GD momma's update 8/10

jenspeake · August 2015

Just thought for those of us starting to deal with gestational diabetes let's update on how it's going. Anyone having any struggles? Now that your testing are your counts coming in under/over. Picked up any tricks yet? How is the ketones testing going?

jenspeake · August 2015

I started testing on Friday and am just struggling getting my fasting below 95 or below. I've been close and have come in under just one morning so far. I think the culprit is late night calcium. Going to try a low carb late night snack because that is the only night I had a good fasting the next day.

I seem to be able to eat the exact same things I was before. I was very strict the first couple of days and now I've been eating normal meals and still coming in under 120 after every meal. I hosted a wedding shower on Saturday and for my snack had chips and dip and half a cookie and it didn't really affect me.

Ketones-took my first ketones today though and I was at moderate so that scares me. I know if you test over negative more than twice in one week then I have to contact the doctor. I'm going to try to up what I eat in the next two days and hope for a better result Wednesday morning!

Any my poor fingers! I have one with bruises on it already

dparker721 · August 2015

I've been testing for 2 weeks now and like you, I am able to pretty much eat the same foods that I was before. My biggest adjustment is that I do eat every 2 hours, so I eat much smaller meals/snacks throughout the day.

My first few days fasting numbers were near the cutoff (or 1 or 2 above) of 95. This was when I was having a low carb snack before bed. I switched and started eating a serving of sherbet before bed and now my numbers are generally in the 80s.

Ketones have been trickier for me to understand. I have had a few days of trace amounts, but never more. My doctor said to call with anything above small, so I haven't called. I go on Wednesday, so I'll talk to them about it. I tell myself I should eat more, if ketones are appearing but I feel like I eat constantly as it is.

jenspeake · August 2015

Maybe I'll try sherbert tonight and see what happens. I was having a blueberry frozen yogurt bar....I wouldn't think that would be too bad! Now that all of my numbers after eating have been so low I'll try adding more foods to my meals! I've just been scared for the first two weeks because I don't want to mess anything up and have to go on medication!

MamaOwl15 · August 2015

I found out last week that I failed my 1-hour glucose test, and since I'll be 32 weeks tomorrow, I opted not to do the 3-hour and just start modifying my diet and testing. My doctor doesn't require fasting, and fasted thinking I was supposed to and still failed (153 with a cutoff of 139).

I have an appointment later today to get my glucometer and all that, but I've been working on modifying my diet since Thursday. I never realized how many carbs were in my diet till I started trying to cut back.

This past weekend was a bit if of a challenge for me, as we were at my IL's house for my FIL's 60th birthday. Of course there was lots of good food, as there always is at my IL's house, but trying to limit sugar and eat enough protein was hard. And of course I was doing this without actually being able to test my blood sugar, just going on my knowledge that carbs spike your blood sugar and protein helps keep it stable . . .

MandahGirly · August 2015

So far all of my numbers have been really good. I've noticed my breakfast numbers have gone up a bit - I think that might be due to the milk I'm drinking in the morning but I'm still under my target.

I haven't had to do anything involving ketones. My doctor didn't even mention this. Is this something I should bring up? I have an appointment this afternoon.

I feel like I've been getting enough carbs in and have been feeling pretty good overall though I am still hungry a lot but it's getting better!

jenspeake · August 2015

I guess asking your doctor depends on if you want one more thing to have to worry about

beanie1977 · August 2015

I was put on insulin because my morning numbers continue to be too high. After a week of insulin my morning numbers have not been below 114 so I don't know what's going to happen. I have had some loan numbers after lunch or dinner but the morning is still very high every day. I go in on Wednesday. So hopefully, they will either increased insulin or give me some other tools. I feel like I'm eating the best I can eat. I'm doing very little carbs, and lots of protein.

aschafke · August 2015

I have been above 110 almost every morning for the week i've been testing so far. Throughtout the day I frequently test above 120. Usually around 140-150. This is with a low carb no sugar diet. Also, i havent had the extra weight gain you typically see with GD. 31 weeks and I've gained 15 pounds. I see the doctor tomorrow and a dietician on Wednesday. I'm fearful that they will be putting me on insulin.

amorrison624 · August 2015

I've been doing pretty well. My doctor is happy. I know what I can and shouldn't eat. But it's really about how much I eat. When I eat a little too much, my numbers are a bit higher. My fasting numbers have been good, as long as I eat a Greek yogurt and granola before bed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things continue this way! I feel a bit badly that I'm doing ok when so many are struggling, even on meds. I hope you all can get some steady numbers as you go!

