Blood Sugars and GD

amd1128 · August 2015

so I started checking my sugars yesterday. Someone explain how my fasting was 94, are two slices of whole wheat bread and a hard boiled egg and two hours later it was 149???? Maybe I'm too sensitive to carbs? Same thing yesterday, sugar was 85 at 12 pm and after eating lunch which consisted of whole wheat bread, turkey and Swiss it was 153. Getting frustrated and it's only day 2!!!

crbpjb · August 2015

I would cut out the grains. Bread has sugar in it and carbs can really spike your glucose. I do not have GD, but I have been testing my sugars, and they are significantly higher after anything with grains (even the tiniest amount). I am on a grain-free diet and don't eat sugars other than fruit and when I actually follow it, my glucose levels are really really good.

millereliz13 · August 2015

A lot of us cannot tolerate bread in the morning. I can't even look at whole weat anything in the morning. It took some trial and error to find a breakfast that worked for me. I eat cheese and Oat Revolution Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for breakfast.

Ljconnery1 · August 2015

For breakfast I have half a whole wheat English muffin with peanut butter and 3/4 cup of plain Cheerios (super exciting!) but I also use insulin before eating breakfast. I use a very small whole wheat wrap if I want some type of sandwich for lunch, and the only startch I can eat for dinner time is 1/2 cup of potatoes or sweet potatoes, everything else (rice, pasta, etc.) sends my sugars sky high!
Basically I eat nothing.. And I'm starving.. And I want a huge ass piece of cake.. But we're almost done!!

amorrison624 · August 2015

All I eat for breakfast is 2 eggs. Either scrambled or hard boiled. Its not worth it for me to risk high numbers by adding in toast or anything. I am really watching my carb intake at meal time. Sometimes I have some at snack time, but a limited amount.

amd1128 · August 2015

Then why do they say we need ALL these carbs if we can't tolerate it??? I think I'm going to play around tomorrow..just have two hard boiled eggs in the morning and then check my numbers. And yes... For all this eating I'm supposedly doing, I am STARVING

SarahAnne1101 · August 2015

The nutritionist told me that at breakfast, carbs can be hard, especially fruit carbs. She said to keep trying the whole grain starch carb with breakfast, but to have 2 proteins to 1 carb.

Your breakfast had two carbs and one protein. So that may be the problem.

And your lunch... that's two starch carbs and the cheese and one protein. Cheese is made with milk, which has milk sugar in. It counts as a carb too.

I would try 2 eggs and 1 slice of toast and lunch with no cheese and maybe and a veggie for the fiber.

Switching to 2 proteins to 1 carb has helped my numbers a so much.

MandahGirly · August 2015

For breakfast I have a breakfast sandwich but I use low carb whole wheat bread - I think it's like 16g for 2 slices. I have 2 eggs with turkey sausage and cheese. Recently I've been adding a glass of milk and my numbers are usually hovering around 100-110. You just have to play around with the carb you are eating. I couldn't have my regular English muffin because it would spike my BG and regular bread wasn't good either.

amd1128 · August 2015

I was told two carbs, a meat, and a fat for breakfast and three carbs, two meats, two veggies and one fat for lunch

SarahAnne1101 · August 2015

@amd1128 - that's what they started me on. Made my sugar through the roof. And sick as all get out. We have had to adjust mine several times. I now eat 9 times a day instead of 6... It's been so hard to get it under control and I'm still having some that are way high 175 - 200 and some crazy dangerous lows - 40's...

amd1128 · August 2015

Wow! Well I'm playing around tomorrow and cutting out some of the carbs whether they like it or not.. I need to see if what I do works better for at least one day

dparker721 · August 2015

I am having to play around a lot with it too to find what affects my numbers. I will say that my numbers are typically higher after breakfast than any other time of day, but still are well below range. I actually have increased my carb intake because my sugar levels were low and basically my sugar has been crashing over night. It's all so confusing!

FrozenMommy · August 2015

See, I am on insulin, and I can eat bread fine, but Oatmeal, hell no!!! Even plain rolled oats with no added anything spike me, it's the weirdest thing! Oatmeal is supposed to be good for you. If you aren't taking any meds, try going paleo. Make your own bread from almond or coconut flours.

amd1128 · August 2015

The nutritionist was like "you must follow this diet perfectly"! So I did and had two high sugars today.. Sorry, now I try my way for a day!

FrozenMommy · August 2015

Ha, screw what they say!!!!!! Seriously. I can eat an entire box of rice a roni and not spike. But 1 piece of whole grain toast and it's higher than the box of roni. They really don't take into consideration that people are different.

SarahAnne1101 · August 2015

@frozenmommy - are you on insulin because glyburide didn't control it or were you diabetic pre-pregnancy? My drs are threatening to start insulin next week as they have up my glyburide every week for the last four weeks.... = /

dparker721 · August 2015

Since we're on the topic of GD, what can you all tell me about ketones? I've Google it but I have to check daily (in the morning) and have had trace amounts. I eat what they say and my sugar levels are fine. What do I do about ketones? I'm confused at how to "fix" that problem.

