About a week and a half ago I went to the doctor's to take a glucose tolerance test. I failed and had to go back a couple of days ago to take a longer (3 hour) glucose test. Turns out I have gestational diabetes. Here's a quick summary of what that means, for those who want to know.
When you eat, the sugar that's in the food eventually goes into your blood stream. When the body recognizes this it releases insulin. Insulin is what initiates/promotes cells to take up the sugar (or glucose). During late pregnancy the mother's body becomes more resistant to insulin so the baby gets more glucose. The baby's growth curve becomes more steep during the third trimester and the increased glucose helps establish that curve. Normally the mother's pancreas secretes more insulin so she still has normal blood levels of glucose. Sometimes (like me) the pancreas doesn't.
Both Andrew and I (he's so supportive) have started a diabetic diet and go for a 30 minute walk everyday. We're meeting with a dietitian this Tuesday and we'll go from there. Hopefully everything will be alright.
I am sorry Joy! I know exactly how it is to have to follow a diabetic diet. I wish I had enough self-discipline to still follow it. It would be much healthier, but for some reason it isn't important enough when it is just you involved but when you are doing it for someone else, it makes it easier. Get ready for a nearly 10 pound baby (I hope for your sake not bigger!) To give you hope, I had it with Brooke and Whitney but not Liam (he was the biggest yet though).
ReplyDeleteI am sorry too. It is always difficult to hear medical news. What I do know though, you will be a great mother, and that I am proud of you and your willingness to pull through any problems. I am extremely glad for your educational background, I am sure that helps in keeping those glucose levels in the proper range. I think it is great that Andrew is so supportive of you too. That baby is sure loved by you two. I love you.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the news... my sister and many others have to deal with this inconvenience. Way to go Andrew on the diet support. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Joy-Sorry to hear you have it too! I just had it with Ashlyn and thankfully feel back to normal now. It is wonderful you have caught it early but so miserable not being able to enjoy all the pregnancy cravings your heart desires. Good luck -you'll be alright and it's worth all the hassle for a healthy baby, we will be thinking of you!
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