I Was Completely Unprepared (And Overwhelmed) By My Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis

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So there I was, feeling pretty confident about my third pregnancy, believing I had everything under control when suddenly, I began to notice some unusual symptoms.

First and foremost, my thirst was off the charts. I mean, I was gulping down a liter of water as soon as I woke up and then consuming two more liters throughout the day. It felt like I could drink an entire warehouse of bottled water and still crave more — reminiscent of those myths where someone is cursed with insatiable thirst.

Then, my vision became blurry. I initially brushed it off, recalling that pregnancy can sometimes alter your eyesight, especially if you’re already nearsighted like I am. But I was also experiencing a level of fatigue that was far beyond the typical exhaustion of pregnancy or motherhood.

These symptoms surfaced around the 27th week, so when I failed the one-hour glucose test at week 28 and then the three-hour test at week 29, it wasn’t shocking when I received the call: I had gestational diabetes (GD).

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

If you’re unfamiliar with GD, here’s the scoop. It occurs only during pregnancy and is typically temporary, affecting about 90% of those diagnosed. However, there is an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life, making it crucial to manage your sugar intake and maintain an appropriate level of exercise. Interestingly, breastfeeding can halve your risk of later developing Type 2 diabetes. Truly, breasts are magical!

As my belly expanded, my body was flooded with pregnancy hormones, causing insulin suppression. Insulin is essential for converting blood sugar into energy, and without it functioning correctly, excess sugar enters the bloodstream, leading to significant weight gain and stress on your developing baby. This can result in premature birth, jaundice, and an elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes. Not ideal.

The Overwhelming Diagnosis

Receiving the diagnosis was overwhelming. I couldn’t help but think about all the desserts I had indulged in, the extra servings of fries, and those delectable mango smoothies. After all, I was eating for two! Guilt washed over me, and I felt like an enormous jerk.

Before my appointment with a diabetes educator and dietitian, I was already frantically researching everything I could about sugar and gestational diabetes. My doctor suggested reducing sugar, but without knowing my daily sugar levels, I spiraled into a frenzy and decided to embark on a complete sugar detox.

That was an experience I would not wish on anyone! For five days, I felt disoriented and drained as my body adjusted to a diet of lean meats, nuts, fresh vegetables, and limited fruits. Goodbye, coffee with creamer; farewell, sugary mocktails; and adios to cheesecake!

By the sixth day of my detox, my cranky uterus decided to protest, and I ended up in the hospital with false labor contractions. Thankfully, both I and the baby were fine, but breaking up with sugar proved to be a formidable challenge. Sugar lurks in everything, and I had to check the sugar and carbohydrate content of every morsel before taking a bite. It was tedious but essential, forcing me to rethink my understanding of portion sizes and what I deemed a “treat.”

A New Perspective on Food

Gestational diabetes may be a temporary hurdle on my journey to a healthy baby, but it has profoundly altered my relationship with food. For years, food has been a source of comfort, but now I must view it as fuel for my body and my developing child. This perspective shift isn’t entirely negative; however, I won’t sugarcoat the rest — it’s tough.

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Summary

The author shares their unexpected diagnosis of gestational diabetes during their third pregnancy. They detail the alarming symptoms that preceded the diagnosis, their overwhelming feelings of guilt, and the challenges of adapting to a new diet. The experience, while difficult, has led to a significant reevaluation of their relationship with food as they focus on nourishing both themselves and their baby.