Gestational Diabetes Check in

christinanoelle

bootsiebabe for the last 3 days my fasting numbers have been high. They were fine for the past three weeks and just started increasing. I've had to increase the amount of insulin I take by 2 units every night. However, I met with my endocrinologist this morning and she was not overly concerned. She said after 28 weeks many women with GD see a spike in their blood sugar levels due to an increase in hormones. I've tried different snacks, no snacks, eating early, eating late and nothing seems to work for me It's frustrating but was also good to hear that they were not too concerned. If you're really bothered by it I would speak with your doctor. 

Laroo0220

I have to get cavities filled tonight and am worried that I will still be numb when I should be eating dinner. Anyone have a good smoothie recipe that does not make their numbers wacky?

newter135

Laroo0220 said:

I have to get cavities filled tonight and am worried that I will still be numb when I should be eating dinner. Anyone have a good smoothie recipe that does not make their numbers wacky?

I do one that is 1 cup plain non fat Greek yogurt (according to my diabetic counselor really important to only do plain Greek yogurt as the flavored ones basically have syrup and jelly in them), 1 cup of raspberries, a small banana or half of a large banana, 1/2-3/4 of a cup of water (instead of using juice like I used to) and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds . I have this a number of times and my numbers have been under 90 when I test afterwards

DanaD1480

I was diagnosed at 12 weeks and I am up to 22 units of insulin in the morning and 26 at bedtime. The trouble is my numbers are so all over the place. Yesterday they were great and never went over my 135 limit after one hour of eating. Today my fasting number was 63, one hour after breakfast was 152 and one hour after lunch was 179 and I ate my usual (egg and greek yogurt for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken and cheese for lunch - I did go out to lunch so the dressing could have been a factor but I still don't usually see numbers that high). I know when my high risk dr. sees these numbers she is going to increase the insulin by a lot but then if I have another good day I end up going WAY too low. I have been known to wake up in the 40s and that is scary! This is so frustrating!!! 10 weeks to go......

Rrrrrachel

Wow that is frustrating. I would cry if I saw numbers like that after those meals!!

fourthnlast

DanaD1480 said:

I was diagnosed at 12 weeks and I am up to 22 units of insulin in the morning and 26 at bedtime. The trouble is my numbers are so all over the place. Yesterday they were great and never went over my 135 limit after one hour of eating. Today my fasting number was 63, one hour after breakfast was 152 and one hour after lunch was 179 and I ate my usual (egg and greek yogurt for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken and cheese for lunch - I did go out to lunch so the dressing could have been a factor but I still don't usually see numbers that high). I know when my high risk dr. sees these numbers she is going to increase the insulin by a lot but then if I have another good day I end up going WAY too low. I have been known to wake up in the 40s and that is scary! This is so frustrating!!! 10 weeks to go......

Seems to be the story of my life lately. Even with doubling my insulin levels, I can't get them down to normal anymore.

DanaD1480

fourthnlast said:

DanaD1480 said:

I was diagnosed at 12 weeks and I am up to 22 units of insulin in the morning and 26 at bedtime. The trouble is my numbers are so all over the place. Yesterday they were great and never went over my 135 limit after one hour of eating. Today my fasting number was 63, one hour after breakfast was 152 and one hour after lunch was 179 and I ate my usual (egg and greek yogurt for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken and cheese for lunch - I did go out to lunch so the dressing could have been a factor but I still don't usually see numbers that high). I know when my high risk dr. sees these numbers she is going to increase the insulin by a lot but then if I have another good day I end up going WAY too low. I have been known to wake up in the 40s and that is scary! This is so frustrating!!! 10 weeks to go......

Seems to be the story of my life lately. Even with doubling my insulin levels, I can't get them down to normal anymore.

I see that you are due 4/19. I am due 4/20....it seems like everyone told me around week 28/29 this would happen and they were right! Hormones must be going out of control right now.

Rrrrrachel

I'm glad y'all keep bumping this because you see I already forgot to post one for this week.

haziedaze

I'm a dirty lurker- meeting with Nutritionist tomorrow because I failed my fasting (98) but passed my other 3 draws. They said I may be asked to make diet modifications (no biggie) and check sugars for a while. I may end up with a late GD diagnosis esp since my 3 hr was at 27 weeks.

