GD Weekly Check-In

mello13

How are you ladies feeling this week?

Rants/Raves?

Recipes/Food Ideas to share?

GTKY: Weekend/Valentine's Day plans?

mello13

Feeling wretched!! But not because of the GD, because I have a heinous cold that makes breathing impossible (and I loathe mouth breathing!). GD wise I'm feeling better now that I'm working with the diet.

Rants: Dealing with complete BS insurance issues because they want their kickback by trying to make me spend unreasonable amounts of money!

Raves: The Accu-Chek customer service rep who offered me a discount program that you cannot get online to utilize the monitor I already have (and prefer). Also, my numbers have been pretty good so far, and while I know that will likely change as things progress I take small wins where I can get them.

Recipes/Food: I've been mixing the Target Market Pantry Vanilla Whey Protein Powder into my oatmeal every morning (the flavored variety; Peaches & Cream, Apple Cinnamon, etc) and drinking my coffee (because, toddler!) and that has been working well. It is a very substantial amount of protein powder, so even with the extra carbs from the flavored variety of oatmeal it has been working well, and the variety is nice. Also, I've been big on the "Big Salad"; I add ham or turkey, hard boiled eggs, lots of cheese and olives, in addition to veggies and such, so I feel like I'm actually getting a solid meal and I'm not left craving other things immediately after I eat.

Weekend plans: Today is DH's Birthday, but we celebrated last weekend with the Super Bowl party. We'll keep it low-key tonight, I'll make a favorite dinner, etc. We aren't big Valentine's people, so this weekend will mostly involve getting started on the nursery (wall paper boarder to remove, holes to patch, walls to prime thanks to last residents), picking up a "big kid" dresser for DS so I can repaint the changing table/dresser, etc. We will likely go out to eat at some point, and I'll throw on heels because it IS DH's birthday weekend after all (plus, I miss wearing them)!

AnastasiaBeaverhausen09

How are you ladies feeling this week?  Still very anxious.  Hoping that having my doctor look at my numbers and a meeting with my therapist next week will help with that.

Rants/Raves? I had two small pieces of pizza with a side salad yesterday and got a 114, I guess that's a rave?

Recipes/Food Ideas to share? I made chili earlier in the week, a big bowl of that with cheese and plain greek yogurt has given me numbers in the 80s.

GTKY: Weekend/Valentine's Day plans? Nah, we aren't big Valentine's Day people.

mello13

@AnastasiaBeaverhausen09 Pizza and still being under 120 definitely counts as a win to me!

AlCoLi

I'm looking for some advice from you ladies. I had my one hour yesterday morning and "failed with flying colors". My blood sugar level was 216 and the cutoff was 140. The nurse said it was so bad we wouldn't even bother doing the 3 hour and she diagnosed me right then. A little background info, I have a family history of diabetes and my mother and my aunt both had GD with their last pregnancies. This is my first. I am very petite (115 pre preg) and usually eat fairly healthy. Though I know GD does not discriminate. Since my test yesterday I have tested 2 hours after each meal and when I woke up before I ate. My numbers have been consistantly below 90. I feel like this is pretty low. I have been eating pretty much the same amount, but not feeling as fulfilled. (Maybe need more protein). I plan to see how the weekend goes and call the dr Monday to go over numbers and see what she recommends. In the meantime, does anyone with experience on the topic have any advice?

AnastasiaBeaverhausen09

@AlCoLi I don't have any advice because I'm in the same boat as you.  I've been testing for a week and typically get numbers between 70-90.  In fact my fasting glucose this morning popped up low on my meter (56).  I don't really know what this means other than I'm doing a good job controlling it with diet maybe?  I have a doctor's appointment on Monday and I plan to discuss it then.  Sorry I can't help more!

kp90

AlCoLi said:

I'm looking for some advice from you ladies. I had my one hour yesterday morning and "failed with flying colors". My blood sugar level was 216 and the cutoff was 140. The nurse said it was so bad we wouldn't even bother doing the 3 hour and she diagnosed me right then. A little background info, I have a family history of diabetes and my mother and my aunt both had GD with their last pregnancies. This is my first. I am very petite (115 pre preg) and usually eat fairly healthy. Though I know GD does not discriminate. Since my test yesterday I have tested 2 hours after each meal and when I woke up before I ate. My numbers have been consistantly below 90. I feel like this is pretty low. I have been eating pretty much the same amount, but not feeling as fulfilled. (Maybe need more protein). I plan to see how the weekend goes and call the dr Monday to go over numbers and see what she recommends. In the meantime, does anyone with experience on the topic have any advice?

@alcoli Did you eat or drink anything before your 1 hour? I know it varies depending on your doctor but mine told me to eat and drink as normal... which I did... and failed the 1 hour. Well I had my 3 hour yesterday and fasted. I passed just fine.

mello13

@AlCoLi I'd say you're doing a good job controlling your carbs and balancing the protein. Definitely talk it over with your doc, as this means you will likely make it through the pregnancy without needing medication or insulin shots (yay!). 

