Diagnosed with gestational diabetes in my 2nd trimester

My name is Aisha. I’m 32 years old and live with my in-laws.

I’m also pregnant and was recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This surprised me, as I’ve never faced any serious health complications. Now, I’m managing my disease to ensure the well-being of both myself and my unborn child.

My diagnosis

Before I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I had some knowledge of diabetes as my mother has been a diabetic for the last 10 years.

But gestational diabetes was new to me and brought a new challenge.

It all started during my second trimester when I began observing unusual symptoms. I was frequently thirsty, urinated excessively, and tired all the time. These warning signs alarmed me, and I told my husband about them. He immediately took me to the doctor.

When I saw my doctor, she advised me to take a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to check for gestational diabetes. The results revealed that my blood sugar level was higher than normal, and I did have gestational diabetes.

My diagnosis worried me, particularly as it came during such a crucial moment in my life.

However, my husband sympathised with me and encouraged me, reassuring me that I could take control of my situation and protect my baby’s health.

My doctor told me I needed to monitor my blood sugar level regularly and advised me to purchase a glucose metre so I could take daily readings.

Getting started

One of my first challenges in managing my gestational diabetes was to control my craving for sugary foods – I couldn’t eat the same food I had before.

My hands and feet also became swollen.

Discussing with my doctor, she advised me to visit her every 15 days.

Changing my diet

To help me adjust my diet and manage my gestational diabetes, my doctor recommended I consult a dietitian for complete guidance on diet and exercise.

I found a dietitian who specialised in gestational diabetes and started following her advice. She taught me how to count carbohydrates and gave me a meal plan to manage my blood glucose level.

Following her advice, I learned to avoid sugary foods and focus on whole carbs, fresh vegetables, fruits and lean protein. It was challenging at first, but over time I improved my daily meals.

Getting exercise

As well as changing my diet, my doctor stressed to me the importance of regular exercise.

I started exercising daily and made sure I was active the entire day. Through exercise, my blood glucose level remained normal. It also improved my mental and physical well-being.

Where I am now

As the weeks have passed by, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my condition. My blood glucose level has remained in the normal range, and I have more energy. It’s encouraging that my daily efforts have been rewarded, and I’m on the right path to a healthy pregnancy.

I’ve also been very fortunate. My in-laws and husband are very supportive. They look after my meals and make healthy food for me. And my doctor and dietitian have monitored my progress, adjusting my treatment plan when needed. The guidance and encouragement I’ve received have given me the confidence to face the challenge of gestational diabetes head-on.

Now, as I near the end of my pregnancy, I remain fully motivated to manage my gestational diabetes. And I’m happy I took action as soon as I did. It allowed me to take control of my health and secure the well-being of my baby.

Gestational diabetes has given me unexpected obstacles, but it’s also provided me with valuable lessons in determination and self-care. And I’m now looking forward to welcoming my baby into this world, knowing I’ve left no stone unturned and can provide a healthy start to life.