succarvo2014, I'm finding that inconsistency the most frustrating part. I was diagnosed about a month ago and have been testing for almost three weeks and am so discouraged when a meal that worked for me before now leaves me with a higher number. It's hard not to lose hope and to bother to keep trying when that happens.
When you say high fasting numbers in the morning, what were they? I'm having the same exact problem and am curious. I go to the doctor tomorrow and going to see what she says. The specialist keeps moving around my evening snack but it doesn't seem to be making a difference.
About fasting numbers: I was diagnosed with GD very early and mine are only good if the day before I ate three perfectly spaced meals. If I feel sick and skip a meal, my fasting the next morning is high. This might not be true for everyone, just what I've noticed.
So, doing my best with the diet and trying not to get upset with numbers. But I've forgotten my after dinner numbers twice this weekend. Must get back on schedule!!!
Just remember, diabetes is so frustrating. Not even just gestational, where we have hormones which affect our readings. Type 1 and type 2- their numbers can be affected by stress, emotions, being sick, being in pain. So we have those factors plus stupid hormones.
Not excuses, but just try not to be frustrated with yourself if the numbers don't make sense.
Im 29 weeks today. My OB treats for GD starting early if you have a higher A1C so ive been dealing with this pretty much all of pregnancy. I have to test 4 times a day and im taking glyburide at night. It started as half a pill, then a few weeks later it was a whole pill and at 28 weeks im up to a pill and a half. My fasting numbers are the ones i struggle with the most. My family has an extensive history of diabetes so I dont feel that bad. I just keep telling myself its only for pregnancy. The hardest thing for me is my cravings!! I crave pineapples and watermelon all the time and they have such high sugars in them. My doctor said to have them with some protein and thats been helping. Just try not to stress too much. Getting groceries is harder because of the strictness of the diet but you get used to it. And if you're diagnosed later at least you have less time to deal with it!
@broach713 my fasting numbers have been 94/95/96 and they have to be less than 90. I had a cup of plain lowfat yogurt and some chicken as the nighttime snack and it was too high. I called the GD nurse and she advised me to eat protein and 2/3 toast or cheese and wheat crackers. I tried the toast with chicken and today my fasting was okay. I cut out all carbs for my breakfast because even one toast with peanut butter or eggs made my numbers to high. So I have had just 1 egg with hummus and my numbers have been good. The nurse said that as my pregnancy progresses, my body will process my sugars differently. So what worked at 28 weeks might not work at 29 weeks (which makes me want to scream!). But any carb should be eaten with protein. My husband ordered pizza this weekend and I nearly filed for divorce because I couldn't handle craving it so much and not being able to eat any
OK girls, went go the store today. Normally my husband goes and he'd get anything I ask for...but I needed inspiration. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies, yummy looking meats for the grill, BUT most exciting for me...
Birds eye veggies had all kinds of yummy looking things! I found their new buffalo cauliflower and some other veggie mixes I'd never seen before! Can't wait to see if they are any good!
Good for you!! So much better than me today. I've really been working at this, but it's hard. I was so frustrated ((and exhausted, and hormonal) with higher than desired numbers on food that was previously fine that I kind of lost it and had cookies for a snack and a subway turkey sandwich for lunch (I did forgo chips, at least). And now so badly just want to order pizza for dinner, eat it watching tv, go to bed early, and then just start again tomorrow. I know that's bad for the LO, but, ugh, I'm so tired. And while I'm venting to the not actually right in front of me world, my husband is not much help when I'm struggling and torn because he'll say yes to whatever I say so I never know what an actual opinion is. I so wish he could be more of what I feel like a real partner is and have real opinions that he'd really voice so I had someone to really figure things out with.
We all have good days and bad days don't beat yourself up too bad. Besides, unfortunately, what works for me one day may not the next, which is why I went on the shopping expedition! My normal breakfasts were not working this week. I also meant to get fiber one to try out a recipe for a snack bar that I am trying to remake in a healthier way. Totally forgot all the stuff for it! Derp!
I'm just reading through this, as I was diagnosed today. I'm so not happy. I have to call specialist tomorrow, but what scares me most is hearing you all say we're supposed to walk 3 times a day! I have a 2.5year old who will no longer stay in a stroller. How on earth do I make that happen?
