Gestational Diabetes Check in

SoulTermination

sweetmelissa0707 said:

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!

So much this.  Combined with feeling like I'm friggin' starving before I even hit my 2-hour post-meal glucose check.  Praying this doesn't haunt me after LO is born, I'll lose my damn mind if it does!

boxerbabylove

bootsiebabe said:

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? 

My doctors tell me that the key to getting your morning fasting numbers down is eating at least 30 carbs mixed with a protein before you go to bed. I've been following this rule and my fasting numbers fall between 84 and 92 in the mornings. Seems it is this way whether I exercise that night or not, however I have found that my fasting numbers are a little bit higher if I worked out the day before but that could just be me.

christinanoelle

I'm over it too..All I want is pasta - a huge plate..I'm being really careful to make sure baby girl is healthy but that doesn't mean it's not hard.

I told DH I want a care package after I deliver with twix, poutine (i'm from Montreal), and champagne lol 

We've only got a few weeks left ladies!!!! It's nice to know that there are others in the same situation and makes it easier to deal with. 

boxerbabylove

How are you keeping to an eating schedule?

I gotta tell you I'm a mess with my schedule. I wake up and forget to test, then I eat breakfast and get pulled into a meeting and miss my 2 hour post meal test time. Then I a snack. And then lunch... or I don't get to lunch until 2pm and my sugars are in the 70s before and then in the right range afterwards...if I can get the time 2 hours after lunch to test. Then dinner finally falls somewhere around 7:30pm and I have to test at 9:30pm but I have to be up so early that I sometimes fall asleep before I test after dinner.

I just can't seem to get my real life and my sugar testing schedules to line up and it is driving me freaking nuts. I've gotten so I set alarms for each of my meal times and then set a 2 hour timer on my phone after I finish eating to try and regulate the schedule. I wish I could say its working well for me.

The nutritionists just says eat more. so helpful.

Advice??

Rrrrrachel

My sister and I often commiserate that the worst part of gd is just the PURE TEDIUM. I will say that I've been on the diet around here weeks now and it has gotten more manageable. If I'm getting busy and need to push a snack back I try to have a handful of almonds or something to tide me over. I also started eating dinner earlier so it's BEFORE I'm in the midst of the epic two hour battle of getting my daughter to bed and I'm not stressed out in the middle of that whole nightmare. I also only have to test twice a day now and that helps.

haziedaze

@christinanoelle see if they have Dreamfields pasta at your grocery store. To me it tastes normal but has very few digestable carbs. But yes, I want a HUGE candy bar!

bootsiebabe

Melody*W* said:

I have to say - I'm super grateful for this thread. GD is hard and confusing but having you all to commiserate and seek advice from really makes this journey bearable. Also pregnancy hormones make me sappy.

It is definitely good to know that you are not alone and that others get how sucky it is have to be so "good" when it is totally socially acceptable to punch your free pass on eating whatever you want during pregnancy.  

Laroo0220

bootsiebabe said:

Melody*W* said:

I have to say - I'm super grateful for this thread. GD is hard and confusing but having you all to commiserate and seek advice from really makes this journey bearable. Also pregnancy hormones make me sappy.

It is definitely good to know that you are not alone and that others get how sucky it is have to be so "good" when it is totally socially acceptable to punch your free pass on eating whatever you want during pregnancy.  

That's such a good way to put it. I had a hard time explaining just why this sucks so bad and it's bc I eat healthy all the time but when I'm pregnant I def have more treats here and there. I already can't drink or do anything else I feel like so eating treats is my thing!! For some positive ness though I went to my diabetes counselor today for a follow up and she was really really happy with my numbers saying that the diabetes is def not affecting my baby right now and that I should have smooth sailing if they look so good at this point. Phew. Huge relief. I wish she had said I could monitor less but at least I don't need to go back there unless my numbers change drastically. Small victories

Laroo0220

mamrotu73 said:

@Laroo0220 That's great news!