I did a Trim Healthy Mama nutrition plan prior to getting pregnant. I'm not into all the hype (there's some religious, lifestyle stuff with it), but some of the recipes are awesome and I lost a ton of weight easily doing it.  We're incorporating them more already knowing about my possible GD diagnosis (although nothing may really help my fasting levels).

Wanted to share this recipe for a smoothie using Cottage Cheese (https://sherigraham.com/trim-healthy-mama-chocolate-ice-cream-fp) they are so yummy and creamy, no cottage cheese taste at all. There's also a great one using frozen peaches. You can up the carbs by adding fruit or using real milk instead of almond/coconut or you can have some carbs along with it. Also check out the muffin in a mug recipes on pinterest. This one is my favorite https://debbielundphoto.com/blog/coconut-macaroon-muffin-in-a-mug/ (I use 2 packets of truvia for this one).

Just wanted to share... hope you all don't mind the lurking for now, I may be back more officially after tomorrow's appt.

Edit: fixed typos

christinanoelle

@mamrotu73 welcome to the club! Seems like your taking the news in stride which is great  

DanaD1480 and @fourthnlast, my fasting levels have been high for the past 5 days and I have been increasing my insulin nightly. I actually took more insulin last night than the night before and I was higher this morning than I was yesterday. I know stress doesn't help but I can't help worry about this! I guess i'll have to increase my insulin again tonight.. I just can't help but worry about how this affects our baby  

fourthnlast

DanaD1480 said:

fourthnlast said:

DanaD1480 said:

I was diagnosed at 12 weeks and I am up to 22 units of insulin in the morning and 26 at bedtime. The trouble is my numbers are so all over the place. Yesterday they were great and never went over my 135 limit after one hour of eating. Today my fasting number was 63, one hour after breakfast was 152 and one hour after lunch was 179 and I ate my usual (egg and greek yogurt for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken and cheese for lunch - I did go out to lunch so the dressing could have been a factor but I still don't usually see numbers that high). I know when my high risk dr. sees these numbers she is going to increase the insulin by a lot but then if I have another good day I end up going WAY too low. I have been known to wake up in the 40s and that is scary! This is so frustrating!!! 10 weeks to go......

Seems to be the story of my life lately. Even with doubling my insulin levels, I can't get them down to normal anymore.

I see that you are due 4/19. I am due 4/20....it seems like everyone told me around week 28/29 this would happen and they were right! Hormones must be going out of control right now.

I guess so! I'm now at 100 units of insulin before bed and it was still at 159 fasting this morning. I have been  upped to 1 unit of insulin per 2 grams of carbs for all meals and snacks. I had a really protein heavy, light carb breakfast, so we'll see what happens in about 20 minutes when I check my sugars again.

fourthnlast

Rrrrrachel said:

I'm glad y'all keep bumping this because you see I already forgot to post one for this week.

We can just keep this thread going instead of starting a new one each week. 

Rrrrrachel

MrsEll said:

Tested my ketones for the first time this morning, and they were pretty high - somewhere between 40 and 80. Is it normal to have ketones in your urine when you first wake up in the morning?

To some extent but it's something to talk to your dr about. Be sure you're getting enough calories.

Jesster11

I got my call last Thurs. that I have GD, but my appt. to go over it isn't until next Tuesday. I'm trying to be proactive based on everything you all have said by getting into the habit of 3 smaller meals and three snacks low in carbs/sugars, but when I asked the OB at my regular appt. yesterday if there is anything I should do for the next week until my appt., she just told me to watch my sugar/sweets intake.

I've felt very frustrated knowing I have this but not knowing exactly what to do - and then my OB just brushes it aside and said they would let me know about it next week (the other side of the office - the perinatal specialists - handles it).

So on one hand, I plan on continuing to get on track w/3 meals/3 snacks with less carbs and sugars.

