GD Support Thread

Aksharp4

So I know a few of the month groups have GD threads, but figured we could start a general one here on the high risk board.  So far a few people seem interested.  I was just recently diagnosed, and felt really guilty about it and had a ton of questions right away.  I figured this could be a place to come to ask questions, and give support to one another.   

Odebdo

I was diagnosed a few weeks ago...carrying twins and being insulin resistant prior I was told it would be a miracle if I did not get it....they were right.  My levels are not good for fasting, so I am being put on medication...which I am not pleased with but get that I am doing everything I can so my body may need some help.

I would definitely participate in a support thread!

Aksharp4

Sounds great   I spoke with the nurse today who told me that I would need to set up an appointment with a diabetic counselor, who should be calling me within the next few days.  I want to start on the diet right away.  Does anyone know if your intake of carbs depends on your glucose readings or if it's a set amount per day for everyone? 

Odebdo, congrats on twins!

Do you guys have any favorite recipes?

liz4paws

I'd like to be added to this too, if a thread starts. I was just diagnosed with GD and am struggling physically. I feel like absolute crap so much of the time, even when my BG levels are "good." Would love to know a place where we could discuss and offer/receive support and tips.

poca1313

Hello! I am a lurker/poster on the October 14 board. I have been diagnosed with GD but am only at the very beginning of my 2nd trimester. I had it with my DD#1 and have a deep family history of it. I was diagnosed "pre-diabetic" about a year ago. From my first routine blood tests and history, they didn't bother with any 1or 3 hour testing. I'm testing 4xs a day and sticking to my planned diet. I too am having trouble with my fasting and sometimes after breakfast #s and am really scared. I had my first s/o and the babies heart beat was 195 which I read is too high. My ob said if they were concerned they would call me back for another one but they didn't. Part of me gets really upset and scared when I think about it but the other part keeps saying if the doc was concerned I'm sure they would say something. Also that worrying doesn't help anything ( like my blood pressure). I have an appt tomorrow so I guess I'll see if they want to put me on meds/insulin. But yes if there was a GD I would love to hear others stories!

poca1313

@Aksharp4‌ They base your diet on the amount of calories you are suppose to consume each day. This is based on how far along you are and your weight. For example I was 30 lbs lighter with DD#1 and my caloric intake was lower, allowing me lower carbs. Then they give you a plan that balances the carbs and other sources of calories allowance through the day and making sure you get the correct nutirients (diary, fruits, verges, protein, ect..) The key is to keep your sugar steady and not up and down. Most likely I'm expected to at least be pre if not full type 2 after so after birth they will adjust my calories for breast feeding, then adjust again when I stop. HTH! @liz4paws‌ I feel like crap when my #s are good too. I feel sluggish when they are too high but I feel like I'm never full when they are good. Like my body is telling me it's not happy unless I get more carbs. I remember feeling this way with DD#1 thinking it was just because I was in my third trimester but I know now that's not the case.

liz4paws

@poca1313 - Thanks for responding! I have my first appointment with the MFM tomorrow as well and they will determine whether I need to be on meds/insulin too. I'm banking that they will because my numbers are elevated enough and it looks like diet alone isn't enough. But what do I know? I hope your appointment goes well!

sarah_beth2005

Great idea - please add me to any thread on GD!  I was just diagnosed and have a 4-hour GD class tomorrow, to learn how to use a Freestyle monitor and test myself, and to put together a meal plan.  I failed by 3-hour GTT by 3 whole points (I was 3 points over the 1-hour limit, but 20+ points over the 2-hour limit; the other levels were normal), so the doctor said I would most likely just need the 4x/day monitoring and some diet adjustments (no meds).  It's been hard for the past week to figure out what to eat (since I had to push back my class by a week due to a pre-e scare), so for now I've just been focusing on eating more smaller meals throughout the day, and cutting out the things I know are bad (like milkshakes).