SarahAnne1101 · August 2015

@dparker721

Ketones are produced when your body starts burning fat reserves because you aren't getting enough fuel. It basically means you are getting enough calories at regular intervals. If your glucose levels are good and you still have ketones, you need more calories. If you are having a lot of high levels and have ketones, it has more to do with the insulin. When your blood sugar is high and your body is less responsive to insulin (like in GD) then your body can't break down the glucose for energy. So your body breaks down the fat stores for energy instead. It can be a sign that you need insulin.

I hope that makes sense.... GD is hard to explain, and so different than regular diabetes.

dlav · August 2015

This is crazy...I failed my 1 hr and passed my 3 hr test with a 178. 180 being the midwives cutoff. How in the hell does this make sense if all you are having to monitor yourselves for numbers that are way lower?? I'm so confused and doubting my midwife at this point. Should I be concerned?

BBaires · August 2015

@dlav the numbers we're monitoring are after normal meals-- not a ridiculously concentrated intake of sugar/glucose that floods the system. If you're concerned I'd ask your midwives more questions but the cutoff you mentioned sounds inline with others.

FrozenMommy · August 2015

@sarahanne1101, no, I am not a type 2. With my first pregnancy, they found sugar in my urine, and I failed my 3 hour test. As soon as I deliver, my numbers are back to normal. It's really strange. My A1C has fluctuated over the years since, but now, it's the lowest it's been in years, yet I am severely insulin resistant. F this disease so much!!! I've just been taking more insulin than I probably should to keep the numbers down, and then just eat fruit and yogurt at most snack times. Something I have found recently though is that if you eat, and then do stuff like housework or take a walk, your numbers will be lower. My normal breakfast of either an english muffin and 2 eggs, or a protein bar, have been much lower the last week since I have been trying to keep more active. This morning after breakfast was 68! That's really low for me, when usually that puts me aronund 115 or so. But realistically, the 130 number is really really tight control. I went over that so many times with both my kids, and they were just fine. So far with baby 3 my numbers have been really great, only a few times have they not dropped, which of course freaks me out. But for the most part, even if I am in the 160-180 range after a meal at 1 hour, it's down in the 90's at 2, and that's the part that we need to worry about more. The lingering sugars are what can make the baby overweight.

amd1128 · August 2015

My fasting this morning was 107. My bedtime snack was 2 graham crackers, a tbsp of pb and a glass of skim milk... Should I be eating more at night so my numbers are lower?

esupica · August 2015

Going for a walk generally helps lower blood sugar too

FrozenMommy · August 2015

@amd1128, let me tell you something. I have NEVER been able to figure out what works before bed. I have tried different foods, taking my insulin at different times, 6 hours, 8 hours, nothing will get that number where they want it. When mine is under 90, it's pretty much a shocking thing. I really think it's time that they change their research on GD,. I am tired of all the fear they pump into us, which just makes un-needed stress for mom and baby, and then our babies turn out just fine.

SarahAnne1101 · August 2015

@Frozenmommy - I completely agree that they need to do more research. That morning fasting is so hard for me to control. I get so worried about my sugar and baby being big, but I haven't gained any weight in 3 weeks... Actually lost a pound from my visit last week to this week??? I'm really getting scared about what all this means for baby. Still struggling with HG and now the GD so my weight has been a big concern. My dad said last night maybe they will balance each other out and I'll get a normal sized baby.

amorrison624 · August 2015

I've been eating Greek yogurt with granola at night before bed. About a half hour earlier. Anything else I tried (turkey and cheese, etc) spiked my fasting numbers. Dairy is slowly digested, so I think that's why it helps.

FrozenMommy · August 2015

That's the thing I don't get though. As long as you have some control over your GD, the baby is going to be as big as it will be. My DH was like 10 lbs when he was born, and my MIL swears she didn't have GD. So that was a fear I had, that my kids were going to be big anyways, and they weren't, even with not so strict control. I said F this, if I want a candy, I am going to have a candy. I have been eating a greek yogurt and a mini popcorn before bed lately, and I'm still 109 this morning. But I can eat the same thing tomorrow, and it can be 80. I just never know what's going to happen with my fasting.

dparker721 · August 2015

SarahAnne1101 said:
@dparker721

Ketones are produced when your body starts burning fat reserves because you aren't getting enough fuel. It basically means you are getting enough calories at regular intervals. If your glucose levels are good and you still have ketones, you need more calories. If you are having a lot of high levels and have ketones, it has more to do with the insulin. When your blood sugar is high and your body is less responsive to insulin (like in GD) then your body can't break down the glucose for energy. So your body breaks down the fat stores for energy instead. It can be a sign that you need insulin.

