WTF... do I really have GD?!

JennlovesAustin

So, I have been doubting this whole GD thing since I got diagnosed.  My husband who is a confirmed non-diabetic (he tests every year due to family history) gets higher numbers than me after a meal and we eat the same things.  Then last night I did an "experiment" and got a full fat, full sugar caramel machiatto which should have shot my sugar through the roof.  I tested and it was only 105.   I haven't failed a single meal number in two weeks - I just fail the fasting numbers, but not by much. 

So... am I really diabetic?!  How in the world can you tell?

 EDIT:  not to mention I had chicken and raviolis BEFORE this for dinner!

Knottie1463608191

I feel the same way! My fasting #'s are higher than the #'s I get after I eat full meals. I don't believe it either! I don't have any advice, just wanted to agree with you!

JennlovesAustin

I think I shall argue with the doctor today!

dennice79

GD is not just about after meal numbers. It has a lot to do with fasting numbers- as they are they ones that are uncontrolled by diet. It would have been your fasting numbers that landed you in the GD boat in the first place. Your numbers also change for the better and worse as your hormones change. If your meals don't effect your numbers enjoy that fact and keep checking to make sure it doesn't change.

cindy453

JennlovesAustin:

I think I shall argue with the doctor today!

Why not just count your lucky stars that you apparently have a mild case? Is it really *that* big of a deal to test your blood sugar a few times a day? You don't even have to follow the diet unless you start having problems.... 

ZAngel

They don't compare GD numbers with regular diabetic numbers. I don't think my glucose levels could ever get as high as a normal diabetic.  If I eat a bowl of regular ice cream and a sandwich, my levels could get up to 220.  If my friend who is a diabetic eats the same thing, not only would her numbers double mine (maybe triple) but she could go into diabetic shock and start seizing.  So, we can't really be compared to their numbers.  They have a larger window than we do because we have another person to worry about.  I am pretty sure I had GD with my first but they never caught it.  It didn't really hurt my son... he was larger than normal (9lbs, 2oz) and had some minor respiratory problems.  I don't think there is a major risk for the majority of GD patients, but I think the doctor's want to be on the safe side.  My doctor had lower restriction numbers than I've seen during most of the 3 hour tests (fasting below 95, 1 hour under 165, 2 hour under 145, 3 hour under 120).  Some just want to be "extra" careful.  Most of the time I have really good numbers but every once in a while if I drift too far off the path, my numbers will explode.  I personally wouldn't argue... you don't have to deal with this diet for much longer and it will really benefit your baby.  I know it is a PITA though

5dogs

dennice79:

GD is not just about after meal numbers. It has a lot to do with fasting numbers- as they are they ones that are uncontrolled by diet. It would have been your fasting numbers that landed you in the GD boat in the first place. Your numbers also change for the better and worse as your hormones change. If your meals don't effect your numbers enjoy that fact and keep checking to make sure it doesn't change.

This. My SO's numbers (a non-diabetic) are consistantly higher than mine by a nice chunk of points, but he doesn't have a part of his body producing extra hormones to sustain human life. I obviously do.

We talked with one of the NPs in my OB's office for nearly half an hour yesterday about GD. She pointed out two years ago in that office my 1 hour (138) would have passed the screening, but obviously now it doesn't with good reason because I failed the 3 hour. My case is borderline but it's enough to keep an eye on. Per my ultrasound yesterday, she's measuring exactly within her 33w2-6 day range. I've gained 9lbs overall (and I wasn't overweight to begin with).

If I remember correctly, you were posting that you were having issues with your fasting numbers - the biggest issue & the ones that are not diet controlled. Embrace that you have more wiggle room in your diet but I can't see any point in fighting your doctor on this one if your fasting levels are abnormal.

The full fat could have very well helped keep your numbers lower, just like the ladies who can have a bowl/scoop of full-fat, regular ice cream and be fine, fwiw.

JennlovesAustin

Yea, the only one I can't control is the fasting number.  No matter what I do, that's always high! 

Ok thanks girls.  I guess I will just keep chugging along and put a little more variety in my diet as long as I stay within the numbers.

cindy453

If you cannot control your fasting number, not only do you have GD but you probably need insulin.

alicia11780

I have had pretty normal #'s as well, including my fasting #'s.  But, my ketones have been on the high side.  I think that had a lot to do with my diagnosis.  Either way I would say don't worry too much about it.  Just try and stick with the diet.  It isn't gonna hurt you or the baby to be on the safe side.  Also, as a bonus if you are having normal #'s then you will most likely not have to be on medication(i.e. insulin).  And another bonus, at least in my case, I get more ultrasounds just because of the diagnosis.

In other words, don't argue with your doctor.  Ask questions if you have concerns but don't make it seem like they are trying to hurt you or your baby just because they are treating you for GD.

Good luck.

rebeccaontherocks

JennlovesAustin:

Yea, the only one I can't control is the fasting number.  No matter what I do, that's always high! 

Ok thanks girls.  I guess I will just keep chugging along and put a little more variety in my diet as long as I stay within the numbers.

This exactly. 

I eat a lot of stuff that is not on the diet, but it took experimenting with my numbers to know how my body reacts to certain foods.  For instance I can eat ice cream w/o problems, but wheat thins I need to stay away from. Chugg along, the diet is not going to hurt you or the baby.

By the way, I have found that a cup of milk before going to bed really helps my fasting number come down w/o the need for insulin.  This was based on advice from the dietitian.