Thank you! I'm excited and really relieved. Even my higher numbers I was worried about she said were just fine. Ok new favorite treat ladies, a handful of blackberries with some whipped cream. Yum. I can almost pretend its real dessert haven't tested after yet but it's really low in carbs. Takes a whole cup of them for 15 grams and whipped cream has like none.

alysemci

So if I eat HALF the amount of recommended carbs with protein and veggies I still hit 170+ every time. WTF.

sweetmelissa0707

MrsEll said:

Anyone here? I need help.

I tested after dinner and was 113 but now 2.5 hours later I'm at 100. I need to go to bed but have to eat something, right? So do I just eat some cheese or do I still have to have some kind of carb?

Usually they say between 15 and 30 grams of carbs for your evening snack.

Rrrrrachel

A glass of milk makes a good lazy carb when you don't feel like dealing with anything, or put the cheese on some crackers.

Rrrrrachel

I don't understand. Your sugar doesn't look high it looks fine to me.

bootsiebabe

Are you thinking that you should be back to under 90?  My understanding was that the fasting number was first thing in the morning, but I could be wrong.  I'd still eat a snack if it were me, but I have no idea what my reading is 3.5 hrs after a meal because I wasn't told to test then.  

Rrrrrachel

I think you're testing too much and making yourself crazy. Just test in the morning and an hour after each meal. If you meet the guidelines you're good. Don't expect to be back to fasting 2-3 hours after eating. Typically under 120 two hours after eating is good.



My fasting number was high again today, I think I need to go back to the basics and really focus on what and when I'm eating, today.

Rrrrrachel

Your meals are like 4-6 hours apart with a snack in between though, right? Or are you testing before all your snacks, too?

Rrrrrachel

Right, but your meals are generally 4-6 hours apart, right?  And you were testing at 3-3.5 hours?  So you're testing sooner after dinner than you are after your other meals.

DaisyJanie

MrsEll said:

My guidelines are <90 fasting and <130 an hour after a meal. This is 3.5 hours post meal and I'm still at 113. Maybe I don't understand my guidelines.

The <90 fasting means after 8 hours of fasting. I do 2-hr post-meal readings, and my guideline is <120. So 100 2-3 hrs after dinner sounds completely normal to me. I don't know what they're looking for in the bedtime number, I've never had to do that, but just continue to follow the diet they gave you and they'll let you know if there's any problem with your numbers next time you see them. (I realize your snack decision has long since passed.)

Rrrrrachel

Nutritionists are crazy unrealistic about how many carbs work at breakfast.

Rrrrrachel

I met with a nurse at my MW office and she gave me the glucometer, told me when to test and where my levels should be, then I met with the nutritionist a few days later and she gave me more info on what and how much to eat.  I basically ignore that, though, because it's way more carbs than I can actually tolerate, fbofw.

sweetmelissa0707

Fasting was lowest it's been since testing began ( granted still a 79) but I'm wondering if my numbers in the morning have only just been under 90 because I don't get up right away and test, rather I roll around in bed trying to squeeze in five minutes more of sleep, but being awake the whole time. Anyone else experience this? Today was only the first time,so stay tuned as more evidence is gathered.

Rrrrrachel

I'm generally 90-100 with an occasional 88. I'm supposed to be under 95.

christinanoelle

sweetmelissa0707 said:

Fasting was lowest it's been since testing began ( granted still a 79) but I'm wondering if my numbers in the morning have only just been under 90 because I don't get up right away and test, rather I roll around in bed trying to squeeze in five minutes more of sleep, but being awake the whole time. Anyone else experience this? Today was only the first time,so stay tuned as more evidence is gathered.

I usually snooze once or twice too and haven't noticed a major difference.. 

