Glucose Challenge Test / Gestational Diabetes

divinemsm620

jena333-2 said:

ColoradoHiker said:

@divinemsm620 It's Halo Top ice cream.  It's supposed to be high protein, low carb (I believe).  you can check their website, it has locations where you can buy it.  I've heard it's anything from decent to amazing, I was planning on checking it out at the store next time we go.

I LOVED the salted caramel, but the texture of the oatmeal cookie is super offputting for me (it's kind of grainy, and has actual oats in it). I want to try the lemon cake next, because I hear it's the freaking bees knees.

Thanks, you two! I have gone VERY slowly down the aisle of my grocery store because I could swear I saw it there once pre-diagnosis (and after it had been discussed on this thread) but of course they haven't had it since. I was looking for the word "Halo," so I'm sure I would have found it if they had it in stock--the website does say they carry it at my store, as well as two nearby CVS locations and Target.

@jena333-2 I am sure you have been to JP Licks at least once--we live a short walk from one location and their kiddie size is 4 ounces. So I absolutely will continue to enjoy my ice cream; it's still resulted in my lowest fasting number so far. I just wasted 12 carbs on a single dried fig because they are so yummy, and I am already wondering if I will pay for that choice when I test.

Sugargirl1019

LEMON CAKE IS AMAZING! IT'S MY FAVORITE! 

@BecauseLove Insulin takes immediate effect, Buuuut I've always been told to wait 3 days before making adjustments again. So hopefully you'll see an improvement soon Lantus?

ETA: I mean to say.. if you take the long acting insulin at bedtime, your fasting numbers should be good in the morning if the dose is right. Lantus by nature has an onset of action time in 2 hours ish. 

divinemsm620

@BecauseLove Well, we will be insulin buddies. I sent in my blood sugar numbers this morning and unsurprisingly, the consistently high fasting rate led them to tell me I had to come in again and will now also have to see an OB. I'm heading back tomorrow to learn about the pen and will start the injections tomorrow night, assuming my pharmacy isn't incompetent (as they were when I filled the prescription for the lancets). Sigh. At least my lunch and dinner numbers have been good so the diet seems to be working.

BecauseLove

Sugargirl1019 Yeah lantus is my long acting fasting insulin I take before bed. The one I take if I am going to eat to many carbs is like novo something or other. Good to know about waiting a few days before following up with the dr about maybe adjusting the levels of lantus. My level this morning was 95 (fasting rate) and I took the injection at 7pm...but then had dinner (it was a long day)...and then still had my evening snack before I ended up asleep for the night-those levels were great. So maybe that messed with it? 

divinemsm620 I wonder if you will get free insulin etc from your dr. I wasn't expecting it but my first pens were both given from the dr's office for free. So I could start right away and not wait for pharmacy stuff. Really the pen injections are like nothing...always scarier to do then how they feel...they are the tiniest needles and are super easy to use. Glad to hear the diet has been working for you for your meal sugar levels! When is your due date? Make sure to ask your Dr if they will be doing NST's and BPP's on you as well as measuring ultrasounds. Also did they take a A1c level for you yet? If not you may want them to do that so you can see where you were before the GD kicked in.

divinemsm620

@BecauseLove Apparently they changed their minds and the OB wants to see me first before just prescribing the insulin. I don't know if they've taken an a1c level or not. (I see a midwife for regular appointments so needing to see an OB also is new.) Also I would kill for a fasting rate of 95. Mine have been 104 and up every time. The diabetes nurse just suggested skipping evening snack since I've been having large and protein-heavy dinners and haven't been hungry for that snack. I keep thinking this would be such a fun experiment if my health and baby's health weren't at stake...

I'm due 9/23, so I have about 9 weeks to go. I did tell my midwife I wanted a measuring ultrasound at 36 weeks which is when they would offer one. My belly measurements have all been normal so far, so nothing would have triggered one to date. But I'd really like baby to be full-term to make it easier to take maternity leave (based on the school calendar). I hope to get things at least somewhat under control before I have to go back to work on 8/28; it will be nice to do these extra appointments while I have a flexible schedule.

BecauseLove

divinemsm620 Yeah I had tried a ton of different things to get my fasting number down (it has varied from 77-110 with more consistently being 95 and over) including eating a bit protein snack, eating it in the middle of the night, trying different snacks, or not eating at all and its all out of wack regardless of what I do. And I heard the further along in your 3rd trimester the more the numbers skyrocket. So I don't have an issue with the insulin. If you haven't met with a dietitian first...they may do that before they have you go on insulin. 

