What will happen Next?
If you've failed the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) during pregnancy, it could indicate gestational diabetes. Here's a overview of what next steps generally look like:
Confirmation and Diagnosis: If your initial GTT indicates elevated blood sugar levels, your healthcare provider will likely perform additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. This may involve a follow-up glucose tolerance test or other blood sugar monitoring.
Meeting with Healthcare Providers: Once you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your healthcare provider, usually an obstetrician or a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, will explain the diagnosis to you. Additionally, you might be referred to other healthcare professionals who specialize in diabetes management and will provide educational materials and information about managing gestational diabetes:
Registered Dietitian: You'll likely meet with a registered dietitian who will provide guidance on dietary changes to help manage your blood sugar levels. They will work with you to develop a personalized meal plan that helps control your blood sugar levels while ensuring you and your baby are receiving proper nutrition.
Diabetes Educator: In some cases, you might work with a diabetes educator who will provide education on blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration (if needed), and lifestyle changes.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: You'll be instructed on how to monitor your blood sugar levels using a glucose meter. You'll likely need to test your blood sugar multiple times a day usually. Your healthcare team will also instruct you in the target ranges that they want your glucose numbers to be in.
Regular Medical Appointments: You'll have regular medical appointments with your obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. During these appointments, they will monitor your health and the health of your baby, review your blood sugar logs, and adjust your treatment plan if necessary. During these weekly or bimonthly appointments you will probably discuss:
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: You'll receive recommendations for dietary modifications and lifestyle changes to help control your blood sugar levels. This might involve adjustments to your carbohydrate intake, meal timing, and exercise routine.
Possible Medication or Insulin: In some cases, dietary and lifestyle changes might not be sufficient to control your blood sugar levels. Your healthcare provider might prescribe medication or insulin injections to help manage your gestational diabetes.
Fetal Monitoring: Depending on your situation, your healthcare provider might recommend additional fetal monitoring, such as ultrasounds, non-stress tests, or biophysical profiles, to ensure the well-being of your baby.
Regular Checkups and Ultrasounds: You'll continue to have routine prenatal checkups and ultrasounds to monitor the growth and development of your baby.
Labor and Delivery Planning: Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a plan for labor and delivery. They might consider inducing labor or scheduling a cesarean section if there are concerns about your blood sugar levels or your baby's well-being.
Postpartum Monitoring: After giving birth, your healthcare team will continue to monitor your blood sugar levels to ensure they return to normal. You'll likely have a postpartum glucose tolerance test to confirm whether you still have diabetes or if it was specific to pregnancy.
Keep in mind that your actual experience may vary based on your specific circumstances and healthcare provider. It's important to follow the guidance of your healthcare team for personalized advice.
Remember that each pregnancy is unique, and your healthcare team will tailor your care plan to your individual needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to communicate with your healthcare provider.