I hope that makes sense.... GD is hard to explain, and so different than regular diabetes.

Thanks! This makes much more sense. I think I'll try to increase my evening/night time snack and see if it helps. When I went to the diabetic center they basically just skimmed over ketones and made it sound like if we eat what they say, then we shouldn't have a problem with them so I didn't get much of an explanation and don't go back for another week.

amd1128 · August 2015

I'm just worried I'm not getting enough calories for baby at this point

whitemn04 · August 2015

GD and sugars are confusing. This morning's fasting was 101, had scrambled eggs and skim milk for breakfast and 2 hours later sugar was 91. Had enchiladas and chips and salsa for lunch yesterday and come up with a 109. Had a sub sandwich and chips today then tested at 122 with the cut off being 120 so just barely over. I failed the second and third tests of the 3 hour at 209 (180 cut off) and 161 (155 cut off). Failing is failing so I know I need to watch what I eat, just trying to figure out how bad I really have it as two big meals haven't blown my numbers out of the water or if I just had bad luck with the 3 hour test.

saveinsincity · August 2015

amd1128 said:
Then why do they say we need ALL these carbs if we can't tolerate it??? I think I'm going to play around tomorrow..just have two hard boiled eggs in the morning and then check my numbers. And yes... For all this eating I'm supposedly doing, I am STARVING

Welcome to GD. My first week was a starve fest. I found out this week that even 1/4 cup of rice is a no no. It is tough. I do 2 scrambled eggs and 1 slice of wheat toast for breakfast . I do it daily. I'm immune to it now 3 weeks later. But I don't wanna risk high numbers after breakfast. I have played around with lunch and dinner but it is a hit or miss.
Hang in there!

amd1128 · August 2015

I seem to be able to get it under control as the day goes on.. It's these Damn fasting ones.. 107 yesterday and 109 today. Maybe I'm eating too early before bed?

millereliz13 · August 2015

@amd1128 I have to eat my evening snack within 15 minutes of bed to see good fasting numbers. Fasting is the hardest to control.

cominginfall · August 2015

Does anyone notice if the amount of sleep you get effects fasting numbers? I've been struggling with mine too, most are 100-105 each morning. I'm wondering if I try to get more sleep consistently, if that will help. Most nights I'm averaging 5-6 hours of sleep....

MandahGirly · August 2015

You can also try a glass of milk to get your carbs since a cup counts as 1 carb. I find that I am more sensitive to traditional wheat carbs in the morning so I have a cup of milk and my numbers are the same if I don't have it. I will have a cup of milk with lunch and dinner sometimes as well if I feel like I need more carbs throughout the day. I also stay away from fruits in the morning but I will have an apple with peanut butter as my mid morning snack.

millereliz13 · August 2015

@cominginfall the amount of sleep totally effects my fasting blood sugar. In fact, the worse the night, the worse the blood sugar. I was told Unisom or Tylenol PM is ok to take if needed.

FrozenMommy · August 2015

Seriously, again, no clue on what works, because it really is different for everyone. I just discussed this with my OB yesterday. I said I could eat the same thing, all day long, same snack at night, and one morning it's 85, next it's 109! She asked if I notice that I get a good fasting on days that my after meal numbers are good. NOPE! Does not make a difference, and I am kind of getting sick of them pushing, I am doing the best I can.

She suggested I get up and take MORE insulin at like 3 am. Come on...Why can't we just accept the 109 and be happy that it's even that low. I call that a win for me.

jenspeake · August 2015

FYI....had my dietitian appt today and was curious on how many carbs we take for the tests. She said for the one hour the drink would be about 50 grams of carbs and for the three hour it should have been 100 grams. I was just curious as to how many they give us and how much I failed so I know how to compare what I eat to what the drinks were. I get to start pricking my finger and the diary tomorrow. I had a peanut butter pop tart for breakfast and didn't know we'd be testing my sugar this morning to test out the meter. At least I came in under 120 with a 113! But yes I've been realizing lately, due to constant meetings at work, that I don't think I've been eating enough. Been feeling light headed, sleepy and just not right in the head by the end of the day.

SarahAnne1101 · August 2015

@whitemn04

Totally basing this off my experience, so just take it as a suggestion.

Your breakfast number is probably because of all the protein and just a little bit of carbs. The milk was a carb, but has a lot of protein and the eggs are all protein so it balanced the sugar.

Lunch - was probably high because of the carbs in the bread, and the chips are carbs ( potatoes) and any condiments or cheese you may have had could have a lot of carbs too. And then you had protein from the meat. It wasn't enough protein to balance the carbs.

I have found that protein is what affects numbers most for me. Not enough and numbers are always high.

amd1128 · August 2015

103 this morning.... AARRGGGHHHHH!!!! So close!!!

jenspeake · August 2015

LOL...today was my first day and of course we ate bad last night for one last night.....chinese! Fasting was 116!

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