Anyone else struggling with Gestational Diabetes?

squigles28

Okay, so I decided to do it anyway and start a new thread...I am fine with the diet and know what to eat. I am still struggling with the emotions for some reason, even after a week. Crying at meals, etc.
My current issues are I am losing weight again because as I decrease carbs, I have a hard time increasing my protein enough to offset the calories. Also, by the time I eat 3 meals, I usually don't have enough carbs left to have snacks. So I'm hungry! I'll feel better next week if my Dr goes ahead and treats me for it. I don't want to walk around with my blood sugar even minimally higher than it should be.
I know we will all get through this, I'm just worried about delivery and after delivery and my risk of diabetes later on.
Anyways, feel free to rant or whine here, I just want us to have a place to go. I thought there was another page or support group, but couldn't find it and thought one within our month would be good.

mrstzouganos

I am struggling too! I haven't really gained weight at all, I lost 24 pounds and have slowly been gaining that back before I was diagnosed with GD and my endorcrinologist said that I shouldn't lose any weight. I tried to do the diet on my own with 3 meals a day but when I went for a follow up my sugar was so up and down that they put me on insulin. The one thing that has helped me not starve is to eat 6 times a day, small meals, that spread out over the day actually makes me so full that when its time to eat I'm not hungry at all. I'm now struggling try to figure out the right dose of insulin and my only saving grace is that my dad is an insulin dependent diabetic and he is helping me understand how it works and how to control my numbers and how much insulin I should use because my dr gave me set amounts and it is making my sugar drop way to low and I'm getting sick. I'm so ready for the baby to arrive so I can go back to just being non diabetic, I understand that my chances are higher than most to remain diabetic because my dad has it but I'm praying that I'm not going to be.
@ squigles28 I can post the breakdown of carbs that my dr gave me for the 6 meals a day when I get home, so you can try that instead of just 3 meals a day. So that you have all your carbs and hopefully it can help you not get put on insulin. Good luck!

seamonkey4

I've been very emotional as well. I got so depressed after I went to the grocery store yesterday(first time since I was diagnosed) that I came home and cried and took a nap. My numbers are great: ex today's fasting was 72 and last nights after dinner was 81. I have yet to change my diet because I wanted to see what my triggers are. I'm naturally a very low carb eater to begin with, so I'm hoping that helps me. Today is my baby shower and I've decided, I'm going to enjoy it. I will check my sugars and go from there. My dream for this birth is to deliver at a birth center, free from monitors and meds, and the baby placed on my chest right after delivery as opposed to being rushed off for testing. I hope that's still possible also I'm having a really hard time accepting the fact that down the road I may end up a diabetic. No one in my family has diabetes and no one has ever had GD. Can't win the lotto but I can win the diabetes diagnosis. Yea...I'm bitter.

squigles28

I've made some changes, but oddly enough I had a cheat meal yesterday...and my blood glucose was the same after that as a healthier meal!

I just seem to be 10-20 points above goal across the board, no matter what I eat.

I would say still talk to your Dr about your birth plan and see what they can accommodate for sure! Keep me posted!

TechieGirl1

I haven't been struggling with the GD diagnosis or diet, however I also do have GD. I wanted to offer a couple of thoughts.

1- having 6 meals spread though out the day really does help. I personally do 25 g of carbs per a meal. If they are relatively spaced out like PP have stated it does help.

2- Do not get discouraged when you go to the grocery store! Generally speaking if you are looking for a specific type of car by food there are usually alternatives for most things. For breads go for whole wheat, and grains. Also there are many breads that are listed as low carb, I find usually they are just thinner breads and work well. For yogurts go for Greek yogurts, they have more protein, and also keep string cheese in the house at all times. Also most granola bars are within the 25 g limit.

3- if you can't find something that you are craving look up recipes online, there are tons of references online, I try to use them as much as I can. Right now I'm trying to figure out a recipe similar to chili cheese fries. Still working on it.

4- remember in most cases this is a temporary condishion. It is about how your body processes the sugars while pregnant. I had this with ds 1 too. It went away and did come back this time. You are more likely to be diabetic in the future however doesn't mean that you will definitely will be diabetic.

