Gestational Diabetes Check in

Rrrrrachel

I thought we'd give this a shot and see if it took off or not.  I'll try to post it every Monday.

1. When did you get your diagnosis?

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds?

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us?

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control?

Rrrrrachel

1. When did you get your diagnosis?
I was just diagnosed about two weeks ago at around 26 weeks.  Failed my one hour and 3 hour in rapid succession

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds?
Right now I'm diet controlled and hoping it stays that way.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us?
I'm eating a lot of beans for my carbs, trying to stay low on the glycemic index with my carbs, and trying to walk 40 minutes - an hour every day.

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control?
I'm feeling better than I was.  I'm worried about my fasting numbers.  They are supposed to be under 95 and so far they hover in the low 90's and a few have been over.  I met with the midwife for the first time today and as long as 50% of them are under they won't put me on meds (and risk me out of their practice), which I don't feel like is a sure thing but is a good goal to work towards.  I feel like I'm doing everything I can for my fasting numbers and I just have to be prepared to roll with whatever happens at this point.

They also told me that as long as everything looks well controlled I could go as late as 41 weeks before I deliver which made me feel better.  I would like to avoid chemical induction (and the hospital) if at all possible, although obviously I will do whatever is best for baby.

sweetmelissa0707

I'll bite:)
1.Diagnosed at 27 weeks

2. Currently diet controlled

3. I'm following the carb allocations loosely, and making sure to eat my snacks. But I haven't found a trigger food per se. I don't use artificial sweeteners, so the menu options I was given are basically useless. I'm watching portions of things that I would expect to spike my numbers. I'm eating what I normally would, without going overboard.

4. I'm okay with it for the most part, annoyed as it is my first official diagnosis out of my three pregnancies. I hate finger sticks and flinch every time I have to press the button.

Laroo0220

Wow that was quick! Thanks for starting this!

1: when did u get your diagnoses?
I actually passed my 3 hr a week and a half ago, but was such a borderline pass that when I went back for my 30 wk this past Friday the dr diagnosed me with GD.

2: diet controlled or meds?
I have not started monitoring yet since I have my class Thursday. I will get my supplies to start testing then and hopefully be able to control it with diet. We will see though.

3: tricks?
None yet since I have not started testing.

4: how are you doing?
I kind of go in waves. I took it ok when my dr told me since I kind of expected she would say this, but have had 2 meltdowns about it this weekend. Mostly I'm concerned about my dr pushing induction now which I really really do not want. I'm planning a water birth at the hospital and know that if I need to be induced that is out the window and I'm not sure I will be able to do it epidural free then. Also I have concerns about this not going away after and increasing my risk for diabetes later in life. Mostly I'm just frustrated bc I'm not overweight and always eat healthy and exercise. It doesn't seem fair but I guess there isn't anything I can do about it.

bootsiebabe

1. When did you get your diagnosis? A little over two weeks ago at about 27 weeks.  

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? Diet controlled for now.  

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us? My snacks usually consist of a low carb item like cheese or nuts and then something that has some carbs, like an orange or a pear.  Having more fruit is helping me stay sane and not feel like I'm missing out on good and healthy food.  

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? Well, my fasting numbers are consistently at or above where they should be.  I'm worried that they will recommend meds at my next appointment.  I've come to terms with the diagnosis and the high likelihood of induction at 39 weeks and am totally okay with both.  It is hard saying no to my favorite desserts, though

DaisyJanie

Oh yay, people to come join me!

1. When did you get your diagnosis? 17 weeks! I was tested early because I had it in my last pregnancy.

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? Diet controlled

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us? Whole wheat anything is my best friend. I try not to live on artificial sweeteners but Splenda is nice when I really get a sweet tooth and want to bake something (with whole wheat flour, of course!). Apple and peanut butter is my usual afternoon snack, I think I've gone through 3 jars of PB just at work in the last couple months.