BRIANNAT711 · August 2015

Was just diagnosed today. Really bummed because I had made it 31 weeks and no problems so far. Have to pick up glucometer today. We will just have our fingers crossed that I can get good numbers and not have to be be put on insulin. I had hypertension before I got pregnant so I am already on a few meds to control that and I am not eager to have to deal with monitoring something else and having to take more medication.

jenspeake · August 2015

Keep us posted @beanie1977 and @aschafke with what the doctors say! I would hope that they would look at the diary of food log and make some more suggestions and let you try a few more times before having to go on medication. That is at least what I would insist! Interested to know what they say! I've only gained 8 pounds so I don't know if that's why they are having me check my ketones? But he wasn't worried about the weight gain since baby is measuring where he should be! When you are saying it is high in the morning is this your fasting draw or after breakfast draw? Usually my morning number after breakfast is my highest of the day but still under 120.

Does anyone snack multiple times between meals or just once? I'm just trying to find a way to get more food in before I do my next ketones test.

tfinn29 · August 2015

So far so good. I'm 31 weeks today and met with the dietician on Friday morning. So far my fasting numbers have been in the mid 80s and I've only gone over 100 a few times and only once was it 120. Fingers crossed

jenspeake · August 2015

@tfinn29....what have been eating for your late night snack and what time do you eat it?

AshleyEH1 · August 2015

I'm also having some issues controlling my fasting numbers. They are generally anywhere between 97-107. I had an appointment on Friday with my midwife and she suggested a protein snack at night and also trying to get in 45 minutes of walking/exercise during the day. I've been trying this and my numbers are still sucking.

I'm so nervous because she said that by my next appointment in a week if my fasting numbers haven't improved, we may need to look at insulin - and if I have to go on insulin, then I wouldn't be able to see the midwives in my practice anymore and would have to switch over to the OB side of the practice.

She did also mention that my fasting numbers really aren't that terrible and if I was diabetic pre-pregnancy, they'd be hugging me over my numbers. So I'm just confused. I feel like I'm doing my best with my eating and the walking, but sometimes a reading will just totally surprise me and I'll have no idea why it spiked. And for someone who craves control, it's really frustrating!

MandahGirly · August 2015

jenspeake said:
Keep us posted @beanie1977 and @aschafke with what the doctors say! I would hope that they would look at the diary of food log and make some more suggestions and let you try a few more times before having to go on medication. That is at least what I would insist! Interested to know what they say! I've only gained 8 pounds so I don't know if that's why they are having me check my ketones? But he wasn't worried about the weight gain since baby is measuring where he should be! When you are saying it is high in the morning is this your fasting draw or after breakfast draw? Usually my morning number after breakfast is my highest of the day but still under 120.

Does anyone snack multiple times between meals or just once? I'm just trying to find a way to get more food in before I do my next ketones test.

Depending on how hungry I am I have 1 or two snacks. I usually have 1 snack in between breakfast and lunch, 1 or 2 after lunch and then 1 or 2 after dinner. If I have two snacks then 1 will usually have carbs and the other will have less carbs (like cheese or something)

jenspeake · August 2015

Thanks @mandahgirly! As soon as I test I eat something because I'm hungry, which is about 9:30 am but then get hungry again before lunch. Same with the afternoon! I'm going to try adding more snacks in today!

It's so nice by the way to be able to talk to you ladies and try some different methods and hear what you are doing!

FrozenMommy · August 2015

What's really cute to me about doctors stressing the under 90 fasting, is that THEY DON"T HAVE TO DO IT THEMSELVES! I'm sorry, realistically, when I see so many of you struggling with the fasting, are they sure that under 90 is really an attainable goal? And you see the variety of foods you all eat, and it's never the same.

I have stopped stressing about my numbers, and you know what? My doc just called me because my red cell count is still low, but my Hemoglobin A1C, the thing that takes your last 6 weeks of BS and averages it out, it was 5.2!!! They want it under 5.7. I am doing AMAZING this pregnancy with my BS, insulin does help. Don't be afraid of it if you need it. The needles are insanely small, and it actually allows you to eat the carbs. Sure, I have gained weight, but I can lose that. I am pretty at peace with my numbers at this point, because I am doing the best I can, without going on a rampage from depriving myself. I am eating pizza, I have fries on occasion. I had some freaking cake the other night for my hubbys bday. And guess what, my numbers were fine!

To sum it up. Don't fear the meds. Don't be stressed over a few highs. Don't starve yourself because they told you to. This is my final pregnancy, and I need to keep my stress down more than anything, and if that means eating chocolate, well F you docs I am eating the chocolate. My baby is doing just fine. In fact I think he liked the cake, he moved for like 3 hours after it!

AshleyEH1 · August 2015

@FrozenMommy Great advice

I'm just curious what your numbers were like before you started insulin.

Also, how often do you take the insulin now? Is it every mealtime or less frequently?