 

I'll be 32 weeks on Wednesday, so I was diagnosed really late - with twins on the way, I doubt I have more than a few weeks left until the babies arrive, which makes GD even harder to deal with (I'll barely have time to get used to it, and have enough other things to worry about, like trying to avoid pre-eclampsia, which I have several warning signs for and am being closely monitored for...)

Aksharp4

It's great to see all the replies!  I am going to be 30 weeks tomorrow and just met with the diabetic counselor and dietician yesterday, and it was a little overwhelming.  They hope that I can just control it with diet and exercise, and I am too  

I did a modified version of the diet yester

Aksharp4

sorry about that, continued post...

I did a modified version of the diet yesterday, and felt REALLY hungry, and think this is going to be a challenge for me.   does anyone know of any apps for iphones for recording your numbers?  Also, high fiber lower carb foods?  Thanks girls   Hope everyone is doing well!

 

MamaPharmD

@Aksharp4, like another poster mentioned, your carb intake is based on your total caloric intake. That being said, you can modify the amount and types of carbs you eat based on the blood sugar readings you get after your meals. For example, the nutritionist allotted me 1-2 carb servings for breakfast but 2-3 for lunch and dinner since my numbers tend to be higher in the morning. However, she also said to adjust that based on my numbers. I might only be able to eat 1 serving of fruit but 2 servings of whole wheat toast for breakfast and still get similar blood sugar readings. As for iPhone apps, there is one called Glucose Buddy that has a free version and a pro version. I only recently got an iPhone so I haven't used the app, but I've used the website (www.glucosebuddy.com) in the past. Now I just use a plain old Excel spreadsheet to record my readings.

Aksharp4

If anyone belongs to Sam's Club, my mom told me this evening that you can get wraps, made by Sante Fe, that have 13 g carbs, 7g fiber - about 20 of them for $5. 

Aksharp4

Also, I checked my reading 2 hrs after dinner and the dr. recommended that I have 45-60 g of carbs with dinner.  My reading was 136.  Should I forgo the pm snack of 30 g of carbs if it's high?  I am going to call the nurse tomorrow, just curious what you guys think.  thanks

 

poca1313

@liz4paws‌ how did your appt go? I had mine on Monday and she said if my fasting #s are high now then I most definitely will be on insulin by 3rd trimester. She said baby seems ok now (heart beat was 155) but explained I will have to do the NSTs and sonograms once a week and eventually twice a week. You already know there's risk but to hear it straight from the doc is pretty nerve wrecking.

I'm getting the hang of the diet for the most part but slip up sometimes especially when I'm on the run and have to eat out. Like tonight my DDs school had a fund raiser at chick filet. After being so good with my salad and picked a few fries from her dinner,  I downed two cups of diet lemonade....and had that forehead slapping "Doh!" moment....fresh lemons=carbs. And of course my #s were bad and I felt like a horrible (and dumb) mother. 

@majgarriss was the 136 your one or two hour test? My doc said one hour should be under 140.  My fasting #s are usually in the 90s to and thought that was bad but she said not so. But I have to call if I get #s again in the 100s like I have had.

liz4paws

@poca1313 - My appointment went great! Thank you for asking. They did a full anatomy scan and baby looks perfect (whew) and the doctor didn't think my GD was "that bad" which was reassuring. I thought he was going to declare me a train wreck. He put me on glyburide which I've now taken once at night and my numbers were fantastic. My fasting number this morning was still a little high, but not like it has been! I know theres a good chance that my GD will get worse and I might get moved on insulin too, but trying to take it a day at a time for now. 

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jg1011

Hi ladies....I'm joining too. This will be my 2nd pregnancy with GD. Had it with my irate along with pre-e with HELLP. I delivered at 35 weeks. This time around I'm having significant difficulty with my morning fast numbers.... Usually in upper 90's. all of my other numbers have been good 2 hrs post prand except of course if I cheat at all. I am chasing around my 18 month old and not sleeping well as he still doesn't sleep thought the night (up 2-3 times). The nutritionist says this will affect my fasting number. I do find that I am hungry throughout the day so we are playing with adding extra snacks and increasing calories. I was so hoping that I didn't have it this time....