Keep in mind GD doesn't discriminate, though factors like a family history up your odds. Also, as the pregnancy progresses and baby and placenta continue to grow what once worked for good numbers might not hold up. 

I'm in a similar boat; family history, low pre-preg weight etc. This is my second pregnancy (90% chance of GD in all subsequent pregnancies after having it once) and the only real solution is birth. I passed my first one hour (taken much sooner given my history), but failed the second and just barely failed the three hour. It's unlikely your doctor will retract the GD diagnosis despite your numbers being so low (unless you chugged a Coke just before you went in for the test, which would obviously wreck your numbers). Doc will likely just encourage you to keep up the good work. 

It's frustrating and tedious for sure, but it will be worth it. And this too shall pass!

AlCoLi

@kp90 I did the one hour fasting. Had baked chicken and corn for dinner the night before and was told to not eat or drink anything after midnight. I drank the glucose at 7:30 and had my blood tested at 8:30. 

I assumed my my numbers are low because I'm doing a good job (yay!) but of course want to make sure baby and I are receiving the right amount of nutrients. 

Thank you you ladies for the advice! I'll call the dr Monday and see if she has any tips or ideas for meals and snacks. 

proudparent2b

Edit- posted to the wrong board- sorry!

RSaini

I have a question if someone can just advise--i had 1 bad sugar reading today (8.2 one hour after breakfast). Now i understand if i go on insulin it's for the best of the baby but i want to know what did your dr's look at readings-wise to determine you need to be put on insulin? 

AnastasiaBeaverhausen09

@Knottie66236605 I am not on insulin but my doctor told me he looks for consistently high patterns.  Your doctor may be different, though, so if you are worried I would call the nurse's line and ask!

RSaini

@AnastasiaBeaverhausen09 my patterns haven't been consistently high at all so maybe there's hope. How are you coping with GD after diagnosis? Getting used to it? 

AnastasiaBeaverhausen09

@Knottie66236605 I wouldn't worry unless your patterns are consistently high. I am doing better, thanks for asking! Those first few weeks were tough.  I still have anxiety but am getting better at managing that.  I was so terrified to prick my finger and now I can do that no problem.  Following the diet isn't so bad.  I don't get as tired during the day eating small meals throughout the day and the walking has helped my swelling.  The worst is fighting the cravings for cereal.  I miss cereal.

RSaini

@AnastasiaBeaverhausen09 the anxiety is tough for me as well. It always creeps up when I eat and have to test my sugar an hour later. Constantly thinking about what I should be eating isn't helping either lol. I have been craving chocolate at night mostly so I am trying my best to stay away...Luckily, I have been successful. 

dmunoz81

I just found out yesterday that I " miserably failed" my 3 hour test and that I have GD. I'm in a bit of shock as I had no issues with previous pregnancy. I am overweight and at my last Dr's appt I hadn't gained ANY weight  this pregnancy. Weighed today and I am up 4 lbs. I'm freaking out a bit at that 213 number. I see my Dr. tomorrow, but I cant get into the diabetes specialist for two weeks! I'm totally freaked out and not sure what to eat at this point. I just downloaded this book.. https://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-Gestational-Diabetes-Conventional/dp/0986295000. I'm concerned because I have been eating pretty healthily. Pasta once a week... sweet treat once a week,  etc and my numbers were still really high. Any advice or suggestions on how to get started in the meantime before I see the specialist?

RSaini

@dmunoz81 i was told at my appointment to watch my carb intake (15g is 1 serving of carbs) and to calculate that number subtract the fibre amount from the total number of carbs on a food label. Attached are two documents I was given to help me eat properly. My diagnosis was a surprise to me as well because I have always watched what i eat. I hope that helps!

dmunoz81

@Knottie66236605  - that is super helpful. Thank you . I see my regular OB today and am getting a growth ultrasound. Hopefully i will get some sort of plan from her,  but in the meantime this will help me make some food choices without stressing!

RSaini

@dmunoz81 not a problem!! Hope all goes well at your appointment!

Sienna516

Help! Today was my 1st day trying to track & manage the carbs after my appt with the dietitian last night. My after lunch was 124, and my after supper was 150. I thought the food choices that I made were ok and weighed up the carb food. I've been walking after I eat (for 15 min after lunch & for 25 min after dinner) thinking that would help cement good numbers, but my numbers are still high.. I'm getting afraid to eat anything. Any advice? 

Does anyone know if the oral insulin medications can come in a liquid form (NOT talking about the syringe liquid form)? 

RSaini

@Sienna516 what did you have for lunch/supper? I've noticed if I pair with lots of veggies and definitely having some form of protein my numbers are within the range they should be. Also, the oral diabetes meds do not come in liquid form. The only liquid form available are insulin injections.

