GD Mamas...would you like to check-in?

mrscurlygurl · May 2014

It was discussed in our weekly ticker change on Sunday to have a weekly check-in for Gestational Diabetes. I don't have to be the one to start it if someone else wants to, though I don't mind either

This thread can be for questions, vents, celebrations, recipe ideas, etc.

We could start with a GTKY about how long you've been diagnosed, whether this is your first time with GD, whether you are controlling with diet/exercise, or with medicine, etc.

As a STM on her second time with GD, I want to start by saying that having gestational diabetes is NOT the fault of the mother. It doesn't happen because we spent the beginning of our pregnancies being lazy couch-potatoes who ate nothing but sugar and carbs (and even if you did...you still can cause it to happen). Our bodies, really placentas, just don't end up processing insulin correctly. I know there can be a lot of guilt associated with this diagnosis, so I just wanted to throw in my two cents about it.

mrscurlygurl · May 2014

As I said, STM here. I've been testing fasting blood sugars since around 12 weeks when I saw the perinatologist for my NT scan. He is the same doctor I saw for GD in the first pregnancy, so he wanted me to go ahead and start checking a few times a week. At 15 weeks, I took the one hour test with my OB office. 4 weeks later it was discovered that the labs never got my bloodwork X( Because I'd already done some testing on my own, I had tested after that initial 1 hr when I got home at 1 hr, 15 min and got 163. I continued taking fastings and occasional postprandial readings. With these numbers, both my OB office and perinatologist felt comfortable with just diagnosing me with GD again rather than make me go through the 3 hour test. Now I'm on 2.5mg of Glyburide before dinner because my fasting levels aren't consistently below 95. I was on 1.25mg of Glyburide with the first pregnancy. I've been able to workout consistently during this pregnancy and have been watching my diet pretty much the entire time (at least from 12 weeks on...), so I feel confidant in my statements above that we don't cause this

The GD diet majorly sucks and you'd better believe I've got some big plans for treats once this inside baby is an outside baby (including two boxes of girl scout cookies waiting for me in the freezer). I do worry that this means Type 2 diabetes is inevitable for me, especially because both my parents have/had it. However, I can't dwell on that right now.

Aksharp4 · May 2014

Just wanted to share there is a GD Support Thread on the high risk board as well, for cross reference. Great idea

mcvgal · May 2014

I would love a check-in. STM, but first time with GD. I have an appointment today to detemine if they will put me on Glyburide, since my fasting are hard to control as well. The diet hasn't been so hard yet, although I've only been at it for 2 weeks. Because of my family history I already have a high risk for Type II in the future, however I naively thought that since I was ok with my son, this time woudl be the same. I plan and having some Sangria and cake after delivery, but hope to stick to a better diet since it will be beneficial in the long run.

bunkgirl · May 2014

I've been testing my blood sugar since 15 weeks. I am able to control GD with diet which I am very happy about and now that I've been doing the diet for so long finding appropriate food to eat is not that much of a challenge. However, the list of food I am having my family bring to the hospital after LO is born is about a mile long and growing!

helloblueeyes · May 2014

I'm down for a check in.

I've been testing since 12 weeks, popped positive for GD on my A1C at 8 weeks.

On insulin since about 14 or so weeks.

And since around 28 weeks is significant because the placenta really ramps up whatever it does in relation to GD, my number are all crazy.

I am so over insulin shots.

And for some reason my pharmacy keeps having issues with my supplies being out of stock. It wasn't so bad when i was on the lower dosage because i could use any of the 3 syringe sizes they stocked. But now i have to have the .5ml or the 1 ml. Which they never seem to have...WTF? Also my doc doesn't like to inform them of my dosage changes, which happen every week. So occasionally my insurance denies my refill because they don't think i should need anymore yet.

AHHH.

Side note, does anyone have a good fruit pie recipe that has no sugar/little sugar/sugar substitute that tastes okay? My mom got a huge thing of cherries given to her and really wants to make me a pie since she doesn't eat them and i love them.

jennp1979 · May 2014

Hey ladies!!! I love the idea of a checkin.
I have been diagnosed for about 3 weeks and it took 2 weeks just to get into the diabetes doctor. Those two weeks were stressful because I didn't know what to eat but now I'm on track.

I've only had high numbers now after lunch but the doctor told me to take a walk after lunch and that has brought them down.

LO is not loving the decrease in sugar and has been moving a lot less now which concerns me but doctor says that's normal.

I also found out yesterday at my appointment that since I have GD that doctors 99% of the time will induce a minimum of a week early. Due to state law where I live they can only go one week early unless the baby is not liking his environment. So as of now I will be induced one week early and have to wait until week 35-36 to find out if it will be more.

Again I love the idea of the check in...these posts have helped me so much already on what to do and what not to do with GD.

shanaynerz · May 2014

Thanks for getting this started @mrscurlygurl!

I'm a STM but first time with GD and it looks like that happened in large part due to my carrying twins. I've been feeling kind of guilty b/c in all honesty I haven't been eating wonderfully, mostly due to lack of energy to cook anything or even think clearly about much of anything. Having a nanny has helped overall, but there's days she doesn't cook and stuff.

Anyways, I'm taking insulin at bedtime and with meals that may be high in fat. I was diagnosed around 14 weeks (they tested me super early due to my being pregnant with twins) and I've been testing my sugars 3-4 times a day.

My worst sugars tend to still be right after breakfast and in the morning. The nurse and dietician I see at the diabetic clinic aren't too concerned as my numbers haven't been too bad. They may be high at times, but only by a small amount and so far both babies and myself have been doing wonderful (no high BP, lots of amniotic fluid still, good weights on both babies), so I've been using that fact to make myself feel a bit better, if that makes sense.

Unfortunately, I can only really regulate my sugars with food and insulin as exercise is so not happening (grocery shopping is exhausting, standing for 5 minutes is my max), so it's been challenging. Also, my OB told me yesterday I will be induced at 37 weeks due to twins plus diabetes with insulin, but she thinks they'll be here around 35 weeks probably.

The idea of a check-in is nice, I just feel bad that I haven't been as strict with my diet as I'm sure many of you have been!

mrscurlygurl · May 2014

Aksharp4 said:

Just wanted to share there is a GD Support Thread on the high risk board as well, for cross reference. Great idea

Oh yeah...I should have mentioned the high risk board. That's always there for support as well.

@helloblueeyes, 28 weeks is about when my numbers started to get out of whack again too...baby girl had previously not been showing any signs of GD (according to the perinatologist), but at my appt last week she had grown quite a bit and I had more fluid. Guess it's affecting her more this pregnancy than it did DS last pregnancy.

nola 1017 · May 2014

Thanks for starting this! I was just diagnosed with GD a week ago. Had my first class last Friday, and have been testing my sugars ever since.

I did not have GD with my DD, so this is a new experience for me. I was pretty depressed about it at first. Especially when I learned that I failed by 1 freaking point. For my 3 hour test (plus baseline), my levels were:

Fasting: 80

1 hour: 210 (they wanted it at 180 or less)

2 hour: 156 (they wanted it at 155 or less)

3 hour: Don't remember the number; but I passed with flying colors.

So far, the OB thinks I can control it with diet and exercise. The diet hasn't been too difficult, and I've only had one high number (135 after eating spaghetti at my mom's house). I'm finding it difficult today though, which makes me realize that I'm a stress-eater. Today's the anniversary of the death of our friend. DD is named after him. He was the best man at our wedding. DH's best friend; married to my best friend. I'm feeling really down. Missing him. Sad that our kids will never know him. And all I want to do is stuff my face. I'm trying to resist the urge.

I'm definitely worried about how sugar levels can be harder to control later in pregnancy. But maybe because mine wasn't diagnosed until almost 29 weeks, it won't be so bad? I don't know.

helloblueeyes · May 2014

mrscurlygurl said:

Aksharp4 said:

Just wanted to share there is a GD Support Thread on the high risk board as well, for cross reference. Great idea

Oh yeah...I should have mentioned the high risk board. That's always there for support as well.

@helloblueeyes, 28 weeks is about when my numbers started to get out of whack again too...baby girl had previously not been showing any signs of GD (according to the perinatologist), but at my appt last week she had grown quite a bit and I had more fluid. Guess it's affecting her more this pregnancy than it did DS last pregnancy.

@mrscurlygurl

Yea, my doc warned me that they would probably be a little crazy right now, so i'm not really surprised. I'm actually wondering if/when they will do a growth check. I know this kid just went through a growth spurt cause i could feel it but i'm curious as to the details or if it's inline with where she should be. For what it's worth my fundal height has been spot on, so maybe they won't check unless it gets off. I know i have a u/s @ 38 weeks, but i really hope they do one before then.

mrscurlygurl · May 2014

Hugs @nola 1017‌! I'd want to stress/grief eat too.

@helloblueeyes‌, this is an area where the differences in the care of GD is so apparent. I see a perinatologist for it and they do a growth check at every appt. I know that's not the norm for everyone. I've actually consistently measured ahead this pregnancy even though I'm fairly positive that my due date can't be 5 days early as I was using OPKs and then hpts. As long as she's healthy though, it really doesn't matter!

kwh33ls · May 2014

Thanks so much for this @mrscurlygurl !

I was diagnosed last week. I failed the 1-hour sample by three points, and the 2-hour sample by 12, passed the fasting and 3-hour with flying colors. I have absolutely felt like it was all my fault, and pretty down overall about the whole thing. I haven't had much to enjoy this pregnancy, and this took away the very occasional ice cream I'd enjoy...but I'm getting over it.

I'm hopefully going to be just diet/exercise controlled. I met with the "teacher" yesterday...it went pretty poorly, I have to admit. I don't like being condescended to, and I'm pretty well-educated; the repetition of fairly simple information 4 and 5 times felt like an insult to my intelligence. Add that to my own guilt and frustration, and I was pretty nasty.

I think I could definitely use some food ideas. Dinner doesn't seem too difficult, but what to pack for lunches or eat in the morning is a bit of a mystery to me. I feel weird eating sliced cheese and a slice of bread with peanut butter on it, but it's all I could come up with.

Thanks for the check-in...it does definitely help to make this seem a bit more manageable and a bit less lonely!!

mrscurlygurl · May 2014

@kwh33ls, breakfast and lunch can get mundane and it depends on your situation. How much time do you have in the mornings and do you pack lunch for work? Refrigerator or insulated bag? Etc...

I usually eat eggs and either some grits or some toast for breakfast. That might be too many carbs for some people though. I've pretty much cut out most fruit though, unfortunately, and definitely can't eat it for breakfast. If I have an apple with peanut butter as an afternoon snack, my numbers are fine after dinner. Salads are a good bet for lunches...pack them with a lot of veggies and they can be filling if you get enough protein in there too. I will admit that this pregnancy, I'm pretty much eating a turkey sandwich for lunch most days...I know *gasp*...deli meat...but what the hell else are we supposed to eat?!

I'll be the first to admit that a GD diet feels really restrictive, and I probably don't eat as many calories as I should be...but I also try not to let myself feel too hungry, so there has to be a balance that is working I suppose.

nola 1017 · May 2014

@kwh33ls - I've been eating leftovers for lunch. Luckily, my body doesn't freak out over fruit so I haven't had to cut out any fruit.

I guess we may all have different carb allowances though? I'm not sure. I'm allowed 30 grams of carbs at breakfast, and 45 at lunch and at dinner. Then for snacks, I'm supposed to have 15 carbs (with 1 protein) at morning and afternoon snack, and 30 carbs as an after dinner snack.

Breakfast is the hardest one for me. I've been doing a slice of bread with two pieces of turkey bacon as a mini-sandwich. Or grits with turkey bacon. I struggle more with getting protein - I don't eat eggs or cheese, and it's hard to cook a breakfast meat before work.

For snacks, my nutritionist recommended the Nature Valley protein bars. One bar has 14g of carbs and 10g of Protein. These bars are going to get really boring quickly though. And then I don't know what I'll do. Maybe some pepperoni slices with crackers?