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? Fine. I was a little worried when I got diagnosed so early - my midwives were worried that I perhaps had undiagnosed Type II. But they sent me to a high risk guy and he did an A1C and looked at my numbers, and he's pretty convinced that it's just gestational, and not even that serious of a case, for now. The monitoring has definitely gotten old, but it's reassuring to get generally good numbers.

DaisyJanie

Rrrrrachel said:

1. When did you get your diagnosis?
I was just diagnosed about two weeks ago at around 26 weeks.  Failed my one hour and 3 hour in rapid succession

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds?
Right now I'm diet controlled and hoping it stays that way.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us?
I'm eating a lot of beans for my carbs, trying to stay low on the glycemic index with my carbs, and trying to walk 40 minutes - an hour every day.

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control?
I'm feeling better than I was.  I'm worried about my fasting numbers.  They are supposed to be under 95 and so far they hover in the low 90's and a few have been over.  I met with the midwife for the first time today and as long as 50% of them are under they won't put me on meds (and risk me out of their practice), which I don't feel like is a sure thing but is a good goal to work towards.  I feel like I'm doing everything I can for my fasting numbers and I just have to be prepared to roll with whatever happens at this point.

They also told me that as long as everything looks well controlled I could go as late as 41 weeks before I deliver which made me feel better.  I would like to avoid chemical induction (and the hospital) if at all possible, although obviously I will do whatever is best for baby.

Have you found that your evening snack (dessert) affects your morning numbers? With my last pregnancy I found that, surprisingly, having a small bowl of ice cream in the evening was better for my numbers than no snack at all. Good luck! I had my son at 40 weeks, 5 days at a birth center - no induction necessary!

christinanoelle

1. When did you get your diagnosis? I received thew news at 26 weeks so it is a little over three weeks that I have been dealing with GD. 

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? The first week my fasting numbers were always higher than they should have been so I met with the doctor and nutritionist and they prescribed insulin. My numbers during the day are all controlled so I take the insulin once a day at night right before bed.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us?

I try to snack every 2-3 hours so I don't get overly hungry. I also try to balance out my snacks so I don't feel like I'm missing out. For example, greek yogurty with granola, crackers and cheese etc. 

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control?

It was really hard to get the news especially since I've has such an easy pregnancy this far. I wasn't expecting it. The insulin injections were also hard at the beginning and I still feel constantly stressed before checking my blood but it is getting better.

aronie82 I go back and forth craving sweet and salty! I told my DH I want a care package after I give birth with twix, doritos, and champagne lol I try to curb my sweet tooth with sugar free Jell-O. I found a rasberry one with 0 grams of carbs and the chocolate Jell-O pudding I found has 12 (which is within my allotted snack amount)

Thanks for starting this Rrrrrachel I think we could all use some ideas and support  

christinanoelle

Rrrrrachel said:

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us?
I'm eating a lot of beans for my carbs, trying to stay low on the glycemic index with my carbs, and trying to walk 40 minutes - an hour every day.

I made a delicious crock pot chili with beef and beans that was very satisfying and filling and kept my numbers down. I made a big batch and froze it for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

bootsiebabe

@noa618 - my fasting numbers are supposed to be under 90, but during the day 130 and below.  120 is pretty strict, I think!

SoulTermination

1. When did you get your diagnosis? Just a couple of days ago, whee. =/

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? Not sure yet, OB wants me to have an A1C and she recommended me to a nutritionist, which I'm freaking out about because I have no idea if our insurance covers that kind of thing.  Hoping to be diet-controlled or maybe on metformin or something, rather than insulin. x.x

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us? Right now I'm trying to reduce my intake of carbs and sugars, pairing carbs with protein and fiber, hoping to be able to control it with diet.  No tricks just yet, hopefully I pick some up along the way!

