Shannon22 and Leigh26 - so sorry to hear you've both been diagnosed, but you're in the right spot. I found everyone was sooo helpful when i first got diagnosed. Shannon - congrats on the twins! (I'm a fraternal twin myself tehe) plus there's others in here with twins too.
In terms of the GD... hmm someone asked me the other day what i'd say to someone just diagnosed, so here's my chance
I found the diet wasn't actually AS bad as I thought it would be (sometimes the fear is the worst bit!). My dad has Type II diabetes and has to be pretty careful - but I wasn't told to be as careful as him. I found the emphasis was more on the right carbs as opposed to cutting down carbs - I guess when you're PG they really want you to still keep your calories up.
Look at the Diabetes Australia site and the Low Glycemic index site - eating low GI is usually the main thing you need to focus on. There's some good menu suggestions for GD around, give it a Google.
Having people say that they knew someone with GD who managed it fine is really REALLY annoying. But stupidly enough, it is true. You'll manage it really well and the stress will die down. But the initial shock of it is the difficult bit. I have a very restricted diet already (no wheat, onion, most fruit etc) so I cried for a weekend when I found out). Allow yourself to be upset or whatever you need, and post in here. It DOES get easier, and you will feel better about it over time. And occasionally it'll trip you up and you'll be annoyed at it all over again.
Set your mobile alarm for your BSL's. It makes it SOOO much easier, and you don't spend all day watch the clock!! And remember to have your snacks once you've done your BSL. Sometimes I've mistimed it and end up feeling hungry while waiting to do a BSL - very annoying.
With me, I think I had about 2-3 weeks before I went on insulin. I was eating everything right, but my levels were still just going up (one piece of seedy bread with baked beans & salad gave me an over 8 - puhlease!). My obs said it's a tug of war between your pancreas & placenta. Sometimes you may do EVERYTHING right, but your levels will go up regardless. It isn't your fault!!!! So remember not to blame yourself.
The insulin needles aren't too bad at all. I was freaking out before I got shown - it's a very very fine short little needle into your tummy (into the podgy bits, assuming you have some!). The thought was worse than the actuality for me. One of the girls here said "think of it as medicine for bubs" and that helped me. Plus even though I never woulda CHOSEN to do it... I felt kinda "tough" for being able to do it, and proud of myself. So that's a weird silver lining I guess.
Usually you test your BSL's after main meals. So your snacks are your chance to experiement and see what you can get away with. I find I can still have little bit so of junk food - I just have a very small amount and it helps me keep going.
Someone else said that everyone will give contradictory information - soooo true! My diabetes educator says slightly different to my endocrinologist... says slightly different to my obs... and everyone is different in here! Some people test fasting (I don't). Some people have to stay under 7.5 - but i only have to stay under 8. Dunno why... but it sometimes helps to know that it's not that consistent!
Think about what time you're finishing work. I was going to finish at 36 weeks, but moved it to 34.5 weeks. I found I was busier with appointments, and with my stupid diet, needed to prepare EVERYTHING I ate myself. Doing f/t work just wasn't working, and I was feeling really stressed. So I reckon it's important to acknowledge that it IS another thing on your prego plate and take it easy on yourself. You're making changes to your diet, you're probably more tired in 3rd tri and it's an added stress that you didn't want. I didn't have one medical professional tell me to think about stopping earlier, but in retrospect, I really made the right decision for me.
So what are the bonuses? You're more likely to maintain a good weight & may feel better from the dietary changes. I found I had less nausea in the evenings once I started insulin (go figure!!!). It's not forever. When I think of my dad doing this for the rest of his life, I think phew, I can manage a few months. You don't automatically have Type II afterwards - it's just increased risk, so you can manage that by staying healthy (kinda like you get a chance to try and prevent it). It can be hard to avoid stressing about the likelihood, but i'm pretty sure the stats say that 30-50% get it... within 15 years!! That's a huge timeframe, and staying healthy/active will really help reduce your risk.
Hmm, so I hope there's something useful in the waffle! Ask any questions or just vent as needed (I know I've done that plenty!). Big to you all.
Belfie
to you all.
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