And then for dinner, I just do portion control. Like last night, we had homemade lasagna. My nutritionist said I could have up to 1.5 cup portion of lasagna since I make my sauce from scratch and don't put sugar in it. I had a cup of lasagna and a big salad with a dash of Olive Garden dressing, and my sugar was 78 after dinner. I did go for a 2 mile walk after dinner though, so I'm sure that helped. I had lasagna and a small salad for lunch today, and my sugar level was 85. I did not walk after lunch.

nola 1017 · May 2014

Question: does everybody do the after dinner snack? I've been stuffed and haven't been eating it. So far, my fasting numbers are okay (80s). So I think I can continue skipping it unless I'm starving one night. WWYD?

kwh33ls · May 2014

I have super low allowances by comparison. 15 g at breakfast and dinner, 30 at lunch, and 10 at each snack. I've only been testing for two days, but I haven't seen a number over 100 yet. And I'm hungry. I figure I'll start trying things like fruit here and there and see how it goes, but I'm having a hard time in general. @mrscurlygurl‌ I pack my lunch every morning...I have a pretty leisurely routine so I have time. I have a fridge at work so I can pack pretty much anything. I'd love to hear any suggestions..I did buy a bunch of chopped salad kits today, so thanks for that heads up

@nola 1017‌ I have had good morning numbers without the snack, but they also have me checking for ketones in the morning (as soon as the pharmacy gets them in) to make sure my body isn't breaking down fat overnight. Do others have to do that too?

helloblueeyes · May 2014

nola 1017 said:

Question: does everybody do the after dinner snack? I've been stuffed and haven't been eating it. So far, my fasting numbers are okay (80s). So I think I can continue skipping it unless I'm starving one night. WWYD?

The after dinner/bedtime snack is the hardest for me. Sometimes i do and sometimes i don't. I tend to eat dinner and have a really hard time waiting that hour or so to take my blood sugar without falling asleep. I have noticed that is doesn't hugely impact my numbers, which is good cause it was a huge stress.

I think it also depends on when you eat dinner and what time your bedtime is. If i ate dinner at like 6 or 6:30 every night i would probably be hungrier later on and want that snack. But since i tend to eat closer to 8 and pretty much crash out as soon as i reasonably can, it's not as big a deal to me.

jennp1979 · May 2014

Hey girls...there is a bread out there also made by Sara Lee that two slices 9g each =18g.... Just letting you all know because one reason my number was high at lunch was the bread do I switched to this one and all is good

kwh33ls · May 2014

@jennp1979 you are awesome

It's on DH's grocery list!

TricksyPixie · May 2014

Would love a check in. Okay. Let's see.

I was diagnosed two weeks ago. I'm a FTM. I felt a lot of guilt when I was diagnosed, not because I thought it was fault, but because I felt like my doctor thought that it's because I am so big. Let's be straight here- I never had any indications of diabetes prior to pregnancy. Everything on me always turned up I am a healthy girl. Big? Yes. But not unhealthy. So I was a little broken up about it that day, especially since my doc went straight to meds. Didn't even suggest diet changes.

When I saw my diabetic counselor, I had recorded my numbers over that weekend in an attempt to show her what my sugar does with no tweaking of diet OR medicine, and she voiced that I was a smart girl to do so, and I shouldn't start medicine. I should also keep monitoring my sugar and showy doctor, which I will do tomorrow.

I'm unsure of how to navigate this... For example, my sugar rarely goes as high as I think he thinks it does. I have trouble processing some foods more than others, but my sugar is never far off from normal (Highest recent was 123 after 2 1/2 hours, and I got worried because it meant I had been higher longer.) but then there's days like today, where my fasting is normal, but all numbers following were consistently LOW (76, 70, 71) I tried ways to correct it without overdoing the sugarload, but ultimately, I'm still fighting against it. Hopefully dinner helps. I'm not sure what he will tell me to do. I did three meals. I did two snacks. My sugar is just staying low today. And other days, it is normal. Some days, it looks like it may have been high. I guess I'm not so good at this GD thing...

nola 1017 · May 2014

@kwh33ls - I wonder why your carb allowances are different from mine. I'm curious how they determine each person's "diet." My doctor hasn't mentioned me monitoring my ketone levels. At my appointment last week (wednesday), the nurse mentioned that I had ketones in my urine sample. But she had told me the Monday before that until I could meet with the diabetic counselor to avoid all carbs. So I had gone completely carb free for 3 days when they tested my ketones. Now that I know I can have them again, I'm hoping that my ketones will be fine at my next appointment (next Thursday).

mrscurlygurl · May 2014

I don't check ketones. That has never been mentioned. I was slacking on the late night snack and it's pretty obvious that it affects my fasting number. I was told not to go more than 8-10 hours without eating so I need to eat something around 11PM since I don't go to bed till after that and then don't get up till at least 7:30 (most days).

glitterclaws · May 2014

I'd be on board with a regular checkin.

