Preparing for an appointment

You'll likely find out you have gestational diabetes from routine screening during your pregnancy. Your doctor may refer you to additional health professionals who specialize in diabetes, 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.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor or other health professional.

What you can do

• Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, ask if you need to fast for lab tests or do anything else to prepare for diagnostic tests.
• Write down symptoms you're having, including those that may seem unrelated to gestational diabetes. You may not have noticeable symptoms, but it's good to keep a log of anything unusual you notice.
• Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins or supplements you're taking.
• Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

Questions to ask your doctor

Make a list of questions to help make the most of your time with your doctor. For gestational diabetes, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What can I do to help control my condition?
• Can you recommend a dietitian or diabetes educator who can help me plan meals, an exercise program and coping strategies?
• Will I need medication to control my blood sugar?
• What symptoms should prompt me to seek medical attention?
• Are there brochures or other printed materials I can take? What websites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is also likely to have questions for you, especially if you're seeing him or her for the first time. Your doctor may ask:

• Have you experienced increased thirst or excessive urination? If so, when did these symptoms start? How often do you have them?
• Have you noticed other unusual symptoms?
• Do you have a parent or sibling who's ever been diagnosed with diabetes?
• Have you been pregnant before? Did you have gestational diabetes during your previous pregnancies?
• Did you have other problems in earlier pregnancies?
• If you have other children, how much did each weigh at birth?