These are just my thoughts, I hope this helps someone, I'm sorry for the novel!

squigles28

@TechieGirl1 novels are welcome ha-ha!

I did find some new snacks this week. And I drive a lot for work, but plan to slow it down some and make some time for smaller meals.

Although, it seems to just be over all high, not huge flu

shelbydd

I was diagnosed pretty early on so maybe I'm passed the emotional stage of it? I don't know. I was put on glyburide a few days ago because my blood sugar was getting worse, just a pill at night before bed, I'm really hopeful that is going to help get my sugars under control because unfortunately just the diet wasn't doing it anymore. I do worry about a type 2 diabetes diagnosis later on in life but GD isn't really the cause of that, type 2 runs in my family. I've already had 1 sonogram to check the baby's size because of my blood sugar and because my fundis was measuring large. That was honestly my bigger fear was how it would affect him but he's measuring perfect for gestational age.

magdalena1977

I'm on my second full day of GD testing/diet, my numbers are good throughout the day but my night numbers are horrible. Idk what I'm doing wrong.

karend2014

I am as well - I can't stand the allowed artificial sweeteners but I love/need my coffee (1) everyday .... I feel selfish but I'm having a really tough time giving up my fave foods. I am mostly veggie - having a tough time getting protein in. I have Greek yog, peanut butter & eggs but Unable to stomach meat (was vegetarian for 10 years up until dec of last year).

I am disliking vegetables and wanting carbs & sweets...

My morning fasting numbers are the worst, my daily ones after meals are mostly ok. Anyone else with higher morning #'s?

Having a tough time

squigles28

@karend2014 I haven't liked protein either since first trimester! So def trying to get more protein is a struggle!

AndieTessie

I was diagnosed early, so I'm over the emotional part of it now, but I felt the exact same in the beginning. I think the losing weight part is to be expected if you were a high carb eater before, I did and my doctor said it was fine. I do the 45 carbs a meal and 15 a snack but once I learned my triggers I sometimes cheat and go higher on snacks. A natural labor is still possible, just express that to your doctor and she will help you make a plan. I still have thin crust pizza from time to time or candy at the movie theatre. Once you get the hang of it, it gets way easier.

nickc2cute

I am definitely struggling. I have gained weight because the required carbs for each meal are about what I used to have all day before pregnancy. I am on insulin and I have been overwhelmed with the testing and injections 3 times a day. The injections in my stomach are starting to hurt and I have definitely cried a few times. I just can't wait for this to be over.

julie+worrall

I was just diagnosed last week and just started tracking my levels, but mind have been the same. I good throughout the day but my morning fasting levels were high. I attended a GD education class offered through my clinic and I've been following the meal plans/schedule they suggested and it's made a big difference in my fasting levels I went for 95-105 down to 75-85. I'm going a little crazy having to think so hard about everything I eat and having to constantly watch the clock to stay on my feeding schedule. I guess it's nice training for after baby is born. Lol

txmama5

I was diagnosed with GD, and I can't seem to get my morning fasting levels are down. Both my doctors stressed that I need to start walking, especially after dinner. Anyone else consistently walking? Im getting so discouraged because even with walking my morning fast levels are elevated. I noticed that they are lower but not where i need them to be.

karend2014

Yes - morning fasting numbers no matter what I try seem to be just over! Soooo frustrating! I think I'll try the evening walking - I haven't tried that yet. My GD dietician suggested taking 2 Metamucil capsules (not powder) before bed so I am trying that as well.

Not sure what else to try...

PhoenixJewels

Diagnosed week 9, I'm 30w1d today. The most frustrating part for me is that I suffer from severe hypoglycemia - where my sugar will drop so low quickly. I eat every 3 hours, I do protein with each meal/snack and my hour after eating levels are ok, but shortly after they drop rapidly. I had gastric bypass and I can't eat much. I feel like I'm eating all the time but it's such a tiring battle of keeping my sugar levels up high enough I don't pass out but not so high they mess up my after meal levels. I just want to eat without worrying it'll make my levels too high or its not enough and I'll have to be scrambling for more.

seamonkey4

Fasting sugars are high because that's when bodies(all bodies not just those with diabetes) are most insulin resistant. To this point I am not too worried about mine, since my highest fasting sugar to date has been 76. But I did read a blog from one woman who mentioned that when she got up in the night to pee, she would eat a snack, something high in protein- cheese stick, or boiled egg, sometimes just natural pb on a spoon...and this helped lower her fasting sugars. So this is something I am keeping in mind. I am 29+4, so am really hoping that by heading advice from those who have gone through this already, I can keep my sugars down even as my placenta grows larger. To that note...today was my shower and I didn't deny myself cake!