Ljconnery1 · August 2015

I'm taking insulin at bedtime to keep my fasting under 95, before breakfast and before dinner. 1 snack between every meal. Insulin saved me, I probably couldn't get my sugars down even with extreme dieting. The needles are very small and I've been using insulin for a good two months now, so it's second nature. Good luck everyone!!

FrozenMommy · August 2015

@ashleyeh1, I was doing alright with my numbers after meals, eating low to no carbs or paleo carbs like coconut flour stuff. But never good on fasting numbers. I can't get that right no matter what I try. I have said on these boards many times, I can eat the same exact thing every day, at the same time, take the same amount of insulin, and my fasting will be different every time. Very rarely is it under 90/ As soon as I got in with a GD specialist, she put me on glyburide. The numbers were about the same with or without the meds, except I could eat yogurt, and sugar alcohol carb protein bars.

Currently with insulin, I take 60-70 at meals, and depending on what I eat that's actually too much. I'm not taking any chances. This allows me to eat a protein bar for bfast, or eggs and toast, and then my greek yogurt, NOT LIGHT even, because dairy without insulin is a NO way for me. I can have fruit too. Last night at dinner, I took 70 units, had steak, broc, and baked potato, 1 slice of french bread. After meal 108. 2 hours after meal 89. So that allowed me to have a bit of leftover cake, and some ice cream, and of course a cheese stick right before bed. Usually I will have a small bag of popcorn and cheese, nuts and cheese, popcorn and yogurt, whatever tickles my fancy, and my fasting is never the same. My night time long acting insulin is up to about 76 units. I will probably top out at 100-120 by the end of pregnancy, and guess what, my numbers STILL will not be under 90. My weight has finally seemed to stabilize, I gained it all in 2nd tri for some reason, but I am no longer going to care what they say about my weight either.

I really can't stand the diet regimen they gave me. I mean 1 oz is a freaking serving of protein? So at dinner, I am to have 3 oz of whatever meat, a small potato, and a salad or whatever greens I want which is fine, but what if I want a 10 oz steak?!?! I am pregnant for crap sake, why can't I eat what I want within reason? Reaching 3rd tri has made me an angry a mean mama. I am tired of them stressing me out, and I am taking back control of my own body. My baby seems fine in all regards, I don't care if he weighs 9 lbs! My DH was like 11, so I am expecting this dude to be a bit bigger than my girls were anyways, and I am not going to stress over eating a few carbs anymore dangit!

MandahGirly · August 2015

I think it's interesting that some doctors say keep fasting under 95 and others are 90. And some say to test after 1 hour and others after 2 hours. It's just so frustrating that it's not streamlined!

jenspeake · August 2015

@mandahgirly I felt that way about seeing everyone state their results from the 1 hour. It seemed to be all over the board on what number you needed to be below.

tfinn29 · August 2015

jenspeake said:

@tfinn29....what have been eating for your late night snack and what time do you eat it?

At night I either eat a Nature Valley protein bar, light n fit greek yogurt w/ strawberries and few almonds. But my best numbers came with a half of whole wheat english muffin, peanut butter and cheese stick. I've been eating around 10:00-10:30 and testing between 6:30-7:00 am, but I'd love to go to sleep earlier.

MrsFaust1432 · August 2015

I just started testing last Thursday and so far I've been all over the place! Fasting numbed have been 98 or below, and 2 hours after have been anywhere from 86-128. Most of my higher numbers I can look back though at what I ate and can figure out why it is high.

aschafke · August 2015

My fasting is usually about 110-120. My after breakfast is usually around 130-140. I just had my highest reading yet. Before lunch I was 135. I ate chicken noodle soup and ended up at 211.

FrozenMommy · August 2015

Yah that's a high reading before meal. Mine was just 67 after a trip to the store. I carb loaded before so I wouldn't drop, but there you go. So I had nuggets for lunch mmmm.

MandahGirly · August 2015

Just wanted to share some good news! My OB has been really happy with my #s so she gave me the ok that I only have to check my fasting #s once a week! She still wants after every mea but said that out of all my meals lunch might be the next one I won't have to check. She said we would discuss at my next appointment. But then I forgot to ask her if I can have a cheat meal for my baby shower

I will just have to email her instead.

LLynde5 · August 2015

I have been reading the GD threads but am having a hard time accepting that my body hates me:(. I start my testing tonight and am not looking forward to pricking my fingers or the added stress I will put on myself if my numbers are bad:( That being said, thanks everyone for participating and starting these threads because they really do help!!

dparker721 · August 2015

@MandahGirly, I didn't ask if I could have a cheat meal for my shower yesterday, I just did it anyway...but, all of my numbers have been well under range and I didnt go overboard so I didn't worry about it.

jenspeake · August 2015

My dietitian said it would be acceptable to cheat at my shower. It'll just be a really big, sweet snack! I don't think you'd