Aksharp4

I hope everyone is doing well.   I only checked my numbers for a day, and came down with a stomach virus that's still hanging on.  I've only been able to keep toast/ crackers and water down and still feel nauseous.  I'm really hoping that it goes away soon so I can start back up on the gd diet and I can take my numbers again. How frustrating!!

MamaPharmD

Looks like so many people are having issues with their fasting numbers! Mine were up between 90 and 100, so my doctor started me on 5 mg glyburide with dinner. I was getting some really bad lows and was changed to 2.5 mg. Numbers were okay for awhile but started dropping again recently, so I'm about to start 1.25 mg with dinner instead. I'm really hoping this works because I'm so tired of feeling crappy during my lows and having to drink juice and eat snacks to bring my numbers back up!

MamaPharmD

majgarriss said:

@MamaPharmD‌
So I know I'm heading in the direction of meds, but I've read the glyburide isn't approved by the FDA for pregnant women. Thoughts?

@majgarriss‌ I believe glyburide is a pregnancy category C drug which means there is the potential for it to cross the placenta and affect the baby. However, there are studies going both ways with some saying it hasn't been found in umbilical cord blood. Because it's effects are still unknown, the drug isn't FDA approved. However, more doctors are prescribing it during pregnancy.

With that all being said, the safest known drug during pregnancy is still insulin. Especially if fasting levels are what is causing you problems, long-acting insulin can be used to control fasting levels with lower risk of hypoglycemia. If I still have low blood sugar issues with my lower glyburide dose, I'll be talking to my doctor about going on insulin instead.

I suggest talking to your doctor about your options and all the risks and benefits of each. In the end, it's up to you to decide what you're comfortable taking during your pregnancy.

MrsMac613

Hi ladies! Unfortunately I am going the ranks too. My OBGYN had me take the GTT early due to glucose in my urine and family history of diabetes. I failed the 1 hr rest with flying colors so they are skipping the 3 hr test. After the 1hr test my level was 196. I was refered to a perinatologist and dietician who I meet with next week at 18 weeks. I'm really nervous about the whole treatment process but even more worried about the health of my baby. I would love a thread as it seems I'll be dealing with this for 20+ weeks. Also I have had no idea what to eat until my appointment so any suggestions would be helpful.

Aksharp4

MrsMac613, I felt the same way before I met with the nutritionist.  Like others have said, they tailor a specific diet for you, so I believe the amount of carbs is dependent on the individual.  Did you get a chance to speak with a nurse or dr yet?

anxioustonoend

I just found out that I am GD today, and waiting to get my testing supplies and see the specialists Thursday.  I am super nervous about everything but at least on a good note my DMIL Is a retired dietician so I am bugging her day in and day out.  I would be a part of this board for support!

First Time Pregnant
EDD: 11-7-2014

MamaPharmD

@MrsMac613 the nutritionist will probably talk to you about carb counting and give you a breakdown of how many carb servings you should eat per meal and snack. Until then, you could eat using the plate method. It's a simple way to eat healthy that isn't even limited to those with diabetes. Here are a few sites with more info on it:

https://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/create-your-plate/

https://www.learningaboutdiabetes.org/downloads/PlateMethodENc.pdf

https://www.med.unc.edu/im/files/patient-education-handouts/nutrition-and-diet-files/Plate%20Method%20(English).pdf

The Food & Fitness section of the American Diabetes Association website has a lot of info on what to eat if you want to do more research.

hgtvmom

I was diagnosed at 10 weeks (checked due to family history), so am on week 11 of this. All along I've been worried about a big baby, despite knowing that I had not yet gained any weight. My Ob hadn't mentioned weight, so I didn't think much of it. I had a growth scan 10 days ago and was told today, at my appt, that baby is pretty small. 12th percentile, so we are starting NSTs early and have another growth scan in a couple weeks.

