Advice for Controlling Gestational Diabetes

Updated on March 14, 2009
D.J. asks from Honesdale, PA
13 answers

Hello all, 39 years old; 8 weeks pregnant with my 3rd (and final) child. I was tested for gestational diabetes with both of my previous pregnancies of course. With #1, I failed the 1-hour but passed the 3-hour. With #2, I failed both and had to be monitored; test my blood; control with a diet. Now that I'm expecting #3, Dr. said be prepared to deal with it again, and possibly need meds. Any advice to help me early on to prevent it from happening?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.L.

answers from New York on

Hi D.,
I had gd with my second and now with my 3rd, I am watching everything I eat. That is the only way to do it. Cut out carbs and eat lots of protein. Exercise is important too. I work full time so I bring snacks with me to work to munch on all day. It seems to help so far. Good luck!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Scranton on

That is a scary thing, and the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is eat the best diet you possibly can.
Here is a site with some great info for you. Best wishes.
http://www.pcrm.org/health/prevmed/diabetes.html

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Scranton on

D., there is no way to 100% prevent gestational diabetes.I too had it the last month of my 1st pregnancy, about the 6th month with my 2nd and with my 3rd I was put on insulin for about a week then I changed my eating habits and it stabilized.
Watch your carbohydrate intake. Eat more protein. Exercise like you did pre pregnancy.If you didn't exercise before, don't start now just go for walks. Eliminate added sugar.Cinnamon has proven to lower blood sugar levels-add 1 tsp daily to food. Eat small regular meals through out the day.Try to make food from scratch- this way it doesn't have all the added sugars,fats and preservatives.Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.C.

answers from New York on

The only thing I can suggest is your diet. Cut back on the carbs and sugar. I had gestational diabetes in the las trimester of my 2nd and last pregnancy. I did follow the diet the doctor gave me and took my insulin shots. Thank god my baby girl is almost two and very healty. It has taugh me good eating habits after the pregnancy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.H.

answers from New York on

Hi D.,
Stay away from sugar! If you crave something sweet, eat fruit. I ate tons of cantelope, both my first and second pregnancies. I am eating all different types of fruits during my pregnancy now. I also love yogurt and eat it with fruit instead of ice cream. I use no sugar for (iced)tea, coffee, etc., I put lemon in it instead. I don't like the sugar substitutes either, which could be more harmful than sugar(?). One morning my daughter wanted pancakes. She had syrup on hers. I took half a pint of blueberries, boiled them in some water and used that on my pancakes. There are many ways you can substitute fruit instead of sugar and it is much healthier for you. If you stay away from sugar during your pregnancy, you should not have a problem with gestational diabetes. Wishing you the best and a healthy third and final pregnancy.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Syracuse on

Hi D.,
drink lots of water. Stay away from sugar and eat small frequent meals. Try to exercise. Walking is best. I am sure you already know all this but it might help to hear it again. Exercise helps keep sugar down.
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.C.

answers from New York on

Put yourself on the same diet you were on when you suffered with this and if you aren't already exercising...start now....start walking.
Stressing out over it is not helpful...work on thinking positive and try to relax...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.

answers from New York on

Well, just because you had it with one pregnancy doesn't mean you will definitely have it again. I can say that first hand. I had it with my son (first pregnancy), but I controlled it with diet and had to test myself 4 times a day. 3 yrs later, I never even had a hint of it with my daughter. Not once did I even have any sugar in my urine. So, you will be monitored more closely, but you never know, it may not happen this time around. It all depends on how your body handles this pregnancy. P.S. instead of diabetes with my daughter I had high blood pressure.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from New York on

Hi D.,
I had gd for my first pregnancy & unfortunately it is a hormonal thing. There really is nothing that you can do to prevent it. It isn't like regular diabetes where you can eat better of structure your diet differently. Your Dr., obviously, is right & generally if you had it once you will have it again. Sorry. Best of luck with everything,
J

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.L.

answers from New York on

try chomium gtf as a supplement. chromium aids in glucose metabolism. change your diet now to high protien, low carbs with more exercise. good luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from New York on

I went through the same thing with my first 2 pregnancies. I swear we have the same story - exactly!!!! Then I had got prego w/ no. 3 and they told me the same thing. I was worried crazy but then I took the 1 hour test and I passed with flying colors. They still asked me to watch my sugar but it was never an issue. Every pregnany is different so you may just be fine like I was. Good luck and congrats!!!

PS - just watch the sugar intake from here on out.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Utica on

I have the same advice...excercise and watch the sugars or carbs you eat. I didnt get it with my second child because I was prepared. I actually lots a few pounds in the beginning, which was great since I delivered after my due date. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from New York on

Check out the book, "Eat Right For Your Baby." Best of luck.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches