GD Moms

kyrwyn

I'm so sorry @elvenchick92686.  The disappointment and big feelings of going on meds were (are) really hard for me, too.  I had a few really solid cries last week because of it.  My medical team keeps telling me it's not something I've done wrong; it's just the way the hormones are affecting my body.  I hope the meds help, and I'll keep you in my thoughts!

elvenchick92686

@kyrwyn thanks :-). Ill be okay. He also upped my blood pressure meds and put me on a daily antibotic for my kidney issues. Thankfully i only have another 9-10 weeks left before i get induced so im sure i can stick it out. Just sucks. And the one he put me on causes low spikes so now im terrified cause im mostly myself during the day so if something happens im on my own :-(

beary67

@elvenchick92686 I've been on bed rest for the last 5+ weeks and now with starting insulin, I'm also on my own.  I have a group chat with my mom and husband where I let them know how I'm doing after my insulin/meal and if they don't hear from me, they would call.  The other day, which was my first day on insulin, my dad and mom coordinated who would call me to check in.  Thankfully, I've been perfectly fine.  As we continue to increase my meds, I'm sure we will keep the same system in place just so everyone knows I'm ok, etc.  If something were to happen, my neighbor has the code to my house and can get in.  

elvenchick92686

@beary67 that's a good idea. I live in a apartment and don't trust anybody. I have a couple friends in town I can text but my mom is in Florida and my fiancé works 30 minutes away. Thankfully my best friend lives close enough by and is home after 3 so I can text her if I need be. I hope nothing does happen but a good thing to have in place. I've always got 911 if nobody can come fast enough :-/

ngarciabyu

Can I get some advice from you ladies? I haven't taken my glucose test, I go in on Monday. But the past few weeks I have not been feeling well. I don't know how to describe it really, dizzy, some nausea, extreme thirst, super tired, and it seems to correlate with my diet. I have had low blood sugar in the past (not pregnancy related), and I'm feeling similar highs and lows to that. I'm not trying to borrow trouble and assume it's a blood sugar thing, but I do feel better when I eat less sugar/more protein. I was going to change my diet this week and up my expercise to see if I start to feel better. My question is, will changing my diet over the next 5 days or so screw with my glucose test? Should I wait? 

kyrwyn

@ngarciabyu  If you are making changes because you physically feel better, then I don't think you'll "screw up" your glucose test.  It might be helpful to log what you're eating, and what those changes are, so you can discuss it with your OB regardless of how your glucose test(s) go.  As a GD patient, I have made big changes to my diet, exercise and meds and even that isn't enough to "pass" the criteria some days.  I couldn't have fooled the test if I tried.

If you do make changes, you may need to keep them up for the rest of your pregnancy, so keeping track of what helps you feel better/normal would help you discuss healthy eating/planning/etc with your OB, or it may give you a good baseline for talking with the nutritionist if you do get a GD diagnosis.

KathrynJ088

Anyone have a good cookbook or recipe site? Nutritionist hasn't called me yet and I need to go grocery shopping like tomorrow 

beary67

I don't have a specific site but I did join a few GD groups on Facebook. One is about recipes/cooking/etc. 

If it helps, I thought for sure I would have to cut out carbs but I've actually had to add a lot. Here is what I need to eat for each meal with twins:

Breakfast: 45 carbs and a protein (no fruit or cereal or milk) 
Snack: 15 carbs and a protein 
Lunch: 60 carbs, a protein and a veggie 
Snack: 15 carbs and a protein 
Dinner:  60 carbs, a protein and a veggie 
Snack: 30 carbs and a protein

My fasting blood sugars need to be between 60-90 and then one hour after a meal I need to be between 90-120. 

kyrwyn

@KathrynJ088 My GD program is called "sweet success" and they have a lot of information available online for patients (no login required).  I basically live off this food guide, because it helps me with portion sizes: https://http//www.cdappsweetsuccess.org/Portals/0/Documents/Nutrition/Food%20Guide_Eng_web.pdf

My nutritionist also gave me a set of handouts from years past to help with ideas. They are photocopies of photocopies and didn't scan well when I tried, but I posted the newer example meal plan earlier in this thread, too.   

Since I've got a singleton pregnancy, my targets for carbs per meal are slightly different than @beary67.   

babybison

Excuse me for interjecting, but when I see your discussion title I think you're all super fans of this korean popstar G-Dragon, who goes by GD. Sorry you all have to go through this, but it totally makes my day brighter.

elev2017

@babybison every time I see it I read it as "God Damn Moms" in my head, so at least yours is more politically correct lol.

anewadventure

this is a follow-on recommendation related to @kyrwyn and her materials. especially for those of you who have a diagnosis but are awaiting guidance, it has a lot of information and tools.

https://www.cdappsweetsuccess.org/Resources/FreePatientEducationMaterial.aspx

kyrwyn

@leilagphillips I think in similar language about my GD at times, so that might be appropriate.

I can change the thread title if people like. Just let me know. When I started it, I just got so sad/anxious every time I saw "gestational diabetes" written out that it was easier for me to use the acronym.

I had my clinic meeting today where they go over all my numbers and meal log, etc, and they said I'm doing a great job! They're not worried about a couple random highs (no pattern, barely above the cut off) over the weekend when I had the flu and they don't think I'll need to bump up my insulin again until Monday at the soonest.  They also said to expect a constant gradual increase on my night-time insulin dose which should level off around 36 weeks, when the hormones peak, so I am beginning to feel like I have some concrete hope on managing this.  

kyrwyn

On the topic of recipes... We made a variation of this for dinner:
https://smittenkitchen.com/2016/04/sheet-pan-chicken-tikka/

I dropped the sugar out of the marinade, and left off the paprika (because I don't tolerate it well) and forgot the chili (oops, but I also didn't miss it since I bumped up the cayenne).  I used broccoli instead of cauliflower (again, personal preference) and when I roasted the veggies I kept them segregated so I could measure out my potatoes to make sure I was getting the right serving size.  We've used brussel sprouts instead of cauliflower in the past, and curried brussels are surprisingly delicious (if you like sprouts).

For portion sizes: I eat between 3.5 and 4 oz of chicken, around a cup of potatoes (yukon gold, 1 cup = about 30g carbs) and as much broccoli as I want with up to 1/4 c of 2% plain greek yogurt for dressing/cutting the spices.  It looks smallish to me on the plate, but I'm definitely full when I'm done eating.

It was nice to find a way to have one of our pre-GD favorites without cheating on the diet.  (And my 1hr pp was good, so I don't feel like I'm leading you ladies astray -- but, of course, follow your own meal plans!).  

KathrynJ088

I'm anticipating getting my recommended intakes (Tuesday), I feel like I'm hot or cold on the carbs. I can either cut them out almost completely or overload. I was told not to eat fruits in the morning, and I've switched to whole wheat bread, brown rice, no pasta or potatoes.. and my sugar levels are super low. I feel weak a lot, and very tired. It's a delicate balance I haven't quite gotten the hang of yet.

beary67

@KathrynJ088 it's definitely difficult. I was told that I can absolutely not cut out carbs and they are actually having me eat more than I ever was before. I'm hoping you get more direction on Tuesday but I know with twins you'll be at a higher carb amount. I eat fruit in the afternoon and was only told to cut cereal all together and not to have milk/yogurt in the morning. Hang in there. You'll get the hang of it and hopefully not need to take medicine. If you do, know it's not your fault...your placenta just needs a little help. 

kyrwyn

@KathrynJ088 It's definitely an adjustment, and not the easiest to wrap your head around.  Cutting out the carbs is not allowed--which is contrary to my first thoughts after my diagnosis.  Instead you'll have to pair all the carbs you eat with protein.  The hard part for me has been wanting a piece of fruit... and then trying to find a protein I could tolerate to have with my fruit of choice.  (Fruit has been my biggest pregnancy craving).  You will also find that different carbs work differently for you than for other people.  I do better with potatoes than rice, even brown rice, for instance.  

I've got a couple snacks that we rotate through that work well for me. They might help you as you're getting started! 
Morning snack is usually a variation of cheese and crackers* (the crackers and cheese vary, so I don't get bored).  Afternoon snack is usually a protein bar (I found the Pure Protein brand has a good balance of carbs & protein for me and almost tastes like a treat).  Evening snack is either popcorn & cheese (or popcorn & almonds) or crackers with PB**, depending on how full I feel.  My nutritionist recommended the Danon light & fit yogurt cups for an evening snack, with a couple crackers to supplement the low carbs, if I wanted something more dessertish.  