My practice doesn't change your carb/protein/etc requirements based on weight or anything - it is not caloric based at all. 6 meals/snacks per day. Breakfast is 15 grams of carbs and 14 protein (chart says 7, but my head needs more protein in the mornings). AM and PM snack are 15 carbs and 7 protein plus a piece of fruit. Lunch and dinner are 30 carbs, 21 protein plus a dairy product. Bedtime snack is same as breakfast. 

Because I was down another 2 pounds at today's appt, I have to increase my "healthy fat" intake - so carb free fats - nuts, cheese, oils, plus avocados (which are carb-y) trying to pack some weight on to the baby. 

Looking forward to the check ins to share ideas and see how everyone is doing. 

Odebdo

Struggling since diagnosis...my issue is compounded by two babies and two placentas, which apparently is a big deal.

They put me on glyburide 2 weeks ago...just 1.25 mg at bedtime...then upped it to bedtime and fasting...then doubled the dose...and if this does not get the levels down...insulin is in my near future...

I know it has nothing to do with me, or how I am eating as I am following everything they tell me to a T, but it still stinks to have this be out of control.

MrsMac613

@Aksharp4‌ I haven't gotten a chance to speak with a nurse or dr yet. I meet with the nurse doctor and dietician next Thursday

@MamaPharmD‌ thank you for those resources !

MrsMac613

@odebdo sorry you are struggling

tshelby85

I was just diagnosed today. Feeling sad about it but trying to keep my chin up. I have the 3 hour instructional class tomorrow. Looking forward to getting a better understanding on how to handle this. I am thankful for this thread. It is really nice to have some support and information.

poca1313

@Pup4gdb‌ that was very similar to my diet wih my first, the 30/15 switch off but I was about 35 lbs lighter. Now with this one I'm on a 30/45/45/30/45/45 grams for my six meals. They said for my weight I can eat 2200 calories per day which they stretch out into each meal. But I'm with everyone else, my fasting and sometimes after breakfast #s are high. Fasting #s anywhere from 90 to 113. Sometimes when I get low #s I get these brig ideas of what causes it and soon enough it proves me wrong. I'm still convinced though that stress is a big part of it. I went on vacation for a week and my fasting #s were all in the low 90s but the day before we came home back in the upper 90s and 100s. @tshelby85‌ I think we all probably felt down when first finding out, it's not good news. But once you get into the swing of things it's really not the worst thing that could go wrong, that's what I tell myself.

Odebdo

Still hanging in on my glyburide...no insulin yet...hopeful I can keep it that way for a bit...At 31 weeks with twins, so cannot complain too much!

sujana22

I was diagnosed with GD last week. I have to test blood sugar four times a day and go back this Wednesday. Life has been horrible. I am getting one test higher out of 4 mostly. Do you guys know when do Doctors put you on Meds? Today is someone's bday at work..I had to pass all the cookies and cakes I am still trying to figure out what food is good for me and what is not. Today I had brown rice and beans with potatoes for lunch. I did not eat any potatoes yet my blood sugar was 163.

poca1313

@sujana22‌ you really have to read labels and measure your food accordingly. Brown rice is pretty starchy so you really have to watch portions. Beans too. 

So I start my insulin tonight. Kinda freaking out because I really don't get how if the reason for high fasting #s is because it drops at night, how is insulin at night going to help? Like how do I know that my #s won't drop too low while I'm sleeping? Will I wake up? Plus the idea of sticking myself with a needle!

MamaPharmD

@sujana22 has your doctor asked you to meet with a nutritionist? With diabetes, you need to restrict the number of carbs that you eat. Even though brown rice and beans are considered fairly healthy foods, they're both high carbs. At the top of this page, I have a post with some resources on a good way of eating.

