Question:
Well, I got the phone call yesterday from my doctor's office. My sugar levels are
apparently very high - I clocked in at 212. I am scheduled this afternoon
(2:30pm) to take the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. They told me I couldn't
eat or drink (not even water!) for 10 hours prior to the test, so I woke up at
4 am to feed myself. It's now almost 10:30 and I'm *starving*. I'm not gonna
make it all the way till dinner time!
What can I expect to happen if I fail this test? I've never experienced this
with my first 3 pregnancies. At my previous appointment, I had gained 15
pounds in 6 weeks - my last appointment (when they did the test), I had gained
4 pounds in 3 weeks. My mother developed GD with my sister and wound up having
to have a c-section - I don't want that! She is also now (at age 60) a
full-blown diabetic. Is there a connection between GD and developing
full-blown diabetes later in life?
Answer:
GD is a strong indicator that you will have diabetes later in life. At
the weight you're at, your body is not successfully clearing the sugar from
your blood. As we age, we get fat. It's nice to be able to predict fate isn't
it. Just keep the weight off and exercise moderately for the rest of your life.
If you are diagnosed with GD, the OB will tell either give you a glucometer or
tell you to see a Registered Dietitian. Do it. The most important thing is to
regulate your blood sugars not what specific diet plan to follow. Checking
your blood a few times a day will truly help you to control your blood sugar
levels. This way, baby isn't too big and you can have a normal delivery. Good
luck.