*We found Trader Joe's has a good selection of crackers. 5 woven wheat ( like triscuit) crackers = 15g carb. 10 wheat crisps (like wheat thins) = 15g carb.  6 social snackers (like ritz) = 15g carb.
**Laura Scudder's makes a natural PB with no sugar and 8g protein for 2Tbsp.

kersey0208

So I had my first 3rd trimester appointment today. Doctor said my blood sugar readings look good so far. She informed me since I have 2 high risk factors GD and high BP that in two weeks (week 31) I'll start having Ultrasounds and non stress tests weekly from then on out. I'm nervous but glad baby will be monitored closely until delivery. 

elvenchick92686

@kersey0208 i have both of those as well along with kidney issues. I wont have my third tri appointment till next week but growth scans and non stress tests are on our agenda as well. I hope mine is weekly as i love seeing my baby girl!!! 

kyrwyn

@kersey0208  Congrats on the good readings so far!

I had my first 3rd tri appointment today and I found out that I start my NSTs at 34 weeks, but that they're 2x weekly!  They said to expect 1hr for each appointment, as long as the little guy is cooperative.  (Cooperative is not the word I'd use to describe his performance at the various anatomy scans.)  They scheduled them out for me to 41 weeks, just in case this little guy hangs out longer than his due date.  

My OB, who is usually sort of dismissively cold about my weight/size, was really happy with my blood sugar numbers and "compliance" with the program.  The closer we get to delivery, the nicer he is to me.

kersey0208

@elvenchick92686 good luck with your appointment! 
@kyrwyn thanks! I'm glad your ob is becoming nicer! I had major issues with the first OB I was seeing he was super abrasive about my weight/issues and gave me a really dark looking outlook without providing guidance to what I can do to help. I'm still with same practice but decided to schedule with other docs. 2X a week sounds like a lot right now but hopefully by then it won't be too taxing. I have a feeling I may end up going down that road as well. My little one has not been cooperative for any scans either. 

Marley629

I just got my 1 hour glucose results back and I failed pretty bad. Did anyone forgo the 3 hour and go right to a specialist?  

kyrwyn

@Marley629 I haven't known anyone that skipped the 3 hr, but I'm sure you can talk to your OB about it.  I have read that in some cases where the 1hr results are significantly high, they can use a fasting blood test to be the "second high number" to confirm a diagnosis but I think that depends on your practice.  Since you'd still have to fast, I'm not sure it's better or worse than the 3hr.

beary67

@Marley629 I've heard some people automatically failing if their one hour number is above 200. If that's the case, they may not make you do the 3 hour test. Otherwise, I think most people do the 3 hour test. 

Marley629

Thank you @kyrwyn & @beary67. I wasn't over 200 but close  my doctor recommended the 3 hour so I'm scheduled for Monday at 7:30 am. Figured it's best to get it done asap! 

KathrynJ088

I went to my nutrition class on Tuesday and found that I was pretty much within the guidelines pre-diagnosis, just need to cut out the ice cream, soda and candy (duh). I'm eating more often now, and keeping track of my carb intake, and feel so much better than last week. I've had no high numbers, so am not anticipating needing any meds! 

P.s. I'm still eating ice cream, but limited it to Halo Top brand, which is one carb serving (14g) and 15g of protein. I have it as part of my pre-bedtime snack, and carefully make sure I only have the 1/2 cup serving size  

kyrwyn

@Marley629 Good luck on your 3hr! Drink lots of water, and I'll keep you in my thoughts.
@KathrynJ088 That's great news! I'm glad you're feeling better, and that you get to keep your treat. I hope the good numbers keep coming for you!

kyrwyn

I was thinking about you ladies this weekend. I made it through my baby shower without destroying my numbers (even though it meant turning down cake three times!!) and have had a pretty solid week.  I'm grateful for your support, and I hope everyone has a good, well-controlled week.  

holzie-2

Just found out that I failed my 1 hour test.  3 hour test is Wed.  I'm pretty disappointed.  

beary67

@kyrwyn yay for making it through the baby shower!  I didn't even eat at my baby shower last weekend--I ate beforehand.  Kind of a bummer but the time was going to be off too much with being on insulin so I wanted to follow my normal eating schedule.

I went back to our gestational diabetes specialist group today and they increased one of the types of insulin I'm on by a bit this morning just for my after breakfast number.  I go back again in 2 weeks but call in my #'s next Monday.  After my appointment in 2 weeks, I will likely go in every week until I deliver.  My numbers have been pretty good on insulin so that makes me feel better about the safety of the twins!

