Gestational diabetes

I'm slightly concerned with developing Gestational diabetes during my pregnancy.  While my urine tests have been clear, I have Diabetes running in the family as well as a few other  symptoms that are associated with GD.  I am concerned that they do not routinely test for GD here in the UK.  In the US everyone I know is tested.  Did anyone have the test done?  Did you have to ask to get it?  Thank you.

Having diabetes in the family has no bearing on developing gestational diabetes.  The urine test is sufficient, b/c if there's a problem w/the urine they'll refer you for the GD test.  But you could always pay for it privately if concerned.

All the sites I have looked at actually say it is a factor.

I have private insurance, maybe I'll ask to do it through that.  Hmm, maybe I should ask my mid-wife first though.

I'd check with your midwife - she may be monitoring you for it through your weight and water gain.

All the sites I have looked at actually say it is a factor.

Oh well!  I never looked at sites.  I've got a blue streak of it on my dad's side.  But I never had it myself. 

Yeah, but all means get it checked out if it concerns you.

My family has diabetes, I do not,when the consultant I saw heard this, he had them schedule a GD test for me.  I have not had gestational diabetes with my two previous pregnancies, nor do I have it in the pregnancy.  I would ask my midwife or GP if you are concerned.

I'd talk to the doctor about it, because as far as I know the urine test isn't for that-they wouldn't do the blood screen on everyone if the urine test showed it.

Talk to your midwife Stacey.  I thought they checked for that in the urine test and the routine blood test at 13 weeks is definitely for that - the one where they make your drink a glucose drink first - but after that I think they leave it up to you to tell them of any symptoms although I would have thought the midwife would be asking you lots of pertinent questions as there is a family history.

Thank you ladies.  I had this test done this summer actually for a different reason (When I was not pregnant)  I'm pretty sure I failed (Not in the same way) maybe I should call my other Dr about it as well and ask him?

I appreciate all of your feedback, I'll let you know what happens.

All the sites I have looked at actually say it is a factor.

I have private insurance, maybe I'll ask to do it through that.  Hmm, maybe I should ask my mid-wife first though.

if you have private healthcare, you should definately push for it. it will put your mind at ease.

As soon as I hear back from my midwife I'll see if I have too.  I'm hoping I don't.

Stacey have you not been scheduled for a glucose intolerance test? I have always had them.
Also they are always concerned with GB because I have such big babies.

Urine tests do screen for sugar in your wee as far as I'm aware. I'm sure your midwife is on top of things as GD is not something they want to go untreated. I was referred for the GTT at about 28 weeks as routine because of my weight and age. You go in after 12 hours fasting, they take blood, you drink a nasty drink, and 2 hours later they take more blood. I got my results the next day and was fine. Other symptoms of GD are excessive weeing and excessive thirst - just like normal diabetes.

Let us know what your midwife says!

Stacey have you not been scheduled for a glucose intolerance test? I have always had them.
Also they are always concerned with GB because I have such big babies.

Nope, my GP said they don't do them unless necessary.  But how do they know?  They didn't ask me?

Urine tests do screen for sugar in your wee as far as I'm aware. I'm sure your midwife is on top of things as GD is not something they want to go untreated. I was referred for the GTT at about 28 weeks as routine because of my weight and age. You go in after 12 hours fasting, they take blood, you drink a nasty drink, and 2 hours later they take more blood. I got my results the next day and was fine. Other symptoms of GD are excessive weeing and excessive thirst - just like normal diabetes.

Let us know what your midwife says!

I had the test this summer actually when they found I had PCOS, I felt so weak afterwards!  I think I failed it, but not for GD obviously.  I do have excessive thirst and wee way too often!

I just remembered something - they DO check sugar levels in the urine test, I just remembered one time the midwife said mine was a bit high and if it got higher she would want more tests done.  I didn't tell her I ate a whole packet of chocolate biscuits before my appointment!