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? As I said above, freaking out about the nutritionist thing.  I was hoping my OB's office could tell me if they wanted me to try to control with diet or meds, but evidently not.  If our insurance doesn't cover a nutritionist, I have no idea how we'll afford the out-of-pocket cost for that.  Combined with already tight money from having just moved... I want to cry. T_T

ETA: For all those who have high fasting numbers, are you eating a small carb and protein snack before bed?  A friend of mine has had GD with her last two pregnancies and she said that her fasting numbers in the morning were always high until she started doing that because her blood sugar was dropping too low at night so her body started dumping sugar.  Maybe it'll help? *huggle*

Rrrrrachel

@sweetmelissa0707 this is my second pregnancy and I didn't have it the first time. Somehow that does make it extra annoying. The best news I got today is that I only have to test twice a day, now!

@laroo0220 avoiding induction is a big concern of mine, too. I'm trying to avoid the hospital altogether! I know if that's what it is then that's what it is, but that was definitely my biggest disappointment about being diagnosed. Unfortunately gd isn't caused by unhealthy lifestyles or weight, so a wide variety of women can get it! Hopefully your healthy lifestyle will help you control it without meds and avoid an induction.

@bootsiebabe fasting blood glucose is the devil.

@daisyjanie I've tried a lot of different snacks. I tried ice cream and peanuts (which a lot of women swear by) and peanut butter toast (with low glycemic Ezekiel bread if you're familiar with that) and even no bed time snack (don't tell). Nothing seems to make much difference. I think my glucometer might be a random number generator before 8 am. Tonight I am going to try some almonds. Nice to hear a gd/birth center success story

@nao618 I am supposed to be under 95 fasting and 130 at an hour. There is variation between different doctors. My sister has to be under 90 fasting and 120 at an hour, and she also has less margin for error before she gets meds.

I just read an article talking about how exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months drastically reduces the risk of type 2/obesity in both mom and baby when mom has gd. It reduces the risk of type 2 for mom by 80 some percent and basically negates the increased risk of obesity for baby. That made me feel a lot better

@soultermination the fasting sugar and snack thing is hard. The snack makes a big difference for some women and not others. For me, I don't think my sugar gets too low at night I think I'm high just because of the rise in hormones that naturally occurs in the morning to help wake you up, as well as the extra pregnancy hormones you get overnight.

sftbllprncezz31

1. When did you get your diagnosis? Last Thursday at a little over 26 weeks

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? I haven't really started monitoring yet. My appointment regarding it is on Thursday. I am trying to work on eating healthier and cutting out sugars until I know exactly what I need to do.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers? Any tricks you can give us? Not yet.

4. How are you doing? How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? I was pretty upset about it, but I have come to the conclusion that it is what it is and I just need to really work at keeping my blood sugar numbers down and I will do whatever it takes to make sure I have a healthy baby girl.

Rrrrrachel

@sascott520 I got something similar from my nutritionist,but FYI I can't eat anywhere near that many carbs and still have reasonable blood sugar after meals. Ymmv

bootsiebabe

@sascott520 and @rrrrachel - ditto, especially in the morning.  Seems like I have to keep breakfast around about 20 or I'm over.  

Rrrrrachel

I can look it up. I sent it to my sister so I should be able to find it. FYI you didn't CAUSE this by eating too many sweets. It's just the way some women's bodies react to the hormones of pregnancy. If you look around at other forums there are lots of women who eat paleo or other low carb lifestyles and still get it.

manders803

1) I was diagnosed super early because of a family history. I feel like it's been the whole time but who can remember.

2) I am on insulin 4 times a day. I can literally eat the same thing every day and be fine one day and not the next...

3) I wish I knew! Whole wheat and being mindful. There is a special pasta (dream field) that is carb friendly and I've had success with.

4) I vary with how I'm doing. Okay most the time but I also go through angry and lots of worry. Frustrated about the lack of control.

I love this check in btw:)

SoulTermination

Rrrrrachel said: @soultermination the fasting sugar and snack thing is hard. The snack makes a big difference for some women and not others. For me, I don't think my sugar gets too low at night I think I'm high just because of the rise in hormones that naturally occurs in the morning to help wake you up, as well as the extra pregnancy hormones you get overnight.