Hopefully meeting with the OB will be good and you will find it to be the kind of blessing that I am feeling like it is right now. 

We have similar due dates. I was suppose to be sept 27th. I think the biggest my kid has been measuring is maybe 1 day ahead of due date so I am glad to see so far she hasn't had any unhealthy growth. 

So the reason behind the NST (weekly from 32 weeks on) /BPP are to make sure the baby is moving as he/she should and has the right heart rate etc...because I guess the further along we get the more the placenta can crap out and that can lead to bad news bears for kiddo. 

I hope all goes well for you and that you can do full term and get the leave as you want it. I totally understand how complicated it can all be. I hope meeting with the OB will help give you a plan for next steps.

Sugargirl1019

@BecauseLove Yea, the number one reason I'm getting twice weekly ultrasounds is to look at blood flow to the placenta. Inducing at 37 or 38 weeks because the risk of stillbirth r/t placental failure is too high in Type 1's.

lilpoots

@Sugargirl1019 a friend who has DM1 had her baby induced in May at 37 weeks. Both went home the very next day and continue to do well.

divinemsm620

@BecauseLove I will do whatever it takes to keep kiddo healthy, of course. So far, baby has been moving plenty and his heart rate has been perfect at every check-up, but I also read what you said about the diabetes worsening as the weeks progress. I have lots of questions for the OB about what to expect for these remaining weeks--which Inhope will be 9 and not 6. I don't feel ready yet!!!!

I don't know if they would refer me to a separate nutritionist as most of the appointment w the diabetes teaching nurse was about diet, but we will see. 

BostonBaby1

@BecauseLove  And all you ladies- I am so sorry I have not been on here in forever. I have been crazy busy with a shit show at work and  I have about 1 million doctors appointments every week because of all of my high-risk issues. I'm seeing the OB, MFM, endocrinologist, cardiology, GI plus a Chiro. 

 So when I started taking the insulin, they started me at four units of NPH at bedtime.  About four hours after the first dose, I had a ton of sweating and felt really sick. Lots of research later and come to find that my cardiac medication makes even a tiny bit of hypoglycemia magnified. So now I have to keep juice with me and take just a sip if I feel off. I am down to two units of NPH at bedtime. What I find helps my morning fasting number is to eat almost exclusively protein bedtime snack. I usually do scrambled eggs with cheese. 

The only issue has been that I was spilling Ketones (are you also doing the morning Ketostix?) I spoke with the nutritionist who told me to add in more carbs at bedtime. My fasting this morning was 104 . 

The good old news is that I am getting used to the new diet and the insulin is no big deal now. I'm having a BPP on Monday. 

 Is anyone else having fetal abdominal circumference measurements? 

I'm going to try to check in more often. Again, I apologize.

divinemsm620

@BostonBaby1 hang in there, mama--this all sounds so tough. I just learned today they'll be doing abdominal circumference measurements + weekly ultrasound starting at 34w for me. I'm not sure about my insulin dosage but I will start that Tuesday night (after an appointment at which I learn to give myself the injection). So I'm not there yet but will be soon.

Sugargirl1019

@BostonBaby1 I get abdominal circumference measurements every 2 weeks since 26 weeks and now starting weekly.

BostonBaby1

@divinemsm620 Hopefully you find the insulin as easy to administer as I do. 

@Sugargirl1019 Fx everything stays on track for you!

jena333-2

I just took three readings back to back and got three wildly different numbers:
Left pinky: 124
Right thumb: 93
Left forefinger: 108

divinemsm620

jena333-2 said:

I just took three readings back to back and got three wildly different numbers:
Left pinky: 124
Right thumb: 93
Left forefinger: 108

That is really strange and makes me worry some of my good readings weren't all that good. :-(

JNR6510

@jena333-2 Do you have poor circulation in your hands or were you / your hands cold? From what I understand reduced / poor circulation can cause some wonky numbers.

cchenal07

I had a 188 last night after dinner which is super high for me. I tested a different finger on my other hand and got a normal 102. Then I remembered I just got a snack of fruit ready for DS and might of had a little juice left on my finger. Now if I get a high number I am always going to test again. It is so strange to me how all this works.

divinemsm620

@cchenal07 I just saw something online about food residue altering the test. Good thing you checked again!

Here's a dumb question: Does anyone know whether testing with thin blood could have an impact on the reading? I.e., I don't think I've always fully dried my hands before testing, as sometimes the blood "drop" is quite runny. (Sorry if TMI.)

jessieR358

cchenal07 said:

I had a 188 last night after dinner which is super high for me. I tested a different finger on my other hand and got a normal 102. Then I remembered I just got a snack of fruit ready for DS and might of had a little juice left on my finger. Now if I get a high number I am always going to test again. It is so strange to me how all this works.