I was diagnosed at 29 weeks and tomorrow I will be 31 weeks. Right now I'm down to 2 finger sticks a day. I'm just happy with each passing day that I stay in the "normal" sugar range. Today I chose to check my fasting number, 69, and my 2 hour post prandial dinner, 81. I'm still really nervous about delivery, my dr already said induction on EDD. Though looking at my current readings, I don't think it's necessary. I'm desperately waiting to start rotating through providers since EDD is quickly approaching, and hopefully finding talking with a provider who believes, as I do based on case studies, that women with diet controlled sugars at or very near "normal" are no more high risk than a normal pregnancy. Anyway, I thought I would share a recipe for those interested. They are called 21 day fix blueberry muffins. My whole family loves them, and they are so easy to make: 1 1/2 c almond flour(expensive but literally the only ingredient is almonds) 1/8 tsp salt 3/4 tsp baking soda Mix the above ingredients In a separate bowl: Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil 2 eggs Combine and add to dry ingredients Mash 3/4 banana, add to all other ingredients Fold in 1/2 c blueberries Bake at 350 for 30 min They are filling. 5.2g of carbs and 4.1g of protein. And as you can see, no added sugar! But honestly you can't even tell there's no sugar.
@Peony1982 I haven't been able to go on walks in the past few months due to the crazy heat so what's working for me is just more activity around the house. I make myself go upstairs every time to go to the bathroom and try to do a quick yoga video in the morning. Chasing a toddler around can definitely count for you! There has been days when I haven't gotten off the couch, and I'm glad to say still not a single high number! It's different for everyone, but you'll figure out what works for you!
@Peony1982 I haven't been able to go on walks in the past few months due to the crazy heat so what's working for me is just more activity around the house. I make myself go upstairs every time to go to the bathroom and try to do a quick yoga video in the morning. Chasing a toddler around can definitely count for you! There has been days when I haven't gotten off the couch, and I'm glad to say still not a single high number! It's different for everyone, but you'll figure out what works for you!
Thanks! I already use a Fitbit, so I'm pretty aware of what my more active days look like. Guess I'll just aim for more of those!
I was diagnosed with GD last week and I was really really upset. I met with the nutritionist at our hospital and she gave me a meal plan breakdown.
30c for breakfast, 30c for snack, 45c for lunch, 30c for snack, 45c for dinner, 30c for snack.
For breakfasts I've been making myself shakes with kale, berries, greek yogurt and a dash of milk. I measure everything out to be just around 30 carbs.
Snacks that were suggested to me are yogurts, cereal bars (Fiber One Oats & Chocolate are 29grams), fruit (banana is 30g), hummus.
Lunch and Dinner are probably the hardest for me. I tend to avoid carbs all together which is the opposite of what I'm supposed to do.
At night I've been having an apple with natural peanut butter.
My morning levels are very high still. between 95-105. Not sure what I can do to bring those down. My doctor said that my levels throughout the rest of the day are fine and that my resting level is the only one that's problematic but she is not worried. She said I can still have a vaginal birth and not to be too concerned. She said to keep doing what I'm doing and I will be fine.
We all have good days and bad days don't beat yourself up too bad. Besides, unfortunately, what works for me one day may not the next, which is why I went on the shopping expedition! My normal breakfasts were not working this week. I also meant to get fiber one to try out a recipe for a snack bar that I am trying to remake in a healthier way. Totally forgot all the stuff for it! Derp!
Thanks for the support! Breakfasts are such a struggle for me to come up with so even more frustrating when it stops working. It's a hard balance between pushing myself to do well and not beating myself up knowing that there's only so much that I can do. I did eat a perfectly balanced and acceptable dinner and still had a really high reading, but I think it might have been residual sugar from earlier in the day. And/or stress. Hopefully today will be better!
@thtrchic , it makes 9. Which doesn't last very long in our house with 3 of them eating them for breakfast lol. I think I'll be doubling the recipe next time.
So we are starting weekly BPP tests next week! Hopefully, all will look good and little one can cook for at least another month!
As a side note. Not related to diabetes in any way, I just really want to get a Dr's note and go on medical leave or modified duty. My boss honestly just stresses me out so much, which doesn't help my blood pressure. I'm so unmotivated. I plan to work until my due date or until they change the plan at the Dr, but ugh!
I've never posted on here but reading through this thread is the only one I want to post on! Diagnosed on Monday, met with nurse/dietician yesterday, first full day of taking blood sugar today. It's so overwhelming.
Is it standard that with GD doctors will induce on the EDD? I haven't met with my OB since being diagnosed so this is news to me. I was planning on attempting a non medicated birth so this is disappointing!
I see people are struggling with high fasting numbers. Mine was 2 pts above target this morning and 3 pts above post lunch. Hoping to get them down!
Thanks to you ladies for posting on this board and making me feel like I have a community. I have been dealing with so many emotions since being diagnosed, just reading your posts is very helpful.
I just found out I have gestational diabetes, I'm now here freaking out, idk what to do next. I'm scared and I wanna know how you all dealt with your diagnosis
From what I can tell on the question of what the doctor will do, it's not completely consistent even though the doctors are acting like it is. There's also a big distinction (for most doctors) of whether or not you're controlling just through diet or need medication. My doctor says that if I'm controlling through diet (as I am now, but suspect I won't the whole way through) it's basically just a normal pregnancy and she can let things be. If I need to be on medication they'll induce. It absolutely wouldn't be later than my EDD, but would likely be more like 38-39 weeks. I'm really not very pleased about being induced, or the greater likelihood of a c-section that comes from both that and the potentially larger size of baby. but in the month I've been dealing with this have come around to knowing that I'll do what they think necessary. It is all very overwhelming and the changing nature of how our bodies react frustrating, but it does all get easier than in those first few days so hang in there!
