Intro/Diagnosed with GD still waiting for referral to a doctor

brandyann15

Hi ladies. I was told almost two months ago that my three hour GTT levels were high and they were diagnosing me with GD. This is my second pregnancy and the first time I've had "complications". My OB said I would have to see a specialist to control the diabetes and she explained how this ups my chance at going into preterm labor. I was over weight to start with etc. After waiting three weeks and hearing nothing back I began calling the office and found out that they were having a problem finding someone to take my insurance (state program). Finally, 5 weeks later I got a call from the office I was referred to. They made of point of telling me how important it was for me to be seen right away, like in the next two days. While on hold for the appointment the office manager informed the receptionist that they were unable to take my insurance at this time due to processing problems with their claims. Now I have to wait for another referral to go through and because of this denial I will probably have to be transferred to a completely different OB office for my whole pregnancy, not just for the diabetes. My OB said I could transfer back to them at 36 weeks if I wanted to, this means my hospital for delivery will also change at least until I'm transferred back, if I do not have the baby early. As of right now I have no idea what my blood sugar levels are or how to check them and have not been evaluated beyond the three hour glucose test. Because of the lengthy wait for a referral I am getting concerned. Can any of you ladies with GD tell me if this is OK at this point? I'm terrified that harm may be happening to the baby, I'm 23 weeks today. Hopefully I will hear about my referral soon but it could take weeks like the first one. Any suggestions? Also I'm still experiencing consent morning sickness and while my Dr said I may just be one of the lucky few who gets to pray to the end porcelain gods the whole 9 months, I have been more and more concerned that it may be related to my GD, possibly diet. Any help appreciated.

ali0608

Stories like this make me hate insurance. Insurance should not stop people from getting what they need!
Now, I doubt your morning sickness is due to GD. I can never "feel" when I have high blood sugar.
Next, my diet is 30 grams of carbs for breakfast. Check packages. I eat 2 eggs and 2 pieces of toast.
Then a snack of 15-30 grams of carbs at least 2 hours after I eat breakfast.
Lunch 45 grams.
Snack between meals 15-40 grams
Dinner 45 grams
Bedtime snack 15 grams
It's all about carbs. Doesn't matter if it is bread, candy, or fruit. They all have carbs that will make your blood sugar higher.
With that said, don't panic. I was diagnosed early in this pregnancy. Early on, my numbers were awesome without too much work. It's harder to control the father along you get.
I hope this wasn't too overwhelming.

brandyann15

Thank you thank you thank you!!!! I have looked things up online and just confused myself, it is overwhelming, but that was nicely stream lined. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

ali0608

I remember crying at every meal before I met with the nutritionist because I had no idea what to do. So ask anything. I know how scary it is to not know.

brandyann15

It's so confusing for me. I was surprised by what was on lists on line that I could have like apples which I thought were super high in sugar but no to ripe bananas. Plus with the continued morning sickness I have little appetite and have a hard time keeping meals (even small ones) and "real food" down. But I know it is probably not a good idea to exist on just crackers even if my stomach tolerates it better. Any suggestions for what to eat to help with nausea that would be better then crackers?

ali0608

No. GD and nausea don't mix. i have no advice for that. Not fun. Both pregnancies I was told this same diet.... two different practices. You start to figure out things your specific body can tolerate once you learn how to take your blood sugar. I can't do fruit at night. But I eat a banana and string cheese every morning for my snack with no problems.

paradebegone

Before I was diagnosed, I was sick to my stomach a lot. I didn't have a problem eating though. So I was eating a lot of stuff I wasn't supposed to. Once I started the GD diet, I did start feeling better in that department. Hopefully it is the same for you.

As for diet, whole carbs take longer to digest and can be digested more evenly when paired with protein. You don't have to get rid of carbs entirely. I think a lot has to do with portions as well.

Good luck. I hope you get seen by a dr soon.

brandyann15

Thank you for all of your suggestions. I have been trying them and feel much more informed and not as "stupid" when it comes to food choices. Still waiting for my referral. Just wanted to say thank you to you ladies again.

JuliaLovesPugs

If you need to eat crackers, I would try to add peanut butter or cheese to the crackers. Peanut butter has really been my friend since getting GD.  I eat graham crackers and peanut butter a lot for snacks and get good numbers. I also get good numbers from meals like burgers and fries, but only eat a small portion of fries. I was surprised (even though it was on the nutritionist's list), but it's clear to me that meat (protein)  slows down the absorption of carbs.

The one thing that really messes me up is white bread, which I love. Half a bagel was also on the list the nutritionist gave me, but nope. It just doesn't work for me, even though it's only 30 grams of carbs.

brandyann15

The way everyone's body brakes things down differently was a concern of mine since I have not been told how to check my blood sugar or where it should be. I don't know if that info changes based on weight or build etc. However, I am happy to report that today I did finally get a hold of someone about my referral and due to my insurance I am going to have to transfer to a completely different office, doctors, and hospital. I'm not happy about that but at least I'll soon be better informed about what is right for my situation. Thank you again for all the suggestions, many of them have helped a great deal in dealing with my stress at meal times! The peanut butter tip has really helped.