I hope everyone else is having a great start to your week! 

kyrwyn

@beary67 Getting to eat at the shower was a bit of an ordeal, but worth it. I measured out my foods before everyone started arriving and kept them off to the side -- thankfully the ants did not attack.  Then it took four people running interference so I could eat in a reasonable span of time.  I had a 122 after lunch, but without a walk that's actually just fine. My cutoff right now is 130.  

I have a clinic meeting on Weds, too. I'm hoping the nurse be thrilled with my numbers for the last week. If not, they'll probably bump up my nighttime insulin a little.

@holzie-2 Hang in there! I hope your 3hr goes well. 

beary67

@kyrwyn I think a 122 sounds pretty darn good!  My cut off has always been 120 one hour after meals and my doctors are pretty strict with that.  So when they see a few numbers above 120, they bump my insulin up again!  Every time I've gone to the doctor or have called in my numbers, my insulin has been bumped.  They said it will continue even more now with getting closer to delivery and having 2 placentas.  It will all be worth it...that's what I keep telling myself when my husband eats a caramel apple in front of me!

kyrwyn

@beary67 That sounds a lot like my doctors, except that our cutoffs are different. (I hear it varies a little by practice).  My cutoffs are 60-89 fasting and <130 1hr pp.  If I have 3 highs in any group (fasting, breakfast, lunch, dinner) they adjust my meds.  They told me to expect the increases to come regularly, and to not be surprised if I'm on insulin at meal times by the end, too.  They also said don't get discouraged!  It's just about the hormones and how well or poorly your pancreas can keep up.  (Having 2 placentas must make it so much harder!)  Luckily I'm able to walk (and I walk almost 3mi a day now) to help mitigate my post-meal numbers.  

As a bonus, we're wearing down my dog's ridiculously long nails before baby gets here.  And DH's primary is impressed with his new activity level.

dilbert890

I have slightly elevated glucose levels after my initial GD test. Ugh.. I could cry! 
I habe to go back for the next test. I always thought it was 3 hours, but she said 2 and I have to follow a special diet 2 days before the test.

i follow an athletic diet so I'm worried the calories will be lower and I'll be starving! 
And of course,  I don't want to fail it! Any chance it'll come back negative? Everyone I know who had the follow up test failed it... sigh. 

kyrwyn

@dilbert890 Hang in there!  I've heard that several people fail the shorter test and pass the longer one.  Also, the GD diet I am on is not intended to be restrictive in calories -- it's just very specific about what carbs I eat, when I eat them, and that I pair them with protein.  I am not ever hungry anymore even after I've increased my exercise to a total of 3+ miles walking each day (from utter couch-potato-ism pre-diagnosis).  

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Good luck on your follow up.

Marley629

I just saw my results in my portal and I failed hour 2 and hour 3. Does this mean I have GD?  It's too late to call my doctors office but I will first thing. 

beary67

@Marley629 I THINK most doctors go off of if you fail 2 of the 4, you have GD.  Your one hour is high, but your range of normal was higher than my normal range. By the standard my doctor uses, you would have failed the one hour too. I’m sorry. I would wait until you hear from your doctor but I think most use a 2/4 standard. 

dilbert890

@kyrwyn thanks for the feedback! 
The diet they gave me to eat 3 days before the test sort of did the same thing, balanced fruit, fast and slow digesting carbs over 3 meals. The intent was to ensure you hit 150g of carbs over the course of the day. They said I could eat unlimited protein, sugar, baked goods, and a bunch of other stuff with the meals or snacks. So not restrictive a term all. 
I eat 269, 349 and 369g of carbs each day on a rotation. So they said I was fine. Thank goodness! Just have to fast for 8 hours before the test. This will be tough as I've been having cereal at 3 am bc I'm hungry and can't fall back to sleep lol! 

moonlady-2

Well, I passed my one hour, but only by 4 points (or whatever it is?!) So I'm borderline. They want me to come do the 3 hour on Saturday.....UGHH

Just wanted to bitch a little! lol

jlemons-2

Just checking in with everyone. My GD is going pretty good right now. I'm on 1500 mg of Metformin and I've adjusted my diet about as much as I can. Has anyone's doctor talked to them about NSTs yet? I'm starting mine at 32 weeks this time twice a week. Last pregnancy it started at 34 weeks. I'm excited to hear baby boy doing good twice a week but that will be a lot of appointments before delivery!