Ahhhh, I see.  I was attributing my high fasting levels before my 3-hour test to not having been able to have anything for 12 hours, heh.  Got some learning to do, methinks!  

Rrrrrachel

This is the article. It links tha actual studies, too.

https://diabetesstopshere.org/2012/08/28/breastfeeding-and-diabetes-whats-the-connection/

@mander803 I feel your pain!  I have the exact same thing for breakfast every day. Yesterday? 107. Today?  127. Wtf. 

mooncusp22

1. When did you get your diagnosis? Around 12 weeks ( was tested early due to family history)

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? Started diet controlled, that lasted a few weeks, now on insulin shots (lunch, dinner & nighttime). Have been having to increase insulin every few weeks.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us? Exercise, lots of water, make sure to have a protein with every meal/snack

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? I check my blood 4x a day, morning & post breakfast I am always perfect. Lunch I was fine but have recently been having troubles so we added insulin to lunch, dinners have been fine since adding insulin. My A1C's have been in the normal range.

**I've been under diabetic care since 12 weeks. I just had an appt the other day and also could not understand how my numbers are up and down even with the same meals. It's all our HORMONES! They make our bodies wacky. And every few weeks those hormones increase making it harder on the GD. I keep having to add more insulin even though my meals are the same. 

manders803

@mooncusp
My dr said it's harder to control from here on out. So yay for ever increasing insulin I suppose. I just want to carry this baby as long as possible and for her to be okay!

christinanoelle

I've been on insulin for 2 weeks and have already had to increase it my doctor also told me it can only get worse with the increase in hormones wtf @Least she is being realistic lol

ccollins06

Thanks for posting:)

I was diagnosed the end of last week at 28 weeks.

Diet controlled for now. I met with the nutritionist and got my meter Friday, but quickly ran out of the starter supplies. Just waiting on shipment from the med suppliers so I can start testing consistently.

No tips just yet, still getting in the groove of it all.

I have accepted the diagnosis, but still searching for a reason. I started the pregnancy at a healthy weight, am currently within the recommended guidelines, and considered myself a healthy eater. I know anyone can get it, but I can't help but feel guilty about imposing these risks on our son.

Also, I was hoping for a med-free hospital birth and I'm feeling worried that I'll be pressured into an induction. Looking forward to discussing this with my OB at my next appointment.

Dr Quarters

I guess I'm in this club too I just got the call. The specialist will call me to set up my appointment. I honestly kind of thought this was coming so I'm not completely shocked but I still just feel sick. I'm so glad that even though I have it that there is a good support group going here!

Medic99

I was just diagnosed on Friday. Having a hard time dealing and accepting it. I just got my meter today so I have not started yet. I am diet controlled as of now. I failed by 2 points on one draw and 16 points on another. I am meeting with the Dietician this Friday as well as having a level II ultrasound done.

AbbyPug19

I was just diagnosed with GD last week. I'm starting insulin tonight and I haven't seen my nutritionist yet. Since I had this last pregnancy I wasn't shocked with the news lol. Anyways, I think a weekly check in is a great idea, thanks for starting it!

horae4me

1. When did you get your diagnosis? At the very beginning. I had it with my last pregnancy so pretty early on I did the glucose tests. 2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? This time around my doctor put me on glyburide. (Pill form). Last time I was on insulin and that was so much more work! This time I only need to take the pill at bedtime. Much more manageable! My fasting numbers are the big battle and it is helping so much more than the insulin ever did. I am so thankful! 3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers? Any tricks you can give us? Diet controls most of my numbers throughout the day. My breakfast is almost always an Atkins Shake. They're pricey, by the only thing I have found that is low carb enough for me in the morning. I can't stomach eggs very often, otherwise that would be my next choice. I have also found these great wraps for my lunch. They are low carb (Joseph's or something like that). I usually have chicken salad wrap or something if that variety for lunch. I have been great so far and hoping to keep it up. 4. How are you doing? How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? I am doing so much better with it this time around. Last time it was so overwhelming. I eat healthy, but there were so many things I couldn't have or had to limit (milk, whole wheat bread! beans or corn or any starchy veggies). It got frustrating. But this time I know what works for me. Plus I don't have to do insulin injections throughout the day. Major bonus! Hang in here everyone. Once you find out what works for your numbers, stick with it (I eat the same thing everyday -except dinner- because I know it works)

