Gestational Diabetes and me…..

When the glucose tolerant test results showed high blood sugar, I almost dismissed it giving some loose theory of my own. The family sang to my tune and supported me. The possibility of me being one in 4% women who get gestational diabetes was very rare, so I wasn’t worried. But it turned out to be different! I was in that rare group and the sugar levels were very high. All hell broke loose upon hearing this and I was wondering what now

This meant a very very strict diet and medications and not to forget the constant monitoring with a glucometer. It was very challenging to prick myself with insulin shots 3 – 4 times a day. The allergic I am to needles this came as a real test, acid test! Until then I had enjoyed every part of eating in pregnancy. Now the food range just shrunk I had to be extremely careful in what I chose to eat.
More than my dietary habits and medications I was worried about what damage will this condition do to my unborn child. I discussed all my questions with the doctor. The GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus) condition will not make the baby diabetic when it is born, nor would this mean that it will be one in its adolescence. The baby had to get the same range of nutrients to grow in this new diet. So the diet was chosen carefully to not hinder it’s growth.
I was warned with dire chances of getting diabetic early in life if I failed to control my weight postpartum. With a family history of diabetes (my dad) there were strong chances of me getting diabetic anyway. To delay it, was in my hands now.
Nobody pins down reasons for getting GDM, there are a few reasons, out of which one or two might be the reason in your case. Generally Asians are more prone than any other race. Family history of diabetes might be a reason, obesity also might be one. I was all worked up about “why me and how” for some time. But soon I realized that I could not see it coming, so there was no point in breaking my head and loosing heart over this.

It is always good to talk to the doc and clear your head before getting out of his office. Except a few adjustments in food and regular medications this is easy to tackle. I kept my will strong and was surrounded by a bunch of optimistic family members (thanks everyone). They sacrificed eating goodies like sweets and fried snacks all for me ……so nice of them!

All said and done, this is still a one man battle. The battle to keep strong, not feel guilty, and stress out on the baby’s growth. Since this is a rare condition, talking to your extended family and explaining to them about this (in an Indian society) might become difficult. I avoided contact with most of them and so never heard the nasty cynical comments! (good for me ). Yes, even today when it comes to pregnancy and child birth we are still centuries behind and so try to avoid talking about some touchy things…grrr !
So there I was wondering, what more has to come my way, in this new found road to child birth, family.