I'm just jumping in here with some advice as a nurse/nurse practitioner...are you wiping away that first drop of blood before testing? We always wipe with alcohol first (allow to dry), then wipe away the first drop with a swab and then test. I know my diabetes patients typically don't do that when they check their blood at home. If you are doing that then it sounds like a meter error. 

BostonBaby1

I was also going to say it sounds like an issue with either the meter or the strips. Always wash hands first because food residue definitely alters numbers. I carry some alcohol wipes with my meter for if I am out and cannot wash

BecauseLove

So I have been on my evening dose (long lasting) insulin for a bit now and am seeing great fasting numbers now. Such a relief. I also used 1 dose of the fast acting insulin the other day when we went for Mexican food on the off chance my carbs were higher than I was expecting and again saw a great #. Insulin has become its own kind of relief/magic. Shots are easy and the results feel good. 

Anyone with GD that is expecting to be induced early? 

I was happy to hear that after 24 hours of the birth that I won't need to keep testing my sugars...and can go back to normal. Anyone planning the first meal they are going to have post baby/GD?

divinemsm620

BecauseLove said:

So I have been on my evening dose (long lasting) insulin for a bit now and am seeing great fasting numbers now. Such a relief. I also used 1 dose of the fast acting insulin the other day when we went for Mexican food on the off chance my carbs were higher than I was expecting and again saw a great #. Insulin has become its own kind of relief/magic. Shots are easy and the results feel good. 

Anyone with GD that is expecting to be induced early? 

I was happy to hear that after 24 hours of the birth that I won't need to keep testing my sugars...and can go back to normal. Anyone planning the first meal they are going to have post baby/GD?

@BecauseLove This is great news! I learn how to do insulin tomorrow. 

My post-GD meal will be pizza or pasta. I haven't wanted sweets too much (I've had some ice cream and dark chocolate, and donuts/cookies/cake have often made me kinda sick after eating too much) but I would love some carby Italian food!

Sugargirl1019

@BecauseLove I'm so thrilled to hear insulin is cooperating for you and making your numbers beautiful!

BecauseLove

divinemsm620 I think you will find the insulin is super easy to use and the needle is tiny so doesn't hurt (just make sure to let the alcohol dry). If you get the pen versions they are super easy as you just dial into your dose. But the other ones aren't hard either. 

let us know how it goes for you.  

I hear ya about pizza or pasta. I actually had some super thin crust pizza a week or 2 ago and didn't have bad numbers with it...but I also added a lot of meat to it and drank a ton of water. 

Sugargirl1019  Thanks!

cchenal07

The only thing I want to eat is a warm brownie with icecream! I have been thinking about it for days. And I miss breadsticks!

BecauseLove

cchenal07  Sounds awesome! How many weeks till your due date?

cchenal07

I have a scheduled csection Sept 15th at 39 weeks. Hoping I make it until then!

hmclaren

All of my numbers have been good after my meals, but I haven't been able to keep my fasting number within range so they put me on insulin today. I was feeling kind of down about it but I'm glad to see that some of you are getting good results! Makes me feel a lot better.

BecauseLove

hmclaren  I hope the insulin helps with your fasting numbers (I found it took a few days for it to take my numbers down but I went from 110-95 for highs to now having 85's for highs at fasting). 

cchenal07 Is there a reason why they are scheduling a c-section vrs an induction at 39 weeks? 

jena333-2

JNR6510 said:

@jena333-2 Do you have poor circulation in your hands or were you / your hands cold? From what I understand reduced / poor circulation can cause some wonky numbers.

I haven't notices any hand circulation issues, and I haven't been cold in MONTHS (I've decided between the hotness and the heart burn that I'm actually growing a baby dragon). Who knows.

I "placed my order" with my best friend for my first post birth treat. I want a Green Passion Power smoothie from Panera mixed with a split of champagne. I can practically taste it now I want it so much!

cchenal07

@BecauseLove
I am having a repeat csection. My first was measuring large, I have a smaller frame and DS was breeched. So we opted to play it safe and have a repeat instead of induction. 

BecauseLove

jena333-2 Love the baby dragon! I hear ya about the heartburn and heat!

