Anyway to prevent GD?

I'm almost at the halfway point with the pregnancy... I was wondering since every day I see so many posts about glucose tolerance tests and such... is there anyway to prevent failing the test and Gestational Diabetes?

I wish I could exercise more, but I just don't feel well and don't want to hurt myself or the baby. Any ideas? My dad is Type II diabetic, but he's also overweight and sedentary, I'm not sure that really counts as "hereditary".

Re: Anyway to prevent GD?

Absolutely! You can do it with diet!

Re: Anyway to prevent GD?

Diet is a big part of it but you may still be predisposed to it. Try to stay away from too much refined sugar, get extra protein and make sure you drink your water.

Message edited 12/14/2007 6:23:52 PM.

Re: Anyway to prevent GD?

Be careful of your sweets and carbs.

Re: Anyway to prevent GD?

I have GD- you can't avoid it beforehand- I didn't eat any sweets or a lot of starch at all during my pregnancy before I was diagnosed. They think that the hormones produced by the placenta blocks the production of insulin in some people. If you have type II diabetes in your family, you may be at higher risk. If you have it, it's usually controlled with diet & exercise.

Re: Anyway to prevent GD?

I don't think it is preventable. Even if you eat low carb normally, your body is ultimately forced to react to 50 or 100 g of glucose in a very short period of time.

I would say though at your one hour, make sure that you make them wait the full hour before they draw your blood. Also, be sure that you sit quietly for the hour. Don't get up and walk around like I did. I heard even just walking around can raise the level. My 1 hour came back high and the lady drew my blood at 55 minutes.

I did really well on the three hour though. I made sure the lady drew the blood on the hour and just sat down in the office and read my magazines in between the draws, getting up only twice an hour to stretch and look out the window.

Re: Anyway to prevent GD?

It isn't preventable but you can control it with diet. My Dr said that some people are just predisposed to have it and there is nothing they can do. It has nothing to do with eating sugar a lot but instead how your body processes it. You'd be suprise on what can make your blood sugar go out of wack that has nothing to do with candy, cookies or ice cream! I luckily am able to control it with diet and do not have to go on medication. i

Re: Anyway to prevent GD?

I had a friend that was borderline with GD and they had her control it with diet. I'm not sure if you can prevent it at all but I'm sure watching your carb and sugar intake would not hurt.