This is my first pregnancy and first gd diagnosis. My fasting and 3 hr numbers were fine but my 1 hr was 183 and 2 hr was 179.

I just had my counseling session today and I was diagnosed 1 week ago. According to my dietician, we all will have different carb allowance because there's a crazy calculation that takes into account pre- pregnancy weight and current weight plus the results of the 3-hr test. My session was a group session and my number is 190g carbs/day but the girl next to me was 185g carbs/day.

I was feeling like complete shit about the diagnosis and went into diet mode that I found on the Internet. It wasn't enough food and I was pretty much hungry for the past week (and still gained 2 pounds in 6 days, my body is revolting!!). Seeing the dietician today definitely opened my eyes. She pushed us to be realistic and start with cleaner eating habits but based on our testing results that we can add things back in to keep ourselves on target. She stressed carb counting not calorie counting.

I also think we can't stress enough that this is not our fault.

TricksyPixie · May 2014

I feel like it's my fault. I feel like I don't know what to do about mine. It's so up-and-down... And down. I feel like crap about the whole thing, especially today. Had a tough day.

ksspiff · May 2014

STM, but first time with GD. I failed the normal 1hr screening so bad, there was no need to take the 3hr.

It took about 2 1/2 weeks before I had my nutritionist appt, so I KNOW the frustration some of you are going through with just not knowing how to do this!

My carb counting and spacing sound similar to the majority already described

My lunches are usually leftovers

-Digiorno makes a flatbread pizza that's pretty good. 1/2 the pizza is about 30g carbs
- Those little Blue Bell ice cream cups are 18-19g. I periodically make one my evening snack
- Kashi chewy trail mix bars are 20g, which fits part of my other snack allotments, and feels like I'm eating a normal snack.

Thanks for creating the thread! It's nice to have a discussion with ladies on the same timeline.

jennp1979 · May 2014

Here's the label...serving size is 2 slices and to

kwh33ls · May 2014

Mine was in no way personalized. She basically had a file with handouts in it and gave me one. It's an 1800 calorie diet with the carb limits I mentioned, and a list of food substitution options from the original diet.

I had to explain that I'm smart enough to count the carbs and didn't need a list of foods with similar nutrients, so she wrote out the carb allowances for each meal. Now that I have a baseline, I may start adding in some additional carbs here and there so I'm not so miserable.

You guys have the best food suggestions! I'll definitely be hitting the grocery store tomorrow

ETA: mobile formatting blows.

mcvgal · May 2014

ZeroZeroOne said:

So I finally got an appointment with the nutritionist and will get my meter on Friday. My doctor mentioned that I can test either one hour after meals or two hours. She said whatever I choose to just be consistent. My question is, what do you ladies do? Does it make a difference? Thanks!

I was only told to check 2 hours after meals and fasting.

Aksharp4 · May 2014

Thanks for starting this. It seems to have a lot more activity than the one on the high risk board! I love all the food suggestions, that's really helpful.

I am a FTM and was diagnosed about two weeks ago, and met with the dietician, followed the diet for a day, and then came down with a stomach bug which lasted for five days. During that time, they said I didn't have to check my levels because I wasn't keeping much down. So I have restarted the diet two days ago, and so far, my numbers have been ok- it's only day 3 though and I don't know how my body will react. Last night my husband made angel food cake and I had a small slice with strawberries for my snack.

helloblueeyes · May 2014

ZeroZeroOne said:

So I finally got an appointment with the nutritionist and will get my meter on Friday. My doctor mentioned that I can test either one hour after meals or two hours. She said whatever I choose to just be consistent. My question is, what do you ladies do? Does it make a difference? Thanks!

I think there are different ranges for normal depending on if you go 1 or 2. But i don't think it really matters which one you choose. I was told 1 hour and given the choice i would stick with 1 hour. Mostly becasuse i can barely make it that 1 after dinner without falling asleep. But dinner in my house is later then most people. (i also easily could pass out at 7 every night but that's a different story)

jennp1979 · May 2014

I was told 2 hours...I have checked it at one and two hours just due to curiosity and the two hour of course is lower because I have more time to break down food

kwh33ls · May 2014

ZeroZeroOne said:

So I finally got an appointment with the nutritionist and will get my meter on Friday. My doctor mentioned that I can test either one hour after meals or two hours. She said whatever I choose to just be consistent. My question is, what do you ladies do? Does it make a difference? Thanks!

