XP from 1st tri: Insulin resistant & pg

Kristi221

Just before we found out we were pg, I was diagnosed as being insulin resistant. My CNM's office told me that they will "treat me like a diabetic" and that I'll see a diabetes specialist at the first visit.

I'm not really sure what that means. Anyone here have any experience with this? I'm not on insulin or any medications and I don't even have any symptoms, other than the blood test.

Monicagail1

I was insulin resistant prior to getting pregnant.  I was also on 500mg of Metformin.  Prior to getting pregnant my OB recommended I follow a "diabetic diet" while I was pregnant.  Of course, with m/s and food aversions that didn't really work out for me too well.  They didn't really do much else different except take me off the Meformin after the first trimester.

I ended up failing my 1 hour glucose test by 2 points at 28 weeks, and went on to fail 2/4 draws on the 3 hour, so I've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and am following the diet as well as testing my blood sugars.  Ironically, my fasting numbers have been better while pregnant than they were the last time I had bloodwork done with my regular doctor, but I still have to work a little to keep the after meal numbers down.

Kristi221

My CNM gave me an Rx for Metformin, but because I was in the 2ww, something told me to wait. She agreed that I could wait until I knew for sure. Now she doesn't want me on it at all. I had purchased a book about the Atkins diet, but clearly that won't be a good thing to do while pg.

Can you point me in the direction of good info about a diabetic diet? I'm already overweight, so I'm nervous about how much I'll gain and still be healthy, and about have GD.

Monicagail1

The visit with the specialist will probably be the most helpful for you.  I met with a dietician after being diagnosed with GD, and they gave me a plan to limit my carbs at every meal (get used to counting every carb you eat).  My plan seems a little more liberal than a lot of people's on here, but it's been working pretty well so far:

Breakfast-30-45 carbs

Lunch-45-60 carbs

Dinner-45-60 carbs

I also get a morning, afternoon and after dinner snack of 15-30 carbs each. 

I'd start tracking what you eat so you can get an idea of how many carbs you're eating normally, and where you might be able to cut back if you're consuming too many.  Also, increasing your protein and veggie intake will help your body process carbs and fill you up too.  I've used an online tool at thedailyplate.com that i like.  I think the main thing about insulin resistance/GD is making smart carb choices and spreading them out throughout the day, so your body isn't forced to process too many at once.   

Moderate exercise is important too, as it helps your body process carbs. I try to do at least 10 minutes of walking within an hour after eating a meal.

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you need any info or support! 

Kristi221

Thanks! The idea of eating anything other than crackers right now makes me . I'm either getting over a 24 stomach bug, or had a really horrible case of morning sickness last night. I'll definitely be poking my head back in here though if I have more questions. GL to you!