![\"Genevieve](\"https:\/\/lamesacourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/cutout_genevieve_suzuki.png\")
<\/a>But then I took the horrid mandated follow-up test\u2014 they made me drink something that tasted suspiciously like orange Fanta that had been open in the fridge for a few days before taking a vial of blood every hour for three hours \u2014 and was formally diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the bane of any lady having a baby.<\/p>\n
Having gestational diabetes is a huge bummer when you\u2019re pregnant. While other pregnant mamas were lounging around eating ice cream, I was on a limited diet, mindfully watching carbs and walking at least 30 minutes a day. I was put off, but then I gave birth to Quinn and magically the diabetes went away, allowing me to consume the vat of chocolate pudding Kaiser offered upon seeing my blood sugar return to normal levels.<\/p>\n
Six years later, I was pregnant with my son and again diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This time, however, I couldn\u2019t control my glucose levels so I was given oral medication. One would think that would mean I would straighten up and fly right, but no, I veered to the left and ate donuts, chocolate cake and cookies as though I had a teenager\u2019s metabolism.<\/p>\n
No surprise then that after giving birth I was diagnosed with prediabetes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is this \u2018prediabetes\u2019 nonsense?\u201d I thought. \u201cWhat does this mean? And why is Kaiser recommending I attend a class on it in La Mesa? And where\u2019s the vat of chocolate pudding from last time around?\u201d<\/p>\n
Apparently there are a lot of risk factors for developing prediabetes: You could be 45. You could be overweight. You could be Asian or African American or Hispanic\/Latino or anything not Caucasian. You could have it in your family history. You could be physically inactive. And you could have had gestational diabetes.<\/p>\n
At the time of diagnosis, I had at least five of the six, unlike any time I\u2019ve played Powerball.<\/p>\n
As I sat in the prediabetes class, I noticed I was younger than most of my classmates. I envied them for having sugary treats for decades longer than me, for indulging in the breadsticks at Olive Garden more than I will ever be able to, and for being retired and having more time to deal with avoiding Type 2 diabetes, the dreaded follow-up to prediabetes that goes unchecked.<\/p>\n
But I also realized I could turn things around. I don\u2019t have to develop Type 2 diabetes at 40. According to the American Diabetes Association, losing 7 percent of your body weight, if you\u2019re overweight, can return glucose levels to normal.<\/p>\n
And while I can\u2019t change age, ethnic heritage or family history, I can certainly lose weight and get active at least five days a week for 30 minutes a day.<\/p>\n
So yeah, while diabetes still sucks, prediabetes may just be the kick in the pants I needed to make real change.<\/p>\n