Knottie96229960

I can relate I have higher numbers in morning, during day ok. It's stressful, expecially when I have cravings, I'm trying to eat the right way.

karend2014

Yes! Cravings are the worst - and it's also a touch of "you shouldn't have this" that makes me want it more!

I ate a small whole wheat wrap with tofurky (faux meat lol) cheese, chipotle mayo late last night and my numbers were lower today so I'll be trying that again

I miss iced tea.

seamonkey4

I did have some cake at my baby shower, among other "no no foods" and my sugar was only 108. So that made me feel pretty good. Other than cake I haven't come across anything that gets my non fasting numbers into the 90s. But I was very low carb before the diagnosis, so I didn't have to change much. Try fresh fruits for your sugar cravings, totally not the same as ice cream or cake, but they can help.

GeorgiaDottie

What are some of the no-no foods? My test isn't till next week but curious!

karend2014

My dietician said no obvious "junk" food - cake, pop, cookies, chips etc.... She said if you are going to have a little treat, have protein with it.

sparklett22

My endocrinologist put me on insulin twice a day before lunch and dinner. She said at this point because I've had a few high numbers, it's better to be safe, especially since she doesn't want me starving myself either.
This all just happened yesterday. I was an emotional wreck when I was told to go on insulin.
I thought I was doing better with my diet, avoiding carbs and sugary drinks, and even sweets. I also saw a nutritionist yesterday too. She put me on a plan, but it seems impossible to follow it with time constraints at work, and just the portions. She also told me I should go walking at least three times a day. I work practically 12 hours a day, five days a week, when I get home, I'm exhausted.

squigles28

So sorry @sparklett22. Don't be too hard on yourself with the insulin, that's unfortunately just your body's needs changing.

I struggle with getting in 3 meals much less 5. My compromise for now is to cut 1 carb serving at breakfast and lunch to have room for two snacks.

And the walking is hard. I've been trying g to take activity breaks at work, but when I get home I am done!

emilieraptor

My nutritionist explained to me that 15 grams of carbs equals 1 carb serving...I get 1 to 2 carb servings at breakfast and 2 to 3 at lunch and dinner plus 1 carb serving per snack (3 a day.) I've switched to sprouted bread and fairlife milk and rearrange the way and what carbs I eat. Its been working out really well so far with only ONE exception and that is that my fasting glucose is always a bit high in the morning. I don't take insulin but have another medication they are trying me on. I was advised to exercise for at lead 10 to 20 min after every meal which I do and it makes me feel great and helps my blood sugar go down. I was very upset when I first found out I had GD but it's actually been a blessing in disguise because ive learned what actual healthy eating is all about. I used to have a really hard time with overeating and portion control and previously suffered from a pretty severe eating disorder but now have the confidence that I will carry my healthy eating habits into post delivery life and pass them down to my son.
It can be hard and very emotional but there is a silver lining!

seamonkey4

@sparklett22 , I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Just remember, you did well with changing your diet and exercising. This really isn't you. Hopefully the insulin will get your levels where they need to be and you can continue to focus on more exciting aspects of the final stages of pregnancy.

karend2014

Yes exactly - You are doing awesome Sparklett - it isn't your fault at all. I know it's so tough - even with being diagnosed with GD I feel like I failed somehow or it was my fault. The nurse made me feel better - saying it wasn't but still.

I do ok during the day mostly with my readings - have cut way back on junk but can't resist the odd treat... My morning numbers I am still having issues with - just over on some days - I wonder if they'll want me on meds or insulin soon

I live on apples & pb, Greek yogurt, eggs, cheese, veggies (I'm turned off veggies right now but am trying) and sprouted grain bread. Exercise is on and off, I try to get some in most days. So exhausted!

