GD-insulin?

Juliebird8307 · July 2013

I've been on the GD diet for 3 days. To make a long story short, I have two meters, one from the doctor and one from my insurance. My insurance doesn't cover the one that the doctor gave me, so I can't get the test strips (didn't find this out until I got my actual prescription for additional test strips). I've been comparing the two meters and I'm always in my range with the one from the doctor, and usually high with the one from my insurance. I just talked to the nurse and she said to use the one from my insurance from now on, and that the one my doctor gave me typically is low. But, she also said that they are allowed to be off by 20% per regulations. That's a huge difference and would make my high numbers acceptable.

Anyways, I'm supposed to fax my numbers in once a week and they will call if they are concerned. I don't go back to see the doctor for another 3 1/2 weeks. So my question is, does anyone know at what point they start insulin? How high do the numbers have to be? I really don't want to get to that point. I'm having a really hard time accepting the GD dx already. I've been pretty depressed since I got the dx, and even worse now that I've started testing. Not to mention that I've now found out my numbers are failing. I just can't seem to get away from these horrible feelings

mello13 · July 2013

First, I understand struggling with the dx, I get pretty down about it too sometimes. I can say that each doctor is different. You might be given insulin, or glyburide pills, depending on the practice, your numbers, your family history, etc. Which numbers are high for you (fasting? breakfast? etc)

I would say, make sure you are measuring everything and switching things up. Some people can't do dairy in the morning, others at night, etc. Sometimes it helps to have a protein as a bed time snack (cheese cubes, mixed nuts, etc). It's only been 3 days, and while I know they want you to give them all your numbers (which is stressful) you are still in the time of trial and error to figure out what you can eat at which times. Perhaps call your dietitian and ask what meals they can suggest for the times of day you are struggling with the high numbers.

Also, what are the meters? Which one did you have from your doc (running low) and which one is from your insurance (running high)? I also know that several people have found if they test again on another finger they get a different number. But that seems like a bit much to me, especially since they price those test strips like gold!

Good luck, and know that this is only for a short time, and it will be worth it.

Burrberrymum · July 2013

I can't really answer your question, but I just want you to know you're not alone in feeling upset about it. This is my first week on the diet and testing and when I see a high number I get very overwhelmed and emotional.. I feel like I'm doing everything they're telling me too and it's not working as well as I'd hoped. I'm really hoping as well to not have to get the insulin but I am also going to ask my doctor about those Glyburide pills that may help my numbers. I've been trying to get the hang of knowing what I can't eat in the morning and night like someone else mentioned.. Like I know cereal in the morning is a big no no.. And I cannot put cheese on a sandwich.. But I wish you luck with your diet and I hope it's going to control your GD without anything else.

Juliebird8307 · July 2013

mello13:
First, I understand struggling with the dx, I get pretty down about it too sometimes. I can say that each doctor is different. You might be given insulin, or glyburide pills, depending on the practice, your numbers, your family history, etc. Which numbers are high for you (fasting? breakfast? etc)
I would say, make sure you are measuring everything and switching things up. Some people can't do dairy in the morning, others at night, etc. Sometimes it helps to have a protein as a bed time snack (cheese cubes, mixed nuts, etc). It's only been 3 days, and while I know they want you to give them all your numbers (which is stressful) you are still in the time of trial and error to figure out what you can eat at which times. Perhaps call your dietitian and ask what meals they can suggest for the times of day you are struggling with the high numbers.
Also, what are the meters? Which one did you have from your doc (running low) and which one is from your insurance (running high)? I also know that several people have found if they test again on another finger they get a different number. But that seems like a bit much to me, especially since they price those test strips like gold!
Good luck, and know that this is only for a short time, and it will be worth it.

Thanks for the advice! My fasting number is the only number that has been consistently under my goal with both meters. Most of the other numbers were good with the first meter, but not with the one my insurance covers.