On the other hand, I just told DH we are going out for an early Valentines dinner this weekend before I start having to report my numbers (which will still be lower carbs/sugars - but less paranoia/guilt).

DanaD1480

At night I have found eating something high in fat works best for my fasting numbers. I have actually been buying 60% cocoa or higher dark chocolate chips (the kind you would bake with) and eating the equivalant of 15 carbs which is about 30 chips before bed. I have also had good numbers with trail mix with some chocolate in it. These have been keeping my fasting numbers OK but I don't know how good it is for me right after I eat it. The other night I tested my blood about an hour after I ate it and it was close to 150. My dr. never asks for my number right before bed and seems most concerned with the fasting so hopefully what I am doing is OK!

newter135

I got some good news today. After a little over a week of testing 4 times a day my doctor looked at my numbers and said that it didn't make sense that they were so low based on my 3 hour test results. He said I can now just spot check until my next appointment in two weeks. So I just have to check my fastin number in the morning and then rotate checking two hours after meals each day (so today check after breakfast tomorrow fasting and check after lunch and Friday fasting and two hours after dinner) so relieved that I can relax a little bit more with this and maybe cut back on my meat and cheese intake since my body is so not used to it (I was eating probably 2 out of 3 meals of just vegetables before all this).

Rrrrrachel

DanaD1480 said:

At night I have found eating something high in fat works best for my fasting numbers. I have actually been buying 60% cocoa or higher dark chocolate chips (the kind you would bake with) and eating the equivalant of 15 carbs which is about 30 chips before bed. I have also had good numbers with trail mix with some chocolate in it. These have been keeping my fasting numbers OK but I don't know how good it is for me right after I eat it. The other night I tested my blood about an hour after I ate it and it was close to 150. My dr. never asks for my number right before bed and seems most concerned with the fasting so hopefully what I am doing is OK!

I would talk to your dr about that. Pretty sure they never want your bs that high.

haziedaze

Hi All! Just got back from my appt and I'm still in limbo. They said I failed based on new stricter criteria from ADA but passed based on older ACOG/NIH criteria. Because my fasting was my fail they're worried about me developing more insulin resistance in the coming weeks. So I'm checking fasting every morning and then 1 other time post meal per day for a week. I checked in the clinic after breakfast/snack and was 94, so that's somewhat encouraging. Will check my after lunch one here soon.

I'm so worried about my fastings because they are hard to control and I may need insulin they said, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I need bedtime snack ideas. Something not too filling because laying flat after a smoothie or something else thick sounds like indigestion city! I'm also worried about the ice cream thing, that I won't be able to portion control and having it around will be bad for DH and myself... other things that have helped people's fasting numbers?

Rrrrrachel

Raw almonds! I eat raw almonds and a little dark chocolate (like three squares) before bed. I'm like you and I don't want to eat a to before bed,but ¼ c almonds does the trick. Consistent exercise also helps a lot, things like walking but also strength training and the like.

newter135

Rrrrrachel said:

Raw almonds! I eat raw almonds and a little dark chocolate (like three squares) before bed. I'm like you and I don't want to eat a to before bed,but ¼ c almonds does the trick. Consistent exercise also helps a lot, things like walking but also strength training and the like.

Sometimes just a thing of string cheese works for me. And ditto on the exercising, swimming, walking, yoga are all great options if you didn't exercise regularly before

haziedaze

Unfortunately I'm on bedrest, so can't exercise, wish I could! That made the nutritionist much more worried about me needing insulin, so we'll see. Almonds and dark chocolate sounds totally doable, thanks for the ideas guys and certainly keep them coming if there are more!

Rrrrrachel

Can you do some arm exercises? Even just some basic stuff with very light weights or resistance bands can make a difference!

kbatchetee

Hi there, Super "Sweet" Mamas! I got my diagnosis this past Friday morning after only a 1-hr tolerance test. My number was 191 after an hour, so they decided to save me from taking the 3-hr and my doc diagnosed me. I met with the dietician this morning and we are attempting the meal plan/diet control first. I'll keep you all posted.