I've my second appointment with my MFM tomorrow. My meal numbers have been well within range. It's my fasting numbers that are bothersome. They're within range, but "not ideal". I HATE the way they started me on a range and quickly pushed to "ideal". I found the changing of the goalposts very stressful and disheartening.
I'm afraid he'll put me on meds and he's not a really warm and fuzzy guy, so I don't gel with him. I want my husband to come with me tomorrow for moral support as I'm afraid what I might do without him there...
Scared, guilty, angry...all of it! I am wishing the diagnosis away at this point. Hoping to get to where a lot of the moms on this board are in acceptance and humor about the situation.
Scared, guilty, angry...all of it! I am wishing the diagnosis away at this point. Hoping to get to where a lot of the moms on this board are in acceptance and humor about the situation.
I'm resigned to the fact at this stage. I'm older, It's borderline. I was SO upset at first and now I'm just ok - let's see how tomorrow goes. Part of my problem is I don't like the MFM. Simple as that. But I will (and have been) doing what I'm told. I'm more concerned about potential long term issues, that's my thing so I can't say I've a sense of humor about it 100%, but I'm not crying about it like I was at first...
It took a week or so and a good talk with my Dr to move to acceptance. He is letting me manage with diet as long as possible. We are doing weekly checks starting next week to ensure baby is doing well and placenta is not having issues. So that is what will determine our course for early delivery. Which seems reasonable. He hasn't brought up a mandatory inducement either.
For me the most frustrating thing is that even though the number of patients has increased, they don't have great guidelines for treatment. And it definitely isn't all the same.
As for my numbers this week after breakfast and after dinner are slightly high. So I am changing foods around. Just remember not your fault and a good reason to adopt a healthier lifestyle after for you and baby!
My fasting and after breakfast numbers are good but after much and dinner are out of control and I'm taking insulin. I'm not sure what to do. If I eat any carbs besides a slice of wheat bread it sends my numbers through the roof. I hurt my back and am pretty inactive right now so I'm sure that's not helping.
@thtrchic , I wish my MD was more like yours. All the research I've done shows that a diet controlled GD is no more high risk than a non GD pregnancy, to the point that no extra monitoring(aside from Finger sticks) is needed and no need to induce. My Dr apparently doesn't see it that way. Although he only has me doing 2 finger sticks a day and still on every 2 week appts, he wants a NST next week(32 weeks) and to induce on EDD. I'm sticking to my guns, doing my research, and as long as my numbers keep running as they are, I won't let him dictate how this goes. Obviously if signs of trouble arise with baby girl, that will change my stance. I hope you can stay diet controlled and get the delivery you've been hoping for.
Met my MFM today. My mealtime numbers are "excellent" in this opinion and my fasting are ok - they're within range. We spoke about the nighttime snack issues and he said to try not having one, especially if I'm not hungry for one and I see him in a week and then he'll let me know if I need to start oral medication...
My endocrinologist put me on Insulin injections twice a day before lunch and dinner. She was concerned with my fasting numbers and would rather be safe than sorry. I have to see her every two weeks.
When I first started insulin, my numbers were still high a few times. Now, they're right where they should be.
I see my OB tomorrow and we are doing another ultrasound to determine the baby's measurements.
The support from everyone on the site has been so reassuring.
So nice to have our GD group to talk to & for support! My fasting numbers are still fluctuating - I'll have to go on insulin @ night I think... I am just so exhausted at night I keep forgetting my snack
Struggling with the fasting numbers as well. and really do not like the 20% margin for error that these meters have, it frustrates me!!! Just spoke to the doctor because my levels are on the 120-127 mark post prandial and he is not alarmed. He wants to keep trying with the diet and we'll discuss glyburide for night time if it doesn't get better. Goodluck mommas! We can do this!!!
Despite exercise and watching what I eat, my fasting numbers are still high so my OB put me on a low dosage of Metformin (500mg) right before dinner. The rest of my numbers are good. I check my blood 4x a day, and found a diet that works for me. I'm basically eating the same things everyday! I go back next Thursday, and have a feeling my dosage will need to increase. Anyone on Metformin? Or have any success with lowering their fasting numbers??
I got the one touch verio. I like that it keeps track of my trends for me. I wish if we're easier to upload my numbers to send to the Dr. I think they have another one that does that more easily, but overall I like it. The best feature is the little plastic thing holds the meter, strips, and lancet device all in one, which makes it easy to hold when testing on the road.