lilmama412

Haven't officially been diagnosed yet, but am freaking out. I switched OBs and have only had 2 appointments with my new one. At my last appointment on Friday they asked if I just wanted to take the GD test today since I was already there and I wouldn't have to come back. I said sure. When the doc came in, he mentioned that I was 28+1 weeks. I was thinking about how I needed to get to work and that comment just slipped by me until I got to work, and I was like "he said I was 28+1 that's not right I'm 29+4." Over a week different. I just thought "oh well I'll clarify with him after my next appointment". Well I got the call today at 30 weeks exactly that my 1 hour test came back high and I need to come back for the 3 hour test. Well now I am freaking out because I have been eating healthy this whole pregnancy, but have been off work a lot for snow days these past couple weeks and have been eating a ton of junk in the house, since we have been cooped up here. Lots of sweets and other crap I don't normally eat. I see that most of you got your diagnosis several weeks ago, which means I could have had this for a while and been doing a lot of harm to the baby for several weeks! What should I be doing from now until I take my 3 hour test to ensure I keep baby healthy?? I passed with flying colors last pregnancy, so this is all new to me!

Rrrrrachel

@lilmama412 don't make yourself crazy. Try to get some exercise every day and eat sensibly.

JuneDay2913

I have been diagnosed since 16 weeks and it has been controlled by diet and exercise. My fingers are hurting from the 4 times a day of checking my levels. Love this thread idea  

SoulTermination

OB referred me to a nutritionist - I'd been hoping she wouldn't, since I had no idea if our insurance would cover it, or what we'd do if it didn't.  Spent the afternoon freaking out, searching and searching on the internet trying to figure out if they did, and crying everywhere because I couldn't get it figured out.  DH talked to a co-worker who had to see a nutritionist and apparently she said it was at least partly covered because it was medical, so that helped me calm down a bit.  A1C on Thursday to see just how long I've been this way (if I've had diabetes for some time and not known it, I'm going to flip my shit...), so that'll make five blood draws in a week.  Just call me Blood Bag or something, jeez. 

Momof8inSC

1. When did you get your diagnosis?
18 weeks (I have PCOS and pg w twins- they said it was inevitable. I started checking BS and brought to MFM where I was DX immediately. No test.)

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds?
My diet is actually great. The twins and something to do w both placentas caused it from what MFM said. I was working out 6x/wk before pregnancy and eat clean/whole and no grain.
I am on Metformin and insulin twice a day.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers? Any tricks you can give us?
Low carb. Grain free.

4. How are you doing? How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control?
Control is great. DH is a juvenile diabetic so I have a huge advantage to my care just from him alone.

thejewelster

1. Diagnosed a few weeks ago
2. On a controlled diet kind of. It's not really far off my usual so it's been okay for me. Having trouble staying up for the so-called bedtime snack though so I am hoping I can drop that!
3. My numbers over my first weekend testing were all in range without much effort. I am one of the luckier ones I think. My doc believes that my test/lab results were wrong but it's good to go through the motions until they let me stop testing. It's a good an positive experience though.
4. Just eating more often/more regularly for me

Rrrrrachel

How many weeks are you, @thejewelster? I know for some women they do awesome at first and then all of a sudden the hormones kick in and they start having trouble. There are certainly false positives, too, though. Hopefully you have the latter not the former!

boxerbabylove

1. When did you get your diagnosis? Technically I got the diagnosis last Wednesday. Seems when your borderline they error on the side of caution and diagnose you with GD

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? I haven't actually seen the doctor yet so for now I'm just doing diet.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us? not sure yet. at this point I am just upping my protein and cutting out the carbs where I can. I was already doing these things but I'm trying to keep a closer eye on them now. I guess I'll know more once I meet with the nutritionist next week.