Rrrrrachel

It's my understanding that glucose takes around 30 minutes to hit your blood stream. The benefit of exercise is it uses glucose without requiring insulin. So I try to be exercising in the 30 min - hour range. Sometimes I start earlier than that and go longer, though.

bootsiebabe

So, are you guys exercising right before bed?  My numbers during the day are great, it's just the fasting that I'm having an issue with.  Or are you saying just more exercise in general is helpful for the fasting numbers? 

Rrrrrachel

I started off exercising after dinner but I was tired of walking in the dark. I mostly go now in the late afternoon. Exercise in general helps, although some people say later exercise helps more specifically with fasting bg. It took a couple weeks of consistent exercise to see much change in my numbers.

Dr Quarters

I had my first appointment with the diabetes doctor today. I like my doctor but she didn't really give me any food suggestions. I asked and she was kind of "well....." so that was frustrating. I guess it's going to be a lot of trial and error. I'm glad to have this thread to get food ideas. I am on insulin right off the bat but I guess my numbers were horrific so I expected that. My dr also mentioned that my exhaustion and constant bathroom breaks would lessen now that I'm being treated. Has anyone encountered these changes? I honestly thought this was just part of pregnancy (as it had been the same with my first without GD) but if more energy is in my future -score.,

Rrrrrachel

Yeah I think that's hard to say. Frequent peeing is apparently part of how your body tries to dump the extra glucose, but it's also a normal part of pregnancy! I will say the first week or so I was on the diet the late afternoons were just bruuuutal. I was so tired. But that's gotten better.

Laroo0220

I try to walk every night after dinner on our treadmill for 15 min but honestly my numbers an hr after dinner have not seemed to be affected at all by walking. In fact the 2 times I have not walked after dinner my # was lower. I'm not sure if it just doesn't affect the # that quickly or what. I'm going to keep walking at night but I will def be talking to my diabetic counselor about that tmrw.

Laroo0220

Melody*W* said:

Hey ladies,
Can we start a helpline? Seriously, I would pay per minute to just get you all on a conference call.

Met my diabeeetus dr today, got the monitor and met with a nutritionalist. I thought I was all set to kick the sugars (I wish).

I think I'm not eating enough but it's my first day so...

Anyone know what the 'too low' range is for glucose levels an hour after meals is?
I got 104, which is definitely less than the 130 cap.

I'm starving and want more food but obviously the office is closed for questions right now. I still have a snack left on my meal plan and am counting down the minutes to eat again! I've looked online but no luck, I'm about to ask my Facebook as well.

Sigh. This is hard. I appreciate any help and will most def be calling my doc tomorrow (but really want more food tonight!)

If I'm still hungry after dinner I always grab a few pieces of cheese, olives, celery and peanut butter or some nuts. None of these things should mess with your blood sugar. Def eat your bedtime snack as well which my diabetes person says should be 2 carb choices (30 grams)

Laroo0220

Or a hard boiled egg or veggies

Rrrrrachel

104 is not too low. I'm often in the high 90s if I have something low carb. I was hungry all the time the first week or two but that's gotten much better! I eat lots and lots of nuts.

Rrrrrachel

I was over for the first time in almost two weeks this morning. Only by a tiny bit but still. I didn't exercise yesterday, so back on the wagon, I guess!

christinanoelle

I was under this morning for the first time in 5 days! I increased my insulin last night, ate half an apple with peanut butter before bed, did some stretching last night and this morning (literally 5 minutes). Other than increasing my insulin (since I was under this morning) I feel like I need to do the EXACT same thing tonight in order to keep my number low tomorrow morning. 

I know it's not rational but i've been so stressed out over my numbers this week I feel like I need to maintain the exact same routine..

christinanoelle

Melody*W* said:

Hey ladies, Can we start a helpline? Seriously, I would pay per minute to just get you all on a conference call. Met my diabeeetus dr today, got the monitor and met with a nutritionalist. I thought I was all set to kick the sugars (I wish). I think I'm not eating enough but it's my first day so... Anyone know what the 'too low' range is for glucose levels an hour after meals is? I got 104, which is definitely less than the 130 cap. I'm starving and want more food but obviously the office is closed for questions right now. I still have a snack left on my meal plan and am counting down the minutes to eat again! I've looked online but no luck, I'm about to ask my Facebook as well. Sigh. This is hard. I appreciate any help and will most def be calling my doc tomorrow (but really want more food tonight!)

