Hi alidadas
Right - no need to be scared - I have been there myself twice! And survived!!!
First time round I managed it on diet alone, just, I think I was around 30 weeks when diagnosed. I basically blindly followed the rules from the dietician - was my first baby, and it scared me too! I came out of the other end with a 10lb 14oz baby girl who was born 4 days late, by emergency section. All my levels went back to normal at check-up 3 months later. She is now a strong healthy and skinny 6 year old. Basically my diet consisted of no sugar, sensible healthy meals (plenty of carbs) and small snacks. I tested sugar levels 6 times a day and was under the care of the hospital - weekly ante-natal appointments, and a phone number to call if sugar levels went above certain levels.
Second time round, had tests early on, and think it was around 20 weeks when it reared its head again - managed diet control for two weeks - levels steadily rising - so was put on insulin injections - that horrified me! But actually it worked out ok - still had same support, and had the diabetic guy calling me twice a week to discuss levels, had fortnightly hospital appts with a team of five people, at a special clinic - always got a good time slot, and was seen on time (very unusual!), and had monthly growth scans. Insulin injections were three times a day before food - rapid acting insulin to deal with the food you ate at the meal - and they dont hurt - the needle is small and thin, and just goes into top surface of the skin - my fatty thighs were great for this!!
It was a pain (not literally) if you were out for a meal, as you had to anticipate when the meal would arrive (mine was worst time of over Christmas), and had to carry the insulin pens, testing kit (which is small) and emergency food if sugar levels went too low, but then at that late stage of pregnancy, you are slowing up a bit anyway!! I had to keep reminding myself that I only had X weeks left of this, some people have to do this all their life - it was mentally crossing off the days! Son was born by section at 38 weeks, 8lb 8oz, and spent 26 hours in SCBU as his temps and sugar levels were too low and he wouldnt feed - he looked huge in there - I think that upset me the most being all alone on the post natal ward for a day.
Anyway, enough rambling - please feel free to ask me any questions or worries you have, and I will try to answer them. You will find that you will get a lot better care from the Helath Care Professionals now you are classed as high risk, so make the most of it!!