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? To be honest I'm irritated, frustrated, and I have a big old heaping of guilt. I'm overweight and it seems all my doctors kind of expected this to happen. now that it did they all seem vindicated in their judgments about me. I know that GD affects a lot of people we aren't overweight but it seems like the doctors assume you'll have GD if you started your pregnancy overweight and there really feels like judgment from the medical community there that I haven't seen towards my friends who aren't overweight when they get diagnosed with GD.

 

ETA to add questions:

have any of you read the study that vitamin D deficiencies before and/or during pregnancy increases your risk of GD? They also say that adding Vitamin D can help keep your GD under control once diagnosed?

https://www.dsm.com/campaigns/talkingnutrition/en_US/talkingnutrition-dsm-com/2013/10/vitamin-D-gestational-diabetes-RCT.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23954530

Do any of you have a reduced activity requirement? I have SPD and walking is really hard and standing for more than 30 minutes is out. I'm not sure how to exercise if I can barely walk or put my shoes on without crying in pain.

Laroo0220

Melody*W* said:

Hi friends!  I was so jelly about your super fun club, I had to join! 

Actually, I just failed my GD test in a blaze of glory this morning.  I didn't even get far enough to drink the dreaded orange drink   They tested my fasting blood glucose levels, with the cut-off being 92...and I had a 116. 

I meet with my doc tomorrow tomorrow, hopefully I can manage with diet alone (wishful thinking, I know).

I hadn't realized just how much GD increased the risk for induction.  I have my heart set on a water birth, so I am taking this very seriously (as we all are, obviously).  Ugh, excuse me while I go stomp around my house like a T-Rex

I'm surprised they didn't have you continue with the test. My dr told me I could have 1 number out of range but 2 would mean a fail and even if I failed the first 2 they would make me keep going to see what happened with my #s. Well at least you didn't have to drink the icky drink. Welcome to our super exclusive club

Rrrrrachel

I had read about the vit d thing. I have been deficient in both pregnancies and now I take massive amounts.

fourthnlast

1. When did you get your diagnosis? Diagnosed as Type 1 in October

2. Are you diet controlled or are you on meds? Meds. Insulin at all meals and snacks and a huge dose at bedtime.

3. What's helping you control your blood glucose numbers?  Any tricks you can give us? If I don't eat anything at night, it's pretty much guaranteed I'll have a high fasting # in the morning. My goals from the Endocrinologist are under 90 for fasting and between 90-120 after meals. Any time I eat carbs, I pair it with a protein source.

4. How are you doing?  How are you feeling about your diagnosis/treatment plan/blood sugar control? I hate it. I'm interested to see what happens after delivery. My Endocrinologist is pretty optimistic that I'll be able to reduce my insulin injections from 8 times per day to maybe only 1-2 times per day using a long acting insulin. I hope so!

bootsiebabe

Last night right before bed I had 1/2 c. of chocolate peanut butter ice cream, and my fasting numbers were on point this morning for the first time in over a week.  Test to be continued...

sweetmelissa0707

@bootsiebabe, I find ice cream or even a chobani (I'm sure other Greek yogurt would be fine,too) helps my fasting numbers. But that number has only been high for me once. It was a night when I skipped dinner and had only a light snack.

sweetmelissa0707

Ladies, what's your "feel like shit" number? I'm sometimes in the seventies at my two hour post meal check, and I always know it will be low because I feel heinous. Lunch and dinner allows me 30-45 grams of carbs, I feel like I could probably go higher than that though.