etc But isn't too bad one you get going!

 

[Wannabe Mommy]

Even if you struggling with diet controlled the insulin injections are really easy and completely pain free. The sugar testing is much more painful you barely even feel the insulin.

I started as diet controlled and then moved to slow release insulin before bed to control my fasting level. Now have a fast release shot with my evening meal too.

Loving the extra scans cost any opportunity to see baby is welcome!!

I will be getting induced by 38 weeks as she is currently measuring in the big side so actually really glad I found out about the GD rather than having a mega sized surprise at 40 weeks

 

[Linny]

Thanks. I am actually looking forward to the scan next week I've only been doing the diet since fri but I'm doing ok. I seem to tolerate bread, pasta etc ok. I do find higher reading if I have even half a cup of fruit juice. Can I ask how long you were doing diet before they added meds? Did you start off ok with diet?

 

[Wannabe Mommy]

It was only a week before my fasting levels started to raise, unfortunately if they are above the limit diet controlled isn't an option any more.

I have found bread is a no no for me, pasta and rice are fine but I have to limit wraps/tortillas.

One of the most useful things I learnt was to make sure I have plenty of protein with any carb as the protein seems to cancel out the carbs, so peanut butter on toast, beef with pasta and so on.

Have rediscovered hard boiled eggs as a snack too as they have 0 impact on sugar levels are are filling.

 

[Linny]

My fasting level has always been fine but they told me when I did the test the fasting level was fine it was after the sugary drink mine was over. I found myself so hungry that first day cos I pretty much starved myself but today I've tried to eat more normally (aside from sugary snacks/chocolate etc) and my levels are higher but not gone over. My after breakfast one is the one that's borderline and I only have a small bowl of Special K and a cuppa. Might try porridge to see if it fills me up longer.

 

[Wannabe Mommy]

My fave breakfast at the minute is yoghurt with oats in. If you get a low fat yoghurt pot and add a 3rd of a cup of oats then leave it in the fridge overnight the oats soften.

It filling and tastes like your favourite yoghurt.

You can make z fancier version by using Greek yoghurt and then adding your favourite flavours - maple syrup and pecans, banana and peanut butter, apple sauce and cinnamon, berries........

 

[Smonsta]

Linny - I am glad you have found the first few days ok.

It can take a few days (weeks) to figure out what you can /can't eat. I have been doing this for almost 4 weeks and still learning as I experiment to expand my diet (I was diagnosed early at 11 weeks so have a long way to go still).

It was my fasting level that was high, so they put me on Metformin tablets in the evening to try to bring it down over night. I am having mixed results and doesn't seem to matter what I eat so expecting to be put on insulin at some stage.

My levels during the day are fine except when I eat too many carbs or something sugary etc. I have found bread ok but pasta and rice a no go.

I have porridge and fruit for breakfast, which I finds fills me up perfectly. Will try yoghurt and oats once the weather warms up a little but yoghurt pushes my levels up so I have to watch the amount closely.

Wannabe Mommy - I like the idea of a boiled egg as a snack! Must try that this week.

 

[Linny]

Thanks ladies. I will defo try the yoghurt and porridge ideas. I've been having natural yoghurt with berries when I need something sweet. The biggest adjustment had been snacking. I didn't realise how much I would just pick at chocolate or crisps etc without thinking before all this. my pregnancy craving was sour skittles *sigh* I miss them. I guess doing this long enough I will start to taste more sweetness from everyday foods.

 

[Smonsta]

The first week was the hardest but after that it has been a lot easier. This week I have had a couple of squares of chocolate (no sugar added variety) and my levels have been ok. And I found that a small bite is more than enough to satisfy the craving for something "naughty".

 

[Linny]

What kind of chocolate smonsta? Ive had a really hungry day today and was desperate for just a taste but with it being my first week I thought I'd try be good. Saying that all my readings today have been higher for some reason except my after dinner one which was really low! It's very strange x

 

[Smonsta]

My levels can sometimes go up or down depending on how busy I've been etc. Have your levels settled down today?

I went for a review today and they have put me on a slow acting insulin to try to bring my fasting level down as it is slightly high. So will see if that helps.

The chocolate was a brand called calaiver (I think), although I believe boots do a range also.

 

[Linny]

My levels are still a bit all over. I've to keep mine under 7.5 after meals and breakfast was 7.9 yesterday even though i had the same I've had all week and the rest of the day were borderline. My fasting is still under 5.5 and I had porridge and strawberries this morning and only got 5.3 after. All seems very erratic at the moment. I'm back tomorrow for growth scan and see doctor. It's my birthday next week and I'm dreading the two birthday meals out I had planned *sigh* x

 

[itwillhappen]

Hello ladies,

Today I got the call from the dr letting me know that I failed the glucose test. I couldn't believe it. My fasting first level was fine, the other two were elevated. Why I say that I don't believe it? Because this is my 4th test (two before pregnancy, two during pregnancy) and none of the other three were over the limit. The reason why I tested in the past was because I was diagnosed with PCOS and they were testing my reaction to glucose. Or maybe I failed in the past but since I wasn't pregnant I didn't matter?

So because of all these, I did a first test at probably 12 weeks and was fine. Not only that, but I have been on Metformine 1000 for several years now (due to PCOS). And so I wasn't expecting to not have good results this time.

Why am I so concerned? Because I am also on bed rest due to incompetent cervix. So all I have in my mind is how in the world am I going to control my diet since I pretty much depend on what others cook for me. Before pregnancy I did a great job in controlling my diet due to PCOS and infertility. I lost about 35lb, having a great motivation: wanting to get pregnant. After that I start allowing myself more and more although never going for the really bad stuff (no candy bars and other stuff). Still more sugary thinks than I used to eat, white bread, pasta and potatoes...

To day I feel so down after this news because I don't know how will I be able to manage my diet. DH not too good with cooking. 2x/week I receive dinners from church members. How can I control my diet? Not to mention that physical exercise is not an option.

Need some encouragement because I am really so upset...