[Luv_My_Reece]

Several members of my family have heart disease and diabetes. As of right this second I am not overweight, but I certaintly don't eat right and I can never find time for exercise. I work and go to school and I'm pregnant. I am only 17 and I've spent a good part of my life so far worrying about getting one or both of these conditions. Am I doomed to end up with them or can I prevent them somehow? I don't want my kids to spend their childhood worrying about me like I did worrying about my parents. What can I do to keep these diseases away from me and my baby? Also, do I have a higher chance of developing diabetes while I am pregnant since my dad and other relatives have it?

[31pumpkin]

Ok Luv My Reese -

True, heredity is a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes(diabetes while pregnant) but so is obesity, age greater than 25, & personal history of diabetes during a pregnancy.
You should speak to your obstetrician regarding your concerns. I think if you've had a baseline glucose before the pregnancy & it was normal, then at about 20 -24 weeks. They can check your glucose. It has something to do with the hormones of pregnancy (to test at 24 weeks or so)
Also, you didn't say if heart disease in your family members was contributed by the diabetes or not. Heart disease USUALLY is more apparent in people over 40. Unless you have another risk factor such as high blood pressure.
I'm not a Dr. but I can tell you that if you eat healthy(u should be anyway, u are pregnant!) Keep a normal weight (after the pregnancy of course) Do not smoke, & get enough exercise... your risk factors go down & you should be fine.
Many health problems including type 2 diabetes & heart disease come from being too overweight!

[s_cianci]

Having a family history of diabetes and heart disease is always a risk factor for having it yourself. It doesn't mean you're doomed, just that your chances are greater than for someone without a family history of these diseases. Watch your diet and weight and have yourself checked yearly. And yes, gestational diabetes is a real possibility. Has your ob/gyn been monitoring your blood sugar levels? (S)he should be. Inform him/her that you have a family history of diabetes. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes you'll have to take precautions for your protection and that of your baby.