The meter from the doctor is the FreeStyle Lite. My insurance covered Accu-Chek Aviva Plus. I'm just frustrated because I really felt like since my fasting number was good on the 3 hour test, that I'd be able to control this better. And I thought I was doing well until I was told that I have to use the Accu-Chek meter. I thought I made a good choice for lunch today (taco salad from a Mexican restaurant, no cheese and no shell) and it still came back at 122. The only real carbs that were in it were refried beans. I don't think I can do this if I can only eat protein and veggies.

Juliebird8307 · July 2013

Burrberrymum:
I can't really answer your question, but I just want you to know you're not alone in feeling upset about it. This is my first week on the diet and testing and when I see a high number I get very overwhelmed and emotional.. I feel like I'm doing everything they're telling me too and it's not working as well as I'd hoped. I'm really hoping as well to not have to get the insulin but I am also going to ask my doctor about those Glyburide pills that may help my numbers. I've been trying to get the hang of knowing what I can't eat in the morning and night like someone else mentioned.. Like I know cereal in the morning is a big no no.. And I cannot put cheese on a sandwich.. But I wish you luck with your diet and I hope it's going to control your GD without anything else.

Thanks. I feel the same way. I'm following their diet and now that I have to use this new meter, I can't get my numbers where they need to be. I never thought I'd be this overwhelmed with this. I'm usually the type of person that can handle almost any situation and not get stressed.

Kateers · July 2013

Juliebird8307:
mello13:
First, I understand struggling with the dx, I get pretty down about it too sometimes. I can say that each doctor is different. You might be given insulin, or glyburide pills, depending on the practice, your numbers, your family history, etc. Which numbers are high for you (fasting? breakfast? etc)
I would say, make sure you are measuring everything and switching things up. Some people can't do dairy in the morning, others at night, etc. Sometimes it helps to have a protein as a bed time snack (cheese cubes, mixed nuts, etc). It's only been 3 days, and while I know they want you to give them all your numbers (which is stressful) you are still in the time of trial and error to figure out what you can eat at which times. Perhaps call your dietitian and ask what meals they can suggest for the times of day you are struggling with the high numbers.
Also, what are the meters? Which one did you have from your doc (running low) and which one is from your insurance (running high)? I also know that several people have found if they test again on another finger they get a different number. But that seems like a bit much to me, especially since they price those test strips like gold!
Good luck, and know that this is only for a short time, and it will be worth it.

Thanks for the advice! My fasting number is the only number that has been consistently under my goal with both meters. Most of the other numbers were good with the first meter, but not with the one my insurance covers.

The meter from the doctor is the FreeStyle Lite. My insurance covered Accu-Chek Aviva Plus. I'm just frustrated because I really felt like since my fasting number was good on the 3 hour test, that I'd be able to control this better. And I thought I was doing well until I was told that I have to use the Accu-Chek meter. I thought I made a good choice for lunch today (taco salad from a Mexican restaurant, no cheese and no shell) and it still came back at 122. The only real carbs that were in it were refried beans. I don't think I can do this if I can only eat protein and veggies.

the freestyle lite monitor is normally pretty cheap (strips are the expensive thing). If you are really concerned about the differences, you might buy one and use both for a few days. Although I did ask my doctor about the number difference, as I was trying to measure three times at the same time and would get numbers that were off by 10. He said that they are aware of the errors, they are mostly looking at the patterns (eg are you consistently high all the time at a particular point in the day)

Is the 122 after 1 or 2 hours? If its 1 hour than that's a pretty good number! As for refried beans, beans tend to be have a lot of carbs. My nutritionist told me it would be better to eat brown rice instead of beans, as the brown rice takes longer for your body to process and digest.

It is really frustrating trying to figure out which carbs you can eat and when during the day. For example I can't eat diabetic yogurt (only 3 carbs) but I'm fine with greek yogurt (like 15 carbs)! Im assuming because of the protein in the greek. But they realize that every number is not going to be perfect because of this trial and error approach!

mello13 · July 2013

That is frustrating! A few more things, cheese counts as a protein for us (whoo!). So, adding chedder, cottage cheese, mini-swiss, string cheese, might help. Also, I was told that my "protein" should be about the size of my thumb for one portion (chicken, pork, beef, seafood). That helps me visualize a bit better. And beware of condiments. Ketchup, steak sauce, these things can drive up the carb count quickly and I never think about them.

