Just learned I have Gestational Diabetes

Hi Ladies,
I am 29 weeks (39 years old, 1st pregnancy) and just learned this morning that I have gestational diabetes. Intellectually (sp?) I know that this isn't the end of the workd and pretty common however I cannot stop thinking that I have done someting to cause this. Maybe if I watched my diet better, maybe if I ate less sugar, maybe if I didn't go to Burger King those few times, maybe this is all my fault. I feel like a total failure, I feel like I am already a bad mom and I feel totally responsible.
Anyone else out there with GD, how are you handling it and what does your doctor have you doing. For those of you that DID have it, when did it go away, immediatly after the kids were born, did you still have to follow the GD regiem and for how long?
I see the specialist on Monday so I have no idea if I am going to be treated with diet and/or insilin.
I appreciate your responses, I am a total basket case. (hormones?!)
Thanks Everyone,
Leslie

 

Although I did not end up having GD I can tell you that it is not your fault that you did get it! My understanding is that they really don't know why some women get it and some don't. I can tell you that it is basically caused because of the changes taking place in your body and the way that your body is processing foods during pregnancy. I am not sure how long it takes to go away, but it is my understanding that it does. Take comfort in knowing that there is nothing you did to cause it, but because you took the test you are a good mother because you can take stepd to improve the condition! :hug99:

 

I have it too. Don't think you did anything to cause this!
I am controlling mine with diet alone right now. They gave me a carb allowance and I just have to watch how many carbs I eat and eat carbs with protein if possible. The first few days were a bit tough but now that I have it mostly figured out it's not that bad. I have found a good bread that is made with no flour so I can still have my morning toast and a sandwich at lunch time if I want. I am testing my blood sugar 3 times per day. The worst part about checking my blood sugar is remembering to do it!

Let me know if there is anything specific you have questions about and if I know the answer I will let you know.

 

Take comfort in knowing that there is nothing you did to cause it, but because you took the test you are a good mother because you can take stepd to improve the condition!

Thanks Stephanie, I appreicate what you said, I am just not "there" yet...

 

Hi Leslie
I felt exactly the same (ie have I eaten too many cakes?) Intially I felt totally depressed for days about it - thought it the end of the world but I have found the last 6 weeks with it to be a blessing in disguise - I eat so well now and learnt of good foods I will continue to eat. (In Oz we have some awesome low carb no sugar cake/chocolate options, I am sure US would have more again!)
Luckily my diet modifications were enough - insulin not required.
Thankfully it will go quickly - I understood that when babies placentas come out it goes from there (babies hormone are atpping production of insulin) and has no correlation AT ALL to what kind of mom you will be!!!! - All the best with managing GD

 

Please don't feel guilty thinking that you are the cause of your GD. I had it with my first pregnancy and I had a horrible diet then, then even after I completely changed everything I ate, I still got it with the second pregnancy.

I dramatically changed my diet about 4 months before getting pregnant with the twins; I completely cut out sugar, transfats, ate a balance of good carbs and protein and didn't eat anything that was processed or had any preservatives or anything artificial in it. I did it as part of a class through work; I lost 18 pounds, had tons of energy and felt the healthiest I ever have in my life. Then when I got pregnant with the twins, I stuck with my lifestyle changes as best I could but was still diagnosed with GD. I'm totally convinced that I couldn't have prevented it.

My numbers were actually bad enough that I couldn't even control it with diet...just 1/2 cup of Kashi made my glucose level skyrocket. I've been taking Glyburide once a day in addition to watching my diet and it's helped tremendously.

 

It's not your fault!!!! Just be sure to follow the diet they give you and any special instructions.