I have to go with what works in my schedule...I teach high school on a weird rotating schedule, so sometimes I can test at 2 hours, sometimes at 1 hour. The limits I was told was 140 or less at 1 hour; 120 or less at 2.

mrscurlygurl · May 2014

I test 2 hours after meals.

helloblueeyes · May 2014

kwh33ls said:

ZeroZeroOne said:

So I finally got an appointment with the nutritionist and will get my meter on Friday. My doctor mentioned that I can test either one hour after meals or two hours. She said whatever I choose to just be consistent. My question is, what do you ladies do? Does it make a difference? Thanks!

I have to go with what works in my schedule...I teach high school on a weird rotating schedule, so sometimes I can test at 2 hours, sometimes at 1 hour. The limits I was told was 140 or less at 1 hour; 120 or less at 2.

I was told 120 or less at 1 hour. I hate the inconsistencies with GD stuff.

nola 1017 · May 2014

I test 2 hours after my meals. Per my dietician, fasting levels should be between 65-95; and under 120 at the 2 hour mark following a meal.

@kwh33ls - I just added up my numbers, and I'm only allowed 180 carbs a day (plus protein and fats). She said that it should translate into a 1700-2000 calorie diet. I honestly haven't looked at calories at all though so I don't know what I'm really getting. I just follow the carb guidelines and try to get some protein in at breakfast.

glitterclaws · May 2014

I was told to do 2hrs and that my limit was less than 120.

Anyone else using an app to track food? I just wanted to recommend the Lose It! app if you are thinking about doing some tracking. It's not meant for pregnant people, but it has a bar code scanner and counts calories, protein, carbs and fats. So, I add all my food to my different meals so I don't have to do math when I'm combining a bunch of different foods. I pretty much ignore everything other than the carbs. The only downside is that all snacks get tracked in one field.

I tried to add a screen shot, but bump is punishing me. I'll see if I can edit on mobile and add.

glitterclaws · May 2014

Screen shot of the lose it app. I highly recommend!!

tshelby85 · May 2014

I was just diagnosed today. Going to my diabetic class tomorrow to learn how to handle it. I have to say I feel pretty scared. I don't want anything to happy to this little guy. A weekly check in woukd be great. I could use some tips.

kwh33ls · May 2014

@helloblueeyes‌ I think the inconsistency is what makes me so mad. I was carb loaded by diet for three days before my test, not allowed to drink anything or walk during the test...I have a coworker who was told to drink water like normal, and she walked throughout he whole thing. @nola 1017‌ I'm so jealous! I have a 90 carb limit!! Since I started I've felt like complete shit...exhausted, run down and more miserable. I would be okay with it if it didn't seem like a "one size fits all" diet that this office uses for everyone. I hate them

kwh33ls · May 2014

c&n2009 said:

kwh33ls said:

@helloblueeyes‌ I think the inconsistency is what makes me so mad. I was carb loaded by diet for three days before my test, not allowed to drink anything or walk during the test...I have a coworker who was told to drink water like normal, and she walked throughout he whole thing. @nola 1017‌ I'm so jealous! I have a 90 carb limit!! Since I started I've felt like complete shit...exhausted, run down and more miserable. I would be okay with it if it didn't seem like a "one size fits all" diet that this office uses for everyone. I hate them

Wow... a 90 carb limit seems really low. I am sorry you are feeling exhausted. Do you think if you talk with them they will up it a bit or are they set on 90 carbs and no more?

I honestly don't know. They're so...weird about this. I have what appears to be a very restrictive diet, have to check for ketones in the morning, and this is just their baseline. I will be compliant with the testing and whatnot, but I am going to add in more carbs to my diet - I'll talk to them about it, but I don't expect them to be very flexible - they're just so rigid and bizarre. I've looked at GD diets online and from other RL friends with it, and the one from this practice is by far the most restrictive around. I will not ever do anything that will risk the baby, but if my sugars are stable and I'm eating a few more carbs, I don't think that's the end of the world.

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