I made a batch of the muffins and really like them. I had one for breakfast with a little hunk of cheese and it worked well for me. I think these may well become a staple of my life for the next couple months. Thanks for the suggestion!
Re: Anyone else struggling with Gestational Diabetes?
Just remember, diabetes is so frustrating. Not even just gestational, where we have hormones which affect our readings. Type 1 and type 2- their numbers can be affected by stress, emotions, being sick, being in pain. So we have those factors plus stupid hormones.
Not excuses, but just try not to be frustrated with yourself if the numbers don't make sense.
Lots of fresh fruit and veggies, yummy looking meats for the grill, BUT most exciting for me...
Birds eye veggies had all kinds of yummy looking things! I found their new buffalo cauliflower and some other veggie mixes I'd never seen before! Can't wait to see if they are any good!
I also meant to get fiber one to try out a recipe for a snack bar that I am trying to remake in a healthier way. Totally forgot all the stuff for it! Derp!
I still have a hard time with activity. It's all a process. I'm all or nothing activity wise.
Anyway, I thought I would share a recipe for those interested. They are called 21 day fix blueberry muffins. My whole family loves them, and they are so easy to make:
1 1/2 c almond flour(expensive but literally the only ingredient is almonds)
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
Mix the above ingredients
In a separate bowl:
Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil
2 eggs
Combine and add to dry ingredients
Mash 3/4 banana, add to all other ingredients
Fold in 1/2 c blueberries
Bake at 350 for 30 min
They are filling. 5.2g of carbs and 4.1g of protein. And as you can see, no added sugar! But honestly you can't even tell there's no sugar.
I was diagnosed with GD last week and I was really really upset. I met with the nutritionist at our hospital and she gave me a meal plan breakdown.
30c for breakfast, 30c for snack, 45c for lunch, 30c for snack, 45c for dinner, 30c for snack.
For breakfasts I've been making myself shakes with kale, berries, greek yogurt and a dash of milk. I measure everything out to be just around 30 carbs.
Snacks that were suggested to me are yogurts, cereal bars (Fiber One Oats & Chocolate are 29grams), fruit (banana is 30g), hummus.
Lunch and Dinner are probably the hardest for me. I tend to avoid carbs all together which is the opposite of what I'm supposed to do.
At night I've been having an apple with natural peanut butter.
My morning levels are very high still. between 95-105. Not sure what I can do to bring those down. My doctor said that my levels throughout the rest of the day are fine and that my resting level is the only one that's problematic but she is not worried. She said I can still have a vaginal birth and not to be too concerned. She said to keep doing what I'm doing and I will be fine.
I really hate pricking myself though!
Hope any of this helps!
As a side note. Not related to diabetes in any way, I just really want to get a Dr's note and go on medical leave or modified duty. My boss honestly just stresses me out so much, which doesn't help my blood pressure. I'm so unmotivated. I plan to work until my due date or until they change the plan at the Dr, but ugh!
Is it standard that with GD doctors will induce on the EDD? I haven't met with my OB since being diagnosed so this is news to me. I was planning on attempting a non medicated birth so this is disappointing!
I see people are struggling with high fasting numbers. Mine was 2 pts above target this morning and 3 pts above post lunch. Hoping to get them down!
Thanks to you ladies for posting on this board and making me feel like I have a community. I have been dealing with so many emotions since being diagnosed, just reading your posts is very helpful.
I've my second appointment with my MFM tomorrow. My meal numbers have been well within range. It's my fasting numbers that are bothersome. They're within range, but "not ideal". I HATE the way they started me on a range and quickly pushed to "ideal". I found the changing of the goalposts very stressful and disheartening.
I'm afraid he'll put me on meds and he's not a really warm and fuzzy guy, so I don't gel with him. I want my husband to come with me tomorrow for moral support as I'm afraid what I might do without him there...
I'm resigned to the fact at this stage. I'm older, It's borderline. I was SO upset at first and now I'm just ok - let's see how tomorrow goes. Part of my problem is I don't like the MFM. Simple as that. But I will (and have been) doing what I'm told. I'm more concerned about potential long term issues, that's my thing so I can't say I've a sense of humor about it 100%, but I'm not crying about it like I was at first...
For me the most frustrating thing is that even though the number of patients has increased, they don't have great guidelines for treatment. And it definitely isn't all the same.
As for my numbers this week after breakfast and after dinner are slightly high. So I am changing foods around. Just remember not your fault and a good reason to adopt a healthier lifestyle after for you and baby!
When I first started insulin, my numbers were still high a few times. Now, they're right where they should be.
I see my OB tomorrow and we are doing another ultrasound to determine the baby's measurements.
The support from everyone on the site has been so reassuring.
The best feature is the little plastic thing holds the meter, strips, and lancet device all in one, which makes it easy to hold when testing on the road.