Mmm I haven't ever had the green passion power smoothie before. Maybe something to try in the future!  

divinemsm620

@BecauseLove @hmclaren last night was my first insulin shot and my numbers were a bit better this morning but still not in target range. I did get the pen and I had my husband give the injection--I think I'll do that when possible so I don't freak out with the needle. At least with the glucose testing, I can't see the needle because of the cover.

BecauseLove

divinemsm620 glad it went ok! And nice to get DH's help. I am totally not phased by the injections but with IVF I did a lot bigger needles and a lot more often at odd times and locations depending where we were when the time hit. 

It took 3 days for my fasting number to get in target range.

Funnily though yesterday when I was out to dinner (casual porch restaurant) I did my injection in my thigh (because it was the time) and this little girl asked her parents what I was doing..I honestly didn't even hear her at first but my mom totally went overboard explaining that I have GD, and that I am pregnant and it helps keep me and the baby healthy lol.

divinemsm620

@BecauseLove we were about to start IVF when we found out I was pregnant with this LO,
so i did think about that as something to help cope with these shots. However that is the rational side of me and now that I just tried to give myself the injection, it was painful, I drew blood, and am now having a panic attack about all of it. I don't know how anyone can do this on their own and I am now just praying that the GD does go away and this doesn't continue for the rest of my life. 

BostonBaby1

divinemsm620 said:

@BecauseLove we were about to start IVF when we found out I was pregnant with this LO,
so i did think about that as something to help cope with these shots. However that is the rational side of me and now that I just tried to give myself the injection, it was painful, I drew blood, and am now having a panic attack about all of it. I don't know how anyone can do this on their own and I am now just praying that the GD does go away and this doesn't continue for the rest of my life. 

It shouldn't be painful. Where are you injecting? And can you pick an area with a little more fat? If you google subcutaneous injection sites you'll get a good idea. (((Hugs))) Possibly, it might have hurt if you tenses up and didn't go in with the syringe quickly enough.  After wiping with alcohol, make sure that it has dried before injecting. It should just take a few seconds. 

divinemsm620

BostonBaby1 said:

It shouldn't be painful. Where are you injecting? And can you pick an area with a little more fat? If you google subcutaneous injection sites you'll get a good idea. (((Hugs))) Possibly, it might have hurt if you tenses up and didn't go in with the syringe quickly enough.  After wiping with alcohol, make sure that it has dried before injecting. It should just take a few seconds. 

I thought I grabbed fat but apparently not. My thighs are pretty big so I had a lot of options. I definitely tensed up and was nervous and probably too slow. It also may have still had alcohol on it. I know it's not supposed to hurt because when my husband did it correctly, it really didn't hurt at all, just mild discomfort. So I may have done all the things wrong. I am trying not to beat myself up over it but it's frustrating because I feel like it shouldn't be THAT hard. My mind immediately jumped to "What if this is the new normal and I have diabetes forever?" and also to "How can I possibly be a good mom if I can't even do this injection?", so that, coupled with the pain, led to the panic attack. I know my thoughts were not logical but it's frustrating and overwhelming all the same. I don't like not being able to take basic care of myself and it's scary to think I will soon have to take care of another tiny person who will be dependent on me for everything.

BostonBaby1

@divinemsm620 (((hugs))) It will be okay. This can be very scary and overwhelming at first. Look, you got the injection done. Was it perfect? No but what honestly is without practice? Hopefully you won't need to continue on with the testing or insulin. But... I can tell you one thing with complete certainty. The fact that you are scared shitless about your ability to be a great parent is a strong indication that you WILL ACTUALLY BE A GREAT PARENT. And not unlike GD or insulin shots, parenthood is at times frustrating and overwhelming. But it is also the most magical, loving and incredibly fulfilling thing I have ever done by far. All of this stress and anxiety is going to melt away as soon as you have your baby in your arms. Of course, there will be all new things to worry over but looking at your baby will make it all worthwhile. Go easy on yourself mama. 

divinemsm620

@BostonBaby1 thank you!!!! I can't say how much this community has helped me cope with various pregnancy challenges. I tend to be hard on myself (as I'm sure many of us are) so it is good to be reminded that there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

BecauseLove

divinemsm620 I am sorry to hear about your bad experience injecting yourself. Maybe easier to have your DH just do it in the future. I totally agree with BostonBaby1 notes about what might have caused it to hurt...and hope that you don't have pain in the future. 

Also if you have had your a1c tested it should tell you if you have any concerns about having diabetes in the future...which might give you some relief with that concern.

You are gonna be a great mom and honestly all this stuff getting there just shows how tough ladies are...we do all these crazy things to help make sure our kiddos are the healthiest they can be.