Did you know that Gestational Diabetes affects up to 5% of all pregnancies. I had Gestational Diabetes with both my children. With the first pregnancy I had to control my blood sugar levels through diet and with my second I had to inject insulin - something that I never, ever want to experience again!!
The Diabetes was picked up by my midwife because of my family history of diabetes. My mum has Type 2 Diabetes - this is when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). They did a routine glucose tolerance test, where I had to fast over night, have blood taken first thing in the morning, then drink Lucozade and then wait 2 hours and have more blood taken. My blood sugar level was high!!
It is important to aim for blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible. A person without diabetes should be around
* 3.5-5.5mmol/l - before meals (levels can change according to individual and is normally agreed between you and the diabetes team)
* Less than 8mmol/l - 2 hours after meals
When I was told I had Diabetes and I had to cut out all sugar and sweet things and watch by carb intake - I wanted them all the more. I can remember stomping around the supermarket with my husband, pointing at biscuits, cakes and sweets saying I want those. He said 'But you don't eat those normally'. 'I know but because I can't have them I want them!!' My levels were anything between 8 and 12.
I have to say the hospital Diabetes team and midwives were excellent throughout my pregnancies - I had to have regular scans and measurements taken of the babies, as it's common that the baby tends to be larger because of Gestational Diabetes. I wasn't banking on them both being as big as they were!!
Both weighed in at a whooping 12lb 11oz! - Ouch!!! Don't worry I had no choice but to have C -Sections!
The one thing that I didn't get help with is the emotional trauma I went through during and after my pregnancies because of the diabetes. The weight gain, the hurtful comments because of the size of my bump,the hurtful comments months after the births because my stomach still stuck out like I was 6 month pregnant. The strain my body went through during the pregnancies, and also the back problems I had afterwards.
In my next Blog post, I will tell you all about my emotional journey and struggle with Gestational Diabetes through my pregnancies and afterwards.
If you have had Gestational Diabetes and would like to share your thoughts and comments, then please post below.
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Sarah xxx