Sienna516

@Knottie66236605 For lunch I had a sandwich-lots of spinach, grape tomatoes, honey ham lunch meat, slice of cheddar cheese, on a bun; broccoli florets & a little cheese whiz and water (3 carb "points" according to my book, 3-4 points suggested by my dietitian for lunch). For my afternoon snack, I had a Quest protein bar & a mandarin fruit cup (no sugar added).  For dinner, I had a yellow potato, a little butter, a little sour cream, a little bacon bits, chopped green onion, some more honey ham lunch meat, 1 cup skim milk, 1 slice whole wheat toast (4 carb "points" total according to my book, 3-4 suggested). I'm thinking maybe I should try to eat more meat and shave off a carb point? I feel like I'm going to end up on the insulin medication and I'm afraid of that b/c I have a phobia of needles and I can't swallow pills...(ridiculous I know)..Thanks for your response.

RSaini

Sienna516 said:

@Knottie66236605 For lunch I had a sandwich-lots of spinach, grape tomatoes, honey ham lunch meat, slice of cheddar cheese, on a bun; broccoli florets & a little cheese whiz and water (3 carb "points" according to my book, 3-4 points suggested by my dietitian for lunch). For my afternoon snack, I had a Quest protein bar & a mandarin fruit cup (no sugar added).  For dinner, I had a yellow potato, a little butter, a little sour cream, a little bacon bits, chopped green onion, some more honey ham lunch meat, 1 cup skim milk, 1 slice whole wheat toast (4 carb "points" total according to my book, 3-4 suggested). I'm thinking maybe I should try to eat more meat and shave off a carb point? I feel like I'm going to end up on the insulin medication and I'm afraid of that b/c I have a phobia of needles and I can't swallow pills...(ridiculous I know)..Thanks for your response.

@Sienna516 it looks like you're eating according to the meal plan they've provided you but it may help to shave off a carb point as you mentioned. Adding more protein will only help you. When do you go for your follow up appointment? I was told at mine today that if they see that 3 of my levels are high for the same meal (eg. if 3 levels are high for breakfast each day) then i will need insulin therapy. 

AnastasiaBeaverhausen09

@Sienna516 I have found that sometimes, even though I am within my carb count, the particular carb I've eaten spikes me.  For your lunch, maybe you just can't eat both sides of the bun, or maybe you need to switch to sandwich thins.  For your dinner, I think you definitely didn't have enough protein.  Yes, you were within your carb counts but you need to pair that with a lot more protein.  Maybe swap out the milk for a piece of meat like chicken or a steak?  Good luck, I know this is frustrating.  I cried yesterday after going 2 points over after lunch.  

rbrooks6

My Valentine's Weekend was wonderful. I got candy, an adorable bear, a big bear balloon, a very sweet card, and a beautiful new necklace. All from husband.
I believe that our son has turned now, because while I was picking up necessities for his nursery, I felt this really excruciating turning pain from him in my belly. I had to stop moving until it was over. At least 5-10 seconds. I felt when our daughter flipped over for delivery too. It was at the end of my 7th month with her as well, 5years ago. I was sitting and I just felt her completely flip over. I was like Woah. Went to my 32wk checkup and her head was upside down.
I been feeling great and doing great. No swelling. I did well on my glucose screening. Baby's growing well. I have 9 more weeks to go. I am now 30 wks and at my 30 wks checkup. And Braxton Hicks picked up a notch as well. Ouch!

Sienna516

I had an appointment with my ob today and talked a bit with her. My dietitian appointment is next Thursday. I had better numbers today with 88 for lunch and 102 for dinner (fasting & breakfast were fine too). I had stir fry for dinner with steak and lots of veggies. I'm going to try to work in more meat, but chicken still sounds gross to me and meat is kinda pricey. I do eat a protein bar in the afternoon to help boost my daily totals since I've never been much of a meat eater (I eat a bit of cheese & greek yogurt for morning snacks/breakfast too). I've been kinda panicky about my numbers because I really don't want to be on the insulin medication. My doctor told me if they do end up putting me on it, that I will have weekly appointments & they will induce me at 39 weeks.  Thanks for the advice ladies! 

RSaini

Sienna516 said:

I had an appointment with my ob today and talked a bit with her. My dietitian appointment is next Thursday. I had better numbers today with 88 for lunch and 102 for dinner (fasting & breakfast were fine too). I had stir fry for dinner with steak and lots of veggies. I'm going to try to work in more meat, but chicken still sounds gross to me and meat is kinda pricey. I do eat a protein bar in the afternoon to help boost my daily totals since I've never been much of a meat eater (I eat a bit of cheese & greek yogurt for morning snacks/breakfast too). I've been kinda panicky about my numbers because I really don't want to be on the insulin medication. My doctor told me if they do end up putting me on it, that I will have weekly appointments & they will induce me at 39 weeks.  Thanks for the advice ladies! 

I feel the same way. I do not want to be on the insulin meds because I don't want to be induced. I want my experience with labour to be as natural as possible. Let's hope for the best and eat as healthy as possible. Good luck @Sienna516!

Sienna516

Thanks! I'm so glad to have you all to help talk through with all of this GD stuff. It definitely helps me.  Good luck to you too @RSaini !