My greatest challenge was thinking I had to live on protein. I'm not big on eggs, and EVERYTHING but steak seems to have carbs! But once I realized more counted (nut butters, the cheese, a Slim Jim etc) I felt a little better. Sometimes it's as simple as peanut butter sprinkled with cinnamon on a piece of whole grain bread. Sometimes I make deviled eggs (mayo is one of our fats, and mustard has no carbs). Also, getting some Crystal Light (sugar free) helps me feel like I'm not missing out on the sweets.

One last tip from my sis (a Type 2), she suggests eating the protein FIRST, then whatever carb you are having. So, if it's eggs, toast and some sausage, eat the eggs and sausage first, then munch the toast at the end.

It can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you feel like you are doing everything right! Just keep trying (and remind yourself that the monitors can have variances, as you have seen). Good luck!

Lilmrslay · July 2013

I absolutely understand your upset, and frustration with GD.

I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago and at first I was absolutely torn apart by it. I had no risk factors, and had had a really healthy pregnancy until that point then bang, I had GD to deal with.

I spent 3 weeks trying to control my GD with diet and despite lots of trial and tweaks my numbers kept rising, especially my fasting numbers. Even with Metformin I couldn't maintain control so I ended up on insulin, and even that is in increasing dosages, despite the fact that I am now eating pretty much the same thing every day.

The thing to remember is that as long as you are doing your best to manage your diet, there isn't much more you can do. It is the hormones our bodies are creating that are causing the GD, and in some cases making it impossible to manage. It's taken me awhile to come to peace with that, but seeing my numbers continue to rise regardless of all efforts has been the evidence I need to understand that.

It will take you a few weeks to really get a feel for what works for you and what doesn't. Don't feel rushed to get it sorted, and just keep following the recommendations and make adjustments until you get a better picture of what you as an individual need. It is so diverse for all of us, so you need to just keep figuring out what works for you.

Oh and if it makes you feel a little better, insulin really isn't that bad. It hurts less than the finger pricking and once you get past the mental block of doing it, it can be a huge help in getting the control you and your baby need.

Juliebird8307 · July 2013

Kateers:
Juliebird8307:
mello13:
First, I understand struggling with the dx, I get pretty down about it too sometimes. I can say that each doctor is different. You might be given insulin, or glyburide pills, depending on the practice, your numbers, your family history, etc. Which numbers are high for you (fasting? breakfast? etc)
I would say, make sure you are measuring everything and switching things up. Some people can't do dairy in the morning, others at night, etc. Sometimes it helps to have a protein as a bed time snack (cheese cubes, mixed nuts, etc). It's only been 3 days, and while I know they want you to give them all your numbers (which is stressful) you are still in the time of trial and error to figure out what you can eat at which times. Perhaps call your dietitian and ask what meals they can suggest for the times of day you are struggling with the high numbers.
Also, what are the meters? Which one did you have from your doc (running low) and which one is from your insurance (running high)? I also know that several people have found if they test again on another finger they get a different number. But that seems like a bit much to me, especially since they price those test strips like gold!
Good luck, and know that this is only for a short time, and it will be worth it.

Thanks for the advice! My fasting number is the only number that has been consistently under my goal with both meters. Most of the other numbers were good with the first meter, but not with the one my insurance covers.

The meter from the doctor is the FreeStyle Lite. My insurance covered Accu-Chek Aviva Plus. I'm just frustrated because I really felt like since my fasting number was good on the 3 hour test, that I'd be able to control this better. And I thought I was doing well until I was told that I have to use the Accu-Chek meter. I thought I made a good choice for lunch today (taco salad from a Mexican restaurant, no cheese and no shell) and it still came back at 122. The only real carbs that were in it were refried beans. I don't think I can do this if I can only eat protein and veggies.