Hope everyone is doing okay!

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sparklett22

karend2014 said:

Yes exactly - You are doing awesome Sparklett - it isn't your fault at all. I know it's so tough - even with being diagnosed with GD I feel like I failed somehow or it was my fault. The nurse made me feel better - saying it wasn't but still.

I do ok during the day mostly with my readings - have cut way back on junk but can't resist the odd treat... My morning numbers I am still having issues with - just over on some days - I wonder if they'll want me on meds or insulin soon

I live on apples & pb, Greek yogurt, eggs, cheese, veggies (I'm turned off veggies right now but am trying) and sprouted grain bread. Exercise is on and off, I try to get some in most days. So exhausted!

Hope everyone is doing okay!

It seems it's my morning numbers too that are high.
Thanks for all the support!

sparklett22

seamonkey4 said:

@sparklett22 , I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Just remember, you did well with changing your diet and exercising. This really isn't you. Hopefully the insulin will get your levels where they need to be and you can continue to focus on more exciting aspects of the final stages of pregnancy.

Thank you! I love how supportive everyone is!

squigles28

I had my dr's appointment yesterday. It honestly helped a lot. We talked about risk for c-section, why he was choosing not to treat with meds, etc. It was really good. I was already carb counting when I went in, which helped be ahead of the game a bit.

Still not happy about my future risk of diabetes, but hopefully by the time baby gets here, I will have established better eating habits for the long term.

squigles28

Here we are! I searched forever to find our little board! I kind of like our little group here!

So for those of us in the US...how do you plan for the cookouts etc this weekend?

Personally, I kind of took charge of the menu...I'm going to probably do bunless hotdogs or burgers for me, corn on the cob as my starch, some fruit salad, and some grilled veggie kabobs!

And make sure lots of water if it is hot where you are! What are your plans? Anything yummy for the grill or otherwise!

karend2014

Hi - just celebrated Canada day up here hope you have a great weekend! I am just hiding from the heat as much as I can! Lol

karend2014

Seeing dietician today! I'll let you know what she says about lowering morning fasting numbers fingers crossed I can still keep trying with diet & exercise!

magdalena1977

We're going to the SIL house, the grandparents were both diabetic so I'm getting a special menu. I told them not to do any special cuz I can't eat too much.

karend2014

Went to dietician & nurse - even though my after meal numbers are perfect my morning fasting numbers are still JUST over so I have 10 days to try and get them down.... After that - insulin at night... Trying snack & Metamucil capsules... Still up a teeny bit so upping the caps tonight again to 4 at bedtime ... :-S

How's everyone doing??

squigles28

I did pretty well over the holiday weekend. We did a lot of walking over the weekend, so that made up for a couple of treats. And one time I let myself have the blizzard from dairy queen I had wanted. It wasn't as good as imagined, so I was able to eat a few bites and walk away.

So its funny, other than the holiday weekend, when a couple of my numbers were higher, my numbers have been close to normal. So I just need to establish a schedule and stick to it for sure.

jheni

I've had a really tough time with the GD diagnosis as well, and changing my diet didn't bring down my fasting numbers enough so my doctor put me on medicine. The first medicine she put me on was Metformin, which I took once and it ended up causing contractions six minutes apart as well as vomiting and diarrhea, so I had to go the ER. Everything checked out fine with baby, it was just the meds that caused it, so she switched me to Glyburide. I'm so much happier being on the medicine now! My numbers are better, and because the medicine lowers my blood sugar so much, I find I can eat more food so I don't feel like I'm starving myself like I did before.

karend2014

Mmmmm blizzard!

squigles28

Although yesterday we tried a new restaurant and the husband and I split a dessert. It was awesome and worth every freaking carb!

petitechouchou

Hey ladies, for those of you that were placed on meds or insulin, did they have you try to control it with diet first. If so, how long did they give you before they put you on medications/insulin?

I am going on almost two weeks of trying to control it by diet, and I have had a few high fasting and meal number here and there. The frustrating part is that I will eat something that worked the day before and somehow the next day, bam, it's too high. I am getting so frustrated.