What week is the diabetes blood test and if you fail both tests, how is GD managed?

Can anyone tell me if you do become GD, how is it managed? Diet alone or insulin? Does it require extra blood tests or do you have do finger pricks?

I am concerned b/c my father is a adult onset diabetic so I have to go for the 3 hr screen automatically according to my OB. Also, 2 of my cousins had it during pg, so I think I do have an increased risk.

So I would like to know how would it be managed if you did get it?

Message edited 8/1/2008 6:59:53 AM.

Re: What week is the diabetes blood test and if you fail both tests, how is GD managed?

I have 2 friends who had GD. Their cases were handled differently.

The 1 hr test was at week 28, with the 3 hour at week 32 I think. (please correct me if I am wrong).

One friend did indeed have to take insulin and had to check her blood sugar with a meter. She got the one that took blood from the forearm.

My other friend managed her food intake and was able to keep her levels down. She went to the NP every week for blood work to make sure she was maintaining.

I guess it all depends on what the tests reveal.

Re: What week is the diabetes blood test and if you fail both tests, how is GD managed?

well I was pre diabetic prior to BFP so they tested me at 9 weeks I think that usually test between 25-28 weeks right when the baby starts growing. I failed miserably they don't want you over 140 and I was 253 but they know I would be high so they put me on insulin right away and gave me a strict diet and in 23 weeks I only gained 3 pounds I check my sugar (finger stick) before breakfast 2 hours after breakfast 2 hours after lunch 2 hours after dinner. I get a shot of insulin in the am with breakfast and that last all day at dinner I take another and then one more before bed. I think that depending on the number sometimes they will changed your diet tell you to cut down on carbs it is all carb control I eat 8-9 carbs a day 1 serving of carbs is 15-22g it is usually broken up as such
breakfast is 1 carb 1 protein 1 milk
snack (@ 11 am) 1 carb and milk
lunch 2 carbs 2 pro 1 fruit 2 veg
snack (@3pm) 1 carb 1 pro milk
if needed another snack @ 4:30 1 carb 1/2 milk
dinner 2 carb 3 pro 1 fruit 2 veg
desert 1 carb 1 pro
i hope this helps FM me with anymore questions

Re: What week is the diabetes blood test and if you fail both tests, how is GD managed?

I had it w/Hayley and I have it again. It is diet controlled

Re: What week is the diabetes blood test and if you fail both tests, how is GD managed?

I had GD with my dd and i controlled it with diet. My OB sent me to a Diabetes dietician in great neck and she taught me what I can eat and what i should avoid or minimize. I took my blood 4 times a day - fasting bt in the morning and then one hour after i started each meal.

It wasnt too hard once i got a hang of it. At first its shocking b/c your told to stay away from certain foods you love and then you realize i can have it.. but just a little and if i have a salad with it.. the fiber stops the carbs from being absorbed.

Re: What week is the diabetes blood test and if you fail both tests, how is GD managed?

I failed the 1 hr. with a # of 238. They didn't even have me do the 3hr. I went straight to an endocrinologist. The endo put me on a low carb diet and they gave you a week with that. If they didn't see enough of an improvement in that week with your #'s they move you to insulin along with the diet. I was religious with the diet the first week (and still am) and although my #'s were much, much better is wasn't enough so I was put on insulin shots 4X/day. The endo is constantly adjusting the insulin dosages at each meal because your hormones are constantly changing so the dosage that was working last week might not be enough the next week. Along with the insulin you must continue to follow the diet plan.

I will be honest, I was miserable the first few days and although I still miss eating some stuff I've adjusted. (I've been doing it for 4 weeks now) I have to test my blood 4X/day and take my insulin as well 4X/day but you get use to and taking the insulin really isn't that bad. The shots don't hurt at all, in fact, they feel like nothing. I think it hurts more to prick your finger for the sugar test. Anyway, if you are diagnosed with GD it's not the end of the world. It feels that way at first but you will be okay, it's tolerable to get through and it's only for a few weeks. If you have any questions feel free to FM me. Good luck!!

Message edited 8/1/2008 9:02:05 AM.

Re: What week is the diabetes blood test and if you fail both tests, how is GD managed?