Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

I had GD with my first pregnancy 6 years ago.

I am now PG with #2 and failed my 1-hour yesterday. I go for my 3-hour on Friday.

I was expecting to have it again. I have read in my What to Expect book that having it once increases your odds by 80% or something like that with subsequent pregnancies.

I have also read that it increases your chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes later on in life.

And this is my main worry. I can deal with it for the remainder of the pregnancy. I already write down everything that I eat, and I tested my BS with my first pregnancy, I can certainly do it again with this pregnancy.

But I am really worried that I am going to develop Diabetes *after* the pregnancy.

So my questions...

Did anyone develop Type 2 Diabetes after having GD?

What kind of testing did your doc do after your pregnancy to determine that your GD went away?

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

I had GD with baby #1. Failed the 1 hour (twice - early on and later on in pregnancy) with #2 but passed the 3 hour (both times). Passed the 1 hour for #3 (2 times).

So far no signs signs of diabetes. The only follow up I did was a 2 hr test 6 weeks after baby #1. But do put on all medical info with primary care drs.

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

I have only been pregnant once and had GD. The Drs went over the same risks with me regarding developing it in another pregnancy and developing type 2 later in life.

After my pregnancy, the issue went away.

They stated if I live a healthy, active life, (ie lose a little weight), the risks of developing type 2 go way down.

However, if you have family history of diabetes, the risk will always be there.

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

We only have one person in my family who had Type 2 diabetes --- my Nan, dad's Mom. She developed it MUCH later on in life when she was in her late 60s. She is the only one who had diabetes of any sort, so not a STRONG family history but of course it is still there.

I am overweight. I was heavier with my first pregnancy by about 60 lbs. I gained even more weight after my DD was born, and when she was 4 (she is now 6) I went back to WW and lost 157 lbs. So I am not as heavy as I was, but once I have this baby I will still have about 70lbs to lose.

I have changed and become way more active. Before getting pregnant I was bike riding over 100 miles a month...in the perfect weather months it was around 150+ miles, and in the winters I'd walk in the mall, around the neighborhood when I could, and still pull in about 80 miles a month, plus Zumba classes.

I am looking forward to continuing that level of activity after the baby is born, and losing the last 70lbs or so, so I hope that helps with my chances for developing Type 2 diabetes. I didn't have any symptoms in the 6 years between my 2 pregnancies.

But I still worry!

Thanks ladies, both of you, for sharing your stories!

Melissa

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

I had GD my first pregnancy, not my second.

They never tested me after, likely bc my symptoms went away.

I do have a greater chance of type 2 bc my grandmother had it. It does increase your chances, but not right away and not definitely. Its about prevention, eat wll, exercise and keep your weight down. this is what I was told by my doctor and nutritionist. Not doing those things will bring the onset of Type II on earlier.

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

i had GD with both pregnancies but went back to normal after both...

i have heard of friends of friends who had it and it never went away post delivery.

since my chances of developing it later in life are increased, i plan on trying to take care of myself through diet and exercise and monitor all things diabetes related with my dr. nothing more i can do at this point...

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

I had it with both and went back to normal after both. I did have some test done that has me at a much greater risk in the not so distant future if I don't do some serious changing. I also have a family history of diabetes, my dad has it, so I know the odds are not in my favor to skip this one by.

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

Well I have a lot of hormonal issues (PCOS). I did not have GD my 1st pregnancy - I did fail the one hour but passed the 3 with great numbers. I did end up with Post Partum thyroiditis after my 1st but not after my second (which I was told I would). I did have GD with my second but was what the doctors at Columbia Presbyterian called a borderline case (I failed the fasting and 2 hour draw by 1 pt each). I never needed medication and I controlled it easily with only very slight diet changes.

While I was told it could increase my chances they do watch me very closely and do regular (annual) blood checks. For now though my blood glucose and A1C are in optimal range (the best that they can be) and I was told that my cholesterol is actual so good that is is out of range on the good end (they tell me it is better than most 20 year olds). Now having said that I really struggle and can't lose weight - I have seen nutritionists, doctors etc who tell me it isn't what I am eating. So I do worry that it could happen in the future - but I am just continuing to eat as healthy as I can and exercise as my schedule permits.

If you doctor doesn't do it I would ask for them to check you at least once a year. Also I would take some positive steps to reduce your risk.

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

Random question---does anyone have any test strips for a freestyle meter that they don't need? The ones I have from my first pregnancy are expired since it was from years ago. I'd like to start testing now, before I even have my 3-hour, so that I can get an idea of what my readings are like. My meter still works, I just replaced the battery. I won't get a prescription for the strips until after I am officially diagnosed, but I'd love to start testing now!

Re: Question for the Moms who had Gestational Diabetes...

I had it with DS. I just had a follow up appt 8 weeks later. They want me to redo the 3 hour and then do it again 2 months after I wean DS (so in another year or so.) They said BF can help a lot, but can also mask it.