Need help with Gestational Diabetes

hsneed21 · July 2013

Hi, I am almost 31 weeks pregnant and I just found out that I am borderline GD. I have started checking myself 4x a day and have had some ups and downs with my numbers. I know I can control it with my diet, but it's just a process. I feel lost and my dr. isn't offering much advice. The fasting numbers is what she is concerned about. Every morning I have had above 90, but know I can control those too with trial and error. I am afraid to eat now and feel like after I eat what is "allowed" I am still starving and have a headache! I need help. any advice?

naenay797 · July 2013

I know exactly how you feel. I also have GD and was afraid to eat at first. My fasting numbers were consistently above100 and there is nothing you can do about that given that you're sleeping and not eating. I was put on 5 mg of Glyburide a day and my numbers have come down drastically. You have to kind of trial and error with your diet to see what your body tolerates.

For me as long as I have enough protein, i can eat carbs. For example. I have half a sandwich and load up with the lunch meat and cheese to offset the carbs in the wheat bread. Mornings are the hardest to find something easy to eat. I usually eat a Carbmaster yogurt and some fruit when I'm on the go. If I am at home, I have two sausage patties with cheese on a whole grain english muffin.

Have you met with a nutritionist yet? Mine put me on a limit of 22 carbs at breakfast and 45 carbs for lunch/dinner and 15 carbs for a snack. I try to stay away from sweets all together but it is hard. Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

kimberlymacrae · July 2013

If you?re struggling with your fasting numbers try eating a complex carb and a protein before bed. This helps me. I go with 2 spoon fulls of greek yogurt and I mix in Kashi?s version of vanilla shredded wheat. Then make sure you drink water throughout the night. Anytime I go a long period without water my numbers tend to be higher. But remember, with GD what works for me night not work for you so keep your head up.

Your doctor should have scheduled you a class with a diabetes clinic or coach to help you with your diet and understanding this condition?

If you?re still hungry you?re not eating the right types of food. Complex carbs and protein. Like 4 oz. of chicken (not marinated) chopped into a whole wheat tortilla with shredded cheese and tons of veggies. Mix that with a small side of fruit and possibly some plain greek yogurt. That?s a smaller meal but it should fill you up.

Headache: try taking a Tylenol with 4-5 sips of a diet cola (because there is no sugar) and lay down? you?re probably stressing yourself out. Hot Epsom salt bath and a good nights sleep!

kimberlymacrae · July 2013

Also about 3-4 times a week I am still hungry after my meal. But I just remember that in 2 more hours I have a snack and that is that. There isn?t anything I can do about it. Eating any more will cause my numbers to increase. Try looking into a diet suppressing tea or make sure you aren?t having any post meal or pre-meal habits that will cause your cravings to spike.

For example I rarely sit down to a table if there is bread in the center, or crackers, or common food because I know I will binge. I don?t sit down with someone who has a big meal plate because they will take 25 min. to eat and you?ll be left there wondering ?gosh I am still hungry?. I eat. Then I get up and go do something to get my mind off of it. Then two hours later it?s snack time!!!

hsneed21 · July 2013

Is it plain Greek yogurt you use? You are right I am stressing constantly about it. It's hard to adjust my entire life style. I know it is for a good cause and I only have 9 weeks left but it is just the adjusting that will take awhile. I am constantly worrying about every meal. I did get referred today to a nutritionist so hopefully I can get an appt. real soon.

kimberlymacrae · July 2013

Adjusting is the worst. Youre not the only one. There is a high risk pregnancy board where you will fine a ton of help. I was a food grump for at least a week. But now that I am testing it is more of a game.

I do plain greek yogurt in the morning because mornings are sugar sensitive. And just a warning, it isn't delicious...

And night Chobani makes a low sugar greek yogurt with chocolate chunks. It solves my sweet tooth and has 16g of protein...

islandbaby8913 · July 2013

Hello, I am borderline as well (missed it by 1 number) For my last snack before I go to sleep I am only allowed to eat 1 starch equaling 15 grams of carbs or less, 1/2 cup of milk, and a fruit. I usually have 1/2 cup of cereal (<15 carbs per serving) 1/2 cup of milk with half a banana. Sometimes I'll go for a short walk after, because your body will use up the carbs for energy and should lower your blood glucose levels. My fasting usually comes out between 70-90, unless I overdue it with the carbs and sugars before bed.

hsneed21 · July 2013

I have def. been needing something sweet to eat. I will have to try that out thanks for the pointer. My hard meals are lunch and dinner. I am running out of options. I have had tuna for lunch, salmon for dinner, grilled chicken...I need more options. I am already sick of fish and chicken.

cinderin · July 2013

hsneed21:
I have def. been needing something sweet to eat. I will have to try that out thanks for the pointer. My hard meals are lunch and dinner. I am running out of options. I have had tuna for lunch, salmon for dinner, grilled chicken...I need more options. I am already sick of fish and chicken.

we eat a lot of tacos for dinner. I usually get one large tortilla, beef, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, salsa, sour cream. Taco salads are good too.

for lunch, I have the same thing every day. 2 cups of strawberries and one unflavored/unsweetened greek yogurt with some pretzels.

before bed, I have had the best luck with BBQ (chinese style), wheat crackers and string cheese.

in my case (baby measuring small) my OB wants me to have lots of calories, so if the things listed above sound high fat - I am supposed to try to eat lots of fats. :-)

MrsMcC.10409 · July 2013

What time are you eating dinner? Are you eating a snack after dinner? If so, what time are you doing that?

A high fasting number could indicate that you're going too long between meals and that your liver is dumping sugar. For me, I ate dinner at 6pm, a snack at 8-9, and then bfast again at 8am. My fasting numbers were able to stay within control.

However, each person is different. GD is incredibly personal to each person. It's entirely possible that there's simply NOTHING you can do about it, and this is just your body's way of reacting to the hormones. Also, keep in mind that after you eat your "allowed" carbs, you can still eat - it just has to be things that are carb free. eggs, some cheeses, etc.

Best of luck!

Lilmrslay · July 2013

Feeling 'lost', frustrated and even upset when you first get diagnosed with GD is common.

I felt that way for about the first 2 weeks, particularly because I wasn't able to control my numbers, even with a very strict diet.

My fasting numbers were my main problem and my specialist's opinion was that diet along couldn't control that and I have ended up on insulin to help.

As a PP said, GD is incredibly personal to each person. I feel like I eat like a sparrow, have actually lost weight since following the diet, and yet without medication my numbers are out of control. My hormones just aren't playing nicely and so I am fully medicated.

Keep tweaking, ask your specialist more questions and I promise you that in a few weeks you will feel more confident with what you are doing.

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