It was really hard for me too the first week. However, i try to make sure to have the recommended amount of carbs in every meal so that I don't feel too hungry afterwards. I am averaging a snack about 2 hours after each meal and am pretty satisfied. If I get really hungry I do as others have suggested and have a piece of cheese or some nuts..Those usually help curb the hunger until meal time.

newter135

Melody*W* said:

Hey ladies,
Can we start a helpline? Seriously, I would pay per minute to just get you all on a conference call.

Met my diabeeetus dr today, got the monitor and met with a nutritionalist. I thought I was all set to kick the sugars (I wish).

I think I'm not eating enough but it's my first day so...

Anyone know what the 'too low' range is for glucose levels an hour after meals is?
I got 104, which is definitely less than the 130 cap.

I'm starving and want more food but obviously the office is closed for questions right now. I still have a snack left on my meal plan and am counting down the minutes to eat again! I've looked online but no luck, I'm about to ask my Facebook as well.

Sigh. This is hard. I appreciate any help and will most def be calling my doc tomorrow (but really want more food tonight!)

My doctor said not to let my numbers go below 60

fourthnlast

Dr Quarters said:

I had my first appointment with the diabetes doctor today. I like my doctor but she didn't really give me any food suggestions. I asked and she was kind of "well....." so that was frustrating. I guess it's going to be a lot of trial and error. I'm glad to have this thread to get food ideas. I am on insulin right off the bat but I guess my numbers were horrific so I expected that. My dr also mentioned that my exhaustion and constant bathroom breaks would lessen now that I'm being treated. Has anyone encountered these changes? I honestly thought this was just part of pregnancy (as it had been the same with my first without GD) but if more energy is in my future -score.,

Yes! The exhaustion and constant bathroom breaks definitely gets better as the diabetes is treated

fourthnlast

Melody*W* said:

Hey ladies, Can we start a helpline? Seriously, I would pay per minute to just get you all on a conference call. Met my diabeeetus dr today, got the monitor and met with a nutritionalist. I thought I was all set to kick the sugars (I wish). I think I'm not eating enough but it's my first day so... Anyone know what the 'too low' range is for glucose levels an hour after meals is? I got 104, which is definitely less than the 130 cap. I'm starving and want more food but obviously the office is closed for questions right now. I still have a snack left on my meal plan and am counting down the minutes to eat again! I've looked online but no luck, I'm about to ask my Facebook as well. Sigh. This is hard. I appreciate any help and will most def be calling my doc tomorrow (but really want more food tonight!)

My ranges might be different since it's Type 1 and not GD, but I'm supposed to aim for 60-120 after meals.

sweetmelissa0707

I'm over this. I know I'll continue to do what I should for the health of the baby, but I'm tired of having to plan out every damn thing that goes in my mouth. I hate that even though I had a late dinner, and was in no way hungry, the fact that I skipped my night time snack means I almost hit my fasting limit. Nine weeks or less!

haziedaze

Hi Ladies, thank you for the snack suggestions. Salted almonds and a few dark chocolate chips actually went down fairly easy without heart burn. My fasting number was actually fine at 84 this morning, so I'm really wondering if the longer fast (12 hours) and stress of the morning of my 3hr is what put me over, but we will see.

@MrsEll, my nutritionist explained that insulin resistance peaks in the morning so some people can't tolerate a higher carb breakfast. My husband makes eggs every morning, so I'm adding 1 piece of sprouted wheat toast to that for 17 carbs. Check your bread, some are deceivingly high in carbs. We love the sprouted wheat from TJs, its higher in fiber and actually has some protein as well. Of course I say this before checking my post breakfast sugar, so we'll see.

@Melody*W* I saw a nutritionist instead of a doctor and have tons of handouts with meal/snack suggestions and carb counts for common foods. If you're looking for some specific ideas let me know, I'd be happy to share!