Post pregnancy/newly diagnosed.

[KirstyRobbie]

hello- this will be a long post, so apologies.

So in 2015 I had gestational diabetes, they suspected type 2 but after 2 years of hba1cs they went back to normal. However in January 2018 my result was 56, and I found out I was pregnant st the same time. I was put straight into contact with the local diabetic team and given insulin to take. I was given metformin also but it made me sick so they stopped it. The plan was after I had my baby I would take metformin and slowly increase he dose over 3 weeks, however the backs of my legs came up in what can be described as a stinging nettle rash, so the gp said to stop taking it. I have my 6 week post natal a check Wednesday so I’ve got my sugars to show the doctor. When I left te maternity hospital 5 weeks ago the diabetic doctor there said my targets should be to keep my sugars below 10? My sugars when on my metformin were controlled better between 3.7-8, since I stopped taking it 3 weeks ago they are between 7&9.4? Is this too high? I’m so dressed and worried as the alternative tablets seem to have sided effects such as weight gain which I really do not want! Yet metformin I’ve heard can bring on early dementia? I’m only 32 and worried. Would lack of sleep and stress from having a baby and toddler make my sugars go high, or am I looking for an excuse? Please help!!

 

[Guzzler]

Hi there, I have never read that Metformin brings on dementia.
May I ask if you are using diet to manage your Diabetes? Your blood glucose levels are a bit high and the fact that you are newly delivered and of course sleep deprived won't be helping in that regard.

 

[KirstyRobbie]

Tonbe honest I’ve had no medical care since I’ve had my baby, I was seen by a diabetes team whilst pregnant, but not anything since, as the team I seen was in a maternity hospital, so now I’ll be seen under my local gp surgery, so I’ve not been given any plan of action or what I need to do next etc? I obviously want to put it into remission and eventually not have to take any medication, but I think it’ll take a while as my lifestyle will be so hectic with a nearly 3 year old and a5 week old.

 

[Guzzler]

Some people just cannot tolerate Metformin, it is as simple as that. No one can force you to take a drug that you have no wish to take. Your GP may decide to offer you a different drug and this may be a good thing until your blood glucose levels fall a bit but remember that this could just be temporary - there is nothing that says a few weeks using drugs has to become permanent. And in the meantime you could adjust your diet to improve your levels too. Nothing is set in stone.

Congratulations on your new arrival.

 

[Resurgam]

I ate low carb for decades before diagnosis - but was harangued about it so often - put onto 'healthy' diets which made me so fat and really ill - right up until I was diagnosed with diabetes. It is really effective in lowering blood glucose and keeping things normal - and it always meant coping with the demands of the children and family life in general so much more easily.
Now I have gone back to work and just did a big exhibition - at the age of 67, so I really recommend getting out your meter and seeing what you can eat and still keep your blood glucose levels in the normal range.
Start by cutting out the dense carbs - bread rice pasta potatoes and most fruits are the usual suspects, eat low carb veges, berries in small amounts with cream as a dessert are usually OK - and meat, fish, shell fish, eggs and cheese are all good.
I was so ill when put on Metformin and statins - if I am ever tempted to try anything high carb these days I only need to think that it might lead to my being forced to take medication again and there is no further problem.