the freestyle lite monitor is normally pretty cheap (strips are the expensive thing). If you are really concerned about the differences, you might buy one and use both for a few days. Although I did ask my doctor about the number difference, as I was trying to measure three times at the same time and would get numbers that were off by 10. He said that they are aware of the errors, they are mostly looking at the patterns (eg are you consistently high all the time at a particular point in the day)
Is the 122 after 1 or 2 hours? If its 1 hour than that's a pretty good number! As for refried beans, beans tend to be have a lot of carbs. My nutritionist told me it would be better to eat brown rice instead of beans, as the brown rice takes longer for your body to process and digest.
It is really frustrating trying to figure out which carbs you can eat and when during the day. For example I can't eat diabetic yogurt (only 3 carbs) but I'm fine with greek yogurt (like 15 carbs)! Im assuming because of the protein in the greek. But they realize that every number is not going to be perfect because of this trial and error approach!

Thanks! 122 was after one hour. My doctor wants it under 120

I guess I just have to play around with it more to figure out what I can eat.

Juliebird8307 · July 2013

mello13:
That is frustrating! A few more things, cheese counts as a protein for us (whoo!). So, adding chedder, cottage cheese, mini-swiss, string cheese, might help. Also, I was told that my "protein" should be about the size of my thumb for one portion (chicken, pork, beef, seafood). That helps me visualize a bit better. And beware of condiments. Ketchup, steak sauce, these things can drive up the carb count quickly and I never think about them.
My greatest challenge was thinking I had to live on protein. I'm not big on eggs, and EVERYTHING but steak seems to have carbs! But once I realized more counted (nut butters, the cheese, a Slim Jim etc) I felt a little better. Sometimes it's as simple as peanut butter sprinkled with cinnamon on a piece of whole grain bread. Sometimes I make deviled eggs (mayo is one of our fats, and mustard has no carbs). Also, getting some Crystal Light (sugar free) helps me feel like I'm not missing out on the sweets.
One last tip from my sis (a Type 2), she suggests eating the protein FIRST, then whatever carb you are having. So, if it's eggs, toast and some sausage, eat the eggs and sausage first, then munch the toast at the end.
It can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you feel like you are doing everything right! Just keep trying (and remind yourself that the monitors can have variances, as you have seen). Good luck!

Thanks! I don't really like eggs at all. I can eat them on a breakfast sandwich, but that's about it. Breakfast is my biggest challenge right now. The whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter is now putting me over 120 with the new meter

I was eating my carbs first thinking that gave me more time to digest them before I tested. I'll switch that up!

Juliebird8307 · July 2013

Lilmrslay:
I absolutely understand your upset, and frustration with GD.
I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago and at first I was absolutely torn apart by it. I had no risk factors, and had had a really healthy pregnancy until that point then bang, I had GD to deal with.
I spent 3 weeks trying to control my GD with diet and despite lots of trial and tweaks my numbers kept rising, especially my fasting numbers. Even with Metformin I couldn't maintain control so I ended up on insulin, and even that is in increasing dosages, despite the fact that I am now eating pretty much the same thing every day.
The thing to remember is that as long as you are doing your best to manage your diet, there isn't much more you can do. It is the hormones our bodies are creating that are causing the GD, and in some cases making it impossible to manage. It's taken me awhile to come to peace with that, but seeing my numbers continue to rise regardless of all efforts has been the evidence I need to understand that.
It will take you a few weeks to really get a feel for what works for you and what doesn't. Don't feel rushed to get it sorted, and just keep following the recommendations and make adjustments until you get a better picture of what you as an individual need. It is so diverse for all of us, so you need to just keep figuring out what works for you.
Oh and if it makes you feel a little better, insulin really isn't that bad. It hurts less than the finger pricking and once you get past the mental block of doing it, it can be a huge help in getting the control you and your baby need.

Thanks for the advise! My dietician basically said the same thing. She tried to warn me in advance that if I can't control this with diet, it's not my fault, it's the hormones. It seems like my doctor goes straight to insulin because she showed me how to use it and basically said you don't even feel it. It's just still hard wrapping my head around this. And then what's worse, I start to realize how much higher my chances of Type 2 diabetes are now later in life and that my daughter my have to deal with it now too because of this.

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