I don't know if this is related in ANY way but i have started stretching for 3-5 minutes before testing my fasting levels and both mornings I have done it, they have been under. After a whole week of being over, i'm going to keep on stretching! ha 

Rrrrrachel it might be an increase in hormones that is causing you to be higher, at least that is what my endo mentioned..Maybe try switching up your nighttime snack and see if that helps? I've been doing half an apple with peanut butter and that seems to be working..

Rrrrrachel

Yeah I'm sure it is hormone fluctuations. I was always high at first and the finally got them down andhavethegrading doing the exact. Same. Thing. Ever since. I'm hoping it will pass on it's own,basically, because idk what else to do.

haziedaze

Good morning. Sitting here trying to decide on a snack. May do some crackers and cheese. I totally messed up my lunch yesterday- had a grilled cheese and turkey sandwich (32g) and half a large pear which I thought was about 15g. I got cocky about my good numbers and about 20 mins later ate the rest of the pear. My guidelines say for a long meal test 1hr from the middle so I tested about 45 mins after eating the pear and I was over at 141 (my cut off is 139). So I've decided to test after every meal for a couple of days instead of just 2x daily. If I have GD I want to know so I can monitor it!

In other news, I was so worried about my fastings but they've been fine. Last night I had a yummy bedtime snack of a smoothie (6oz whole milk, 2tbsp peanut butter, ice, cocoa powder, 2 packets truvia, a little protein powder) and then some skinny chocolate (coconut oil, cocoa powder, truvia). Making it feel like a treat is the only way I can convince myself to eat at 9pm.

Wondering how many highs will give me an official GD diagnosis. Even having one makes me nervous and feel like it may be better just to follow the diet and check sugars for a while to be safe!

edit: typos

fourthnlast

alysemciver said:

So if I eat HALF the amount of recommended carbs with protein and veggies I still hit 170+ every time. WTF.

Welcome to my world. It doesn't matter how little carbs I eat anymore, how much insulin I take, how much water I drink. My numbers won't go down. Fasting was 210 this morning and I took 100 units of insulin last night. Seriously ready to say fuck it...but I can't, because this won't go away even after delivery which has me in a totally bitchy/sad mood today.

fourthnlast

MrsEll said:

My guidelines are <90 fasting and <130 an hour after a meal. This is 3.5 hours post meal and I'm still at 113. Maybe I don't understand my guidelines.

Fasting is the number first thing in the morning.

fourthnlast

mamrotu73 said:

Did you ladies get your testing guidelines (times, limits, etc) from your OB or the nutritionist/dietitian?

I have an OB appointment today, but don't meet the nutritionist until next Thursday. I was hoping they give me the equipment and basic guidelines today so I can experiment for the week and then take that data with me to the nutritionist.

My OB gave me a lot of tips because he is a Type 1 Diabetic as well, but I got my guidelines and everything from the Endocrinologist.

christinanoelle

fourthnlast said:

alysemciver said:

So if I eat HALF the amount of recommended carbs with protein and veggies I still hit 170+ every time. WTF.

Welcome to my world. It doesn't matter how little carbs I eat anymore, how much insulin I take, how much water I drink. My numbers won't go down. Fasting was 210 this morning and I took 100 units of insulin last night. Seriously ready to say fuck it...but I can't, because this won't go away even after delivery which has me in a totally bitchy/sad mood today.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time today That must be really frustrating. How did they know it was type 1 diabetes and not GD? I hope you're able to get your numbers down for your own peace of mind. 

haziedaze

@fourthnlast that totally sucks and I imagine is really stressful as well. Hang in there, you're doing everything you can, sometimes our bodies just don't cooperate. At least once you deliver and your hormones even out you should have an easier time controlling things.

fourthnlast

christinanoelle said:

fourthnlast said:

alysemciver said:

So if I eat HALF the amount of recommended carbs with protein and veggies I still hit 170+ every time. WTF.

