Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes

After failing my 1 hour glucose tolerance test at 24 weeks, I had to schedule a fasting 3 hour glucose test. I'm 35 and have a family history of Type II diabetes and gestatinal diabetes (my sister had it and my mom believes she had an undiagnosed case when she was pregnant with me). The 3 hour test was miserable, but I got through it.


When my OB called later that afternoon, I knew it wasn't good news. He told me my fasting level was fine, but 3 of the other tests were elevated, although 2 were only slightly so. He said it was a mild case which he thought I could easily control it through diet. He enrolled me in the medical group's gestational diabetes program and said someone would call with details. There was a class to attend, then follow up sessions, and of course monitoring my blood sugar with a glucose monitor.


I searched online for sample GD diets so I could start to watch what I eat before the first class. I could only find a few, and the ones I found contradicted what my sister had told me about her diet. They even included 100% juice with breakfast, when I have since learned that any juice is a no-no, not just at breakfast.


I've been following the dietary restrictions I was given by the dietician on Monday and have been able to keep my glucose levels in check. The first day was the worst. I felt weak and tired all morning and depressed that I would have to forgo all sweets for 3 months. But each day is easier. I decided to record my meals and corresponding blood sugar levels online as a resource for others diagnosed with gestational diabetes and looking for meal ideas.