Gestational Diabetes - Will I get it 2nd time around?

Hi Ladies.

Just wondering if I had GD with my son will I get it with the is pregnancy, I'm not over weight - I'm under 30 & not Aboriginal or TSI, I also eat pretty good most of the time - my weakness is coridal ATM & i'm 11.3 weeks.

Is there anyone out there who had it with 1 pregnancy but not the other?

Thanks Jade

I heard it's more likely that you will get it for the second time, but in saying that I didn't have it for my second pregnancy. I had to take that second glucose tolerance test, just failed the first hour, failed the second hour and the third I was fine, so I didn't end up with it. Like you, weight has never been a problem and I had a pretty good diet, not sure what I did differently that got me out of it, but it worked. But as I said it's not very common to skip it, but it's not unheard of.

I didn't have with my DS, but I have it now. I figured something was up at 9-10 weeks and asked for the glucose test - failed miserably. Doesn't answer your question, but shows it can be different in each pregnancy. Best of luck - try the Skinny cow ice creams - 5.6g carb per icypole! or Bickfords diet lime cordial in soda water!! Yum.

I had it with both pregnancies, and dont fit into any of the catagories to having it.. Doctors always wonder why i would get it but i do and last time had to have insulin but i had a nasty craving for Iced coffee!!! And i only JUST fail my GD blood test every time.. But your more likely to get it with every pregnancy.. Just take care of yourself and the doctors will help you along the way with whatever happends 8) Goodluck with your impending pregnancy.

I have been pregnant twice and got it twice (both Insulin dependent)
Try switching to a sugar free cordial.

I have a very strong family history of diabetes. My dad had type 1. my mum has type 2 and had GD.

I am pregnant with my first and found out 3 weeks ago I have GD - I was guttered. Like Cheekie I was only just over the normal range and I manage it with diet. Fortunately i have had no cravings and just eat

From what I have been told and researched myself on this issue you will likely end up with it again. Your placenta releases hormones and these hormones block to varying levels how your body reacts to insulin. Basically the hormones are know to block insulin uptake.

I also came up just within the high risk for a child with down syndrome, but after talking to the hospital the only thing that gave us that figure was my blood test papp-a levels which were just below the 'normal' cut off (NT of DD is perfect and we decided to go no further with tests - risk of miscarriage was higher than the risk of downs for our bub). It was explained to me that the papp-a level can be an indication of how the placenta is functioning. GD has been seen at a higher rate in people with lower papp-a.

As far as managing my GD, I just need to go for a walk around the block or do some housework after eating a big meal. Potatos are my big trigger and exercise doesnt lower my blood sugar as quickly as other carbs. So I now just avoid it.

Something you can try yourself to work out your food triggers is test your blood at 1hr, go for a walk or do some exercise even for 15-20mins, then test it again. I have gone from 8.4mmol at 1hr to 4.4mmol at 2hrs after a 20 minute walk. where as the times I didnt exercise I was either in high 6mmol level or even over 7 mmol.

I am hoping that after DD is born I will be fine again, but it is something I think I will keep an eye on regardless. I want to do everything I can to avoid type 2 diabeties.

Also stress can make it go up as well.

And apparently they are changing the fasting levels and making them lower...

I have just been to see my Dr about this as planning next pregnancy pretty soon. I had it last time with metformin and insulin dependance.
My Dr said the only thing that will lower my chances of getting it again are losing approx 5 kg and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But even so there is still a chance of getting it. But I'm trying to do everything I can to avoid getting it again because GD is bloody awful!!!! smile
If you want to avoid getting it again I would say avoid sugar and excess carbs at all costs, so yeah like pp says you need to ditch the cordial. I know its hard in the first trimester maintaining energy levels but maybe every time you crave cordial have a big glass of water and a small piece of fruit, maybe a hand ful of grapes, half an apple, half a banana or something like that. (not too much though as fruit can play havoc on your sugars too but if you are craving something sweet then a piece of fruit beats straight glucose that is in cordial)

My friend had GD 1st pregancy, has been given all clear 2nd and she is over the moon. Her OB told her she was highly likely to have it 2nd time. After her results explained that the body can understand the hormones after 1st and respond with insulin working properly.