Welcome to my world. It doesn't matter how little carbs I eat anymore, how much insulin I take, how much water I drink. My numbers won't go down. Fasting was 210 this morning and I took 100 units of insulin last night. Seriously ready to say fuck it...but I can't, because this won't go away even after delivery which has me in a totally bitchy/sad mood today.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time today That must be really frustrating. How did they know it was type 1 diabetes and not GD? I hope you're able to get your numbers down for your own peace of mind. 

I was diagnosed in October, there are some blood tests that the Endo did that showed it's not GD, but Type 1. Something with antibodies. I'm not exactly sure. But, they know that I'm highly insulin dependent.

fourthnlast

haziedaze said:

@fourthnlast that totally sucks and I imagine is really stressful as well. Hang in there, you're doing everything you can, sometimes our bodies just don't cooperate. At least once you deliver and your hormones even out you should have an easier time controlling things.

I hope so! My doctors are pretty hopeful that because my A1C levels keep dropping that once the baby is born, I shouldn't need as much insulin.

Rrrrrachel

Fourthnlast I can only imagine what a difficult and complicated time it's been learning your have type 1 while pregnant! I hope it gets a lot easier to manage after the hormones die down. 

 I just had some full fat Greek yogurt with canned peach slices and I think it's my favorite thing I've eaten in days.

haziedaze

mamrotu73 said:

I make smoothies with Greek yogurt and frozen peaches. So good!

Have you ever tried smoothies with cottage cheese? Sounds gross but they are SO creamy. That was my breakfast this morning- peaches, cottage cheese, ice, truvia, cinnamon, vanilla protein powder. Yum! You can make a good Wendy's frosty like smoothie too!

Laroo0220

fourthnlast said:

alysemciver said:

So if I eat HALF the amount of recommended carbs with protein and veggies I still hit 170+ every time. WTF.

Welcome to my world. It doesn't matter how little carbs I eat anymore, how much insulin I take, how much water I drink. My numbers won't go down. Fasting was 210 this morning and I took 100 units of insulin last night. Seriously ready to say fuck it...but I can't, because this won't go away even after delivery which has me in a totally bitchy/sad mood today.

((Hugs)) sorry you are having a tough day. That has to just be a whole different level of frustration knowing its not going away. Try to hang in there.

Rrrrrachel

Sad news is something around half of us will end up with type 2 diabetes later in life

boxerbabylove

mamrotu73 I got my monitor and guidelines from my nutritionist at the diabetes clinic my OB\MW sends all their patients to.

fourthnlast

Rrrrrachel said:

Fourthnlast I can only imagine what a difficult and complicated time it's been learning your have type 1 while pregnant! I hope it gets a lot easier to manage after the hormones die down. 

 I just had some full fat Greek yogurt with canned peach slices and I think it's my favorite thing I've eaten in days.

Sorry- I went on a little rage earlier. Everything has been building up and I just feel like I can't breathe anymore. 

That yogurt and peaches has my mouth watering right now!

fourthnlast

Laroo0220 said:

alysemciver said:

So if I eat HALF the amount of recommended carbs with protein and veggies I still hit 170+ every time. WTF.

Welcome to my world. It doesn't matter how little carbs I eat anymore, how much insulin I take, how much water I drink. My numbers won't go down. Fasting was 210 this morning and I took 100 units of insulin last night. Seriously ready to say fuck it...but I can't, because this won't go away even after delivery which has me in a totally bitchy/sad mood today.

((Hugs)) sorry you are having a tough day. That has to just be a whole different level of frustration knowing its not going away. Try to hang in there.

Trying. Thanks for the HUGS

haziedaze

@MrsEll here it is: https://sherigraham.com/trim-healthy-mama-chocolate-ice-cream-fp

Honestly, it's delicious. I like truvia and am totally used to the taste now, but never really tasted it much in this. You could use any sweetner or if you use regular milk that would up the carbs and sweetness as well. The glucomannan is Japanese kojac root, it's a thickener that is carb free (or nearly) it's not necessary but we like adding it to things, you can find it on Amazon. You want the powdered form, not the pills. A little goes a long way!