Diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 26 wks w/ Medicaid?

I was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes and already went to the diatician to do the whole low carb/low sugar diet. I prick my finger 4 times a day to monitor my blood sugar. What my question is is: Will my doctor (or most doctors) do follow up tests through the pregnancy (like another ultrasound, amniocentesis, etc) if my blood sugars are controlled? I have Medicaid and now am a high risk pregnancy, will they still cover the extra tests because they only allow one paid ultrasound during a pregnancy- will that change now? Also, if my doctor doesn't feel they are necessary, should I ask for them anyway? I'm very nervous about something being wrong with my baby (as any mother is, but more so now). Any advice would be helpful, and thank you in advance!

Gestational diabetes
Screening and diagnosis

Screening for gestational diabetes is a routine part of prenatal care. Most health care providers recommend a blood test known as a glucose challenge test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy 鈥?or earlier if you're at particularly high risk of gestational diabetes.

You'll begin the glucose challenge test by drinking a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you'll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. A blood sugar level below 130 to 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is usually considered normal on a glucose challenge test, although this may vary at specific clinics or labs. If your blood sugar level is higher than your clinic's threshold, you'll likely need a second test to confirm the diagnosis.

For the follow-up test, you'll be asked to fast overnight. Then you'll drink another sweet solution 鈥?this one containing a higher concentration of glucose 鈥?and your blood sugar level will be checked every hour for a period of three hours. If at least two of the blood sugar readings are higher than normal, you'll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

If you're age 25 or younger and have no risk factors for gestational diabetes, there's some debate about whether gestational diabetes screening is needed. Some health care providers argue that younger women don't need the test. Others say that screening all pregnant women 鈥?no matter their age 鈥?is the best way to catch all cases of gestational diabetes.


When to seek medical advice

Your health care provider will address gestational diabetes as part of your regular prenatal care. If you develop gestational diabetes, you may need more frequent checkups. Checkups are especially important during the last three months of pregnancy, when your health care provider will carefully monitor your blood sugar level.

In addition, your health care provider may refer you to other health professionals who specialize in diabetes management, such as an endocrinologist, a registered dietitian or a diabetes educator. They can help you learn to manage your blood sugar level during your pregnancy. In some cases, your health care provider may refer you to 鈥?or consult with 鈥?a doctor who specializes in high-risk pregnancies.

To make sure that your blood sugar level has returned to normal after your baby is born, your blood sugar will be checked often after delivery and again in six weeks. Once you've had gestational diabetes, it's a good idea to have your blood sugar level tested at least once a year.

i had that to, just keep your blood sugar under control. you don;t want your baby to have it, or your baby will be real big.your doctor sounds like he has it under control.

Medicaid will pay for the extra tests if prescribed by your doctor, don't worry. Gestational diebetes is actually quite commom also. I have several friend who get it everytime they're pregnant. They watch their diet, check their glucose levels, and all have beautiful, healthy children!!

i believe they follow through with it all but you can ask to be on the safe side. its very safe and you can be asured if you watch what you are doing the baby will be fine. you need to know that when you are older you will be diabetic that is also what this means so you need to relize when you are not pg again to watch diet and lose weight and be careful with sugar so it can be long time you are there to use the meds or shots.