@poca1313 high fasting numbers aren't always due to lows at night but they can be. I'm guessing you were started on long-acting insulin (like Lantus). It works evenly throughout the day so it lowers your overall blood sugar and doesn't usually cause low blood sugars.

poca1313

This is why we need a gd board! Ok, well I saw my endo on Monday who was the one who started me on Levemir 10 units right before bed. I was really freaked out but did not feel the pen at all and my #s were still the same in the morning. WELL I saw my OB today who almost sounded offended when I told her my endo did that. She totally rewrote my prescription to humulin r & n to take in the morning and night. Plus I can't use the pen anymore, syringes... Now I'm really freaking out thinking who should I trust? The diabetes expert or the pregnancy expert?? I go to a class tomorrow to learn how to use the syringes so I was thinking of asking their opinion. To go from just the 10 units to over 50? I'm terrified of getting hypoglycemia. Besides this, the amount of work I'm missing plus other things going on (like my cat all of the sudden using my living room as his litter box!) I'm just extremely stressed out now. If anyone else is on insulin and has any insight I'd love to hear what your starting dosage is! Luckily my pharmacy has to order it so I still get to use the pen for now.

MamaPharmD

@poca1313 were you having issues with your after meal numbers too? Levemir is a long-acting insulin which does an overall lowering of blood sugar but is typically used for high fasting numbers. Humulin N is intermediate-acting so it also can be used to help with fasting numbers but Humulin R is short-acting which is typically used to help with after meal numbers. Do you know how many of each you'll be taking or the percent ratio of the two?

I think 10 units/day is the typical starting dose for Levemir. Usually when someone is switched from Levemir to Humulin N, the number of units is kept the same. However, in your case your OB is adding in Humulin R too. I don't know enough about your current numbers to explain why you're going from 10 units to 50 units.

MrsL2B

Regarding middle of the night hypos, I wake up in a nasty sweat, but not everyone experience hypos the same way. I would suggest keeping your meter, juice boxes, and glucose tabs within easy reach of your bed. Maybe set an alarm the first few nights to wake up a couple of times and check on yourself or have your SO check on you if you're worried.

poca1313

@MamaPharmD‌ the only after I have problems with is after breakfast. I very rarely get after lunch or dinner highs. That is why I didn't understand the fast acting at night. I am taking 24 n and 12 r in the morning and 9 and 9 at night. I did talk to the nurse who said it is normal for OBs to switch to humulin because it's older and Levemir is just very new. She said the OB knows what she is doing and explained the difference between the long acting and the rapid and normal, which is why the dosage is difference. I told her my concerns because she didn't even read my #s, just based the dosage on my weight, height and gestation so how could it all be the same? She just said what you said @MrsL2B‌ , to make sure i have my meter and juice handy and if it happens over and over to let the OB know. She did say that she thinks the n should be given at night, not before a meal like I'm doing but to follow the doctors orders for now. It's just so overwhelming, I just wanted to cry!! Then when I paid for my prescription it was $105.00! So between my test strips and insulin I'll be paying $175 a month! That's a lot especially when we are trying to save for this baby! Ugggg... I just keep telling myself it could be worse.

sujana22

I found this great treat. It is mini snickers ice cream bar. It is 90 cals and 8 gm of sugar. I was about to have a glass of milk but I had this treat inside. It is yum!! I had follow up appt with my doctor today. He told me to continue 2 more weeks of strict diet. At this point no need of Meds. I lost 4 lbs this week after I switched my diet. I am curious about side affects of oral pills. I don't think I want to so insulin.

MrsL2B

I was on metformin prior to pregnancy and loved it. My OB switched me to glyburide, of which I'm not a huge fan. It makes your pancreas produce more insulin, regardless of what you eat (or dot eat!). I told my OB at my first visit that I'd much rather be on insulin than glyburide, and she thought I was nuts. She's a Type1 diabetic, so I suspected she had some sort of personal issue with injections.

My experience taking glyburide was definitely tough at first, and I had a lot of hypos until I learned how to adjust my diet to eat enough carbs for the increased amount of insulin I was making. I've been eating a lower carb diet for several years, so it took a while for me to find a happy moderate carb diet/medication balance. Now that I've figured it out, I'm happier with the glyburide.