GDM and Me: How I was Diagnosed, My Fears and How I Plan to Take it Head On!

Hello Guys and Dolls! I am officially 8 months pregnant and just found out recently that I have Gestational Diabetes. They decided to test me for it due to family history.

I had the one hour glucose test where I had to drink this nasty sugar drink called Glucola 50. It was horrible!!! I had such a bad sugar crash after. I was shaking, felt sick and didn't know what to do. I prayed that I passed so I wouldn't have to go through that again!

I got a call back less then 48 hours later. They said I had to take the 3 hour glucose test due to abnormally high blood sugar. The 3 hour glucose test is where you have to fast for 10 to 12 hours and then come in to drink the Glucola 100 (twice as much sugar as the first drink). Then they take your blood every hour on the hour for 3 hours, Now the three hour test was a complete pain but I got through it without too much nausea and without the horrible sugar crash I had with the first test (Went home straight after the test and ate as soon as I got home to stop that sugar crash before it happened). They called me 48 hours later and confirmed that I have gestational diabetes. Here is the definition (in case you don't know what that is):

Gestational diabetes (or gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) is a condition in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes exhibit high blood glucoselevels during pregnancy (especially during third trimester). There is some question whether the condition is natural during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is caused when the body of a pregnant woman does not secrete enough insulin required during pregnancy, leading to increased blood sugar levels.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestational_diabetes)

 I have to meet with a dietitian on Monday but before I let someone else tell me what I should do, I looked it up myself and took advice from my doctor. I started testing my blood sugar 6 times a day, I have put myself on a 2200 calorie diet (which my doctor says is perfectly fine) and decided to exercise for 30 minutes at least 2 to 3 times per week (which my doctor says is also fine). I am actually using MyFitnessPal.com again to help me document some of the food I am eating and to help me keep track of my carb intake. Lets just say I feel back on track. I didn't think I was going to be doing all this until after the baby was born.

 I am taking this quite seriously. There are serious complications involved with having gestational diabetes. It makes me worry about my Hunt Hunt. (His name is going to be Hunter Ezekiel)

The baby can have problems such as :

1) Excessive Birth Weight

2)Preterm Birth

3) Respiratory Issues

4) Low Blood Sugar

5) Jaundice

6)Birth Injuries

7) Developing Type 2 Diabetes later on in life!

(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=complications)

 I also have family members and friends who have this dreadful disease. I have seen them struggle and see how it takes a toll on the body. It is actually one of my biggest fears. I have been told that once you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, there is a high chance of the woman being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes within 5 to 10 years after the baby is born. I refuse to be a statistic! I will eat healthy, exercise regularly and make sure my blood sugar is under control! For me, For my children, For my husband, For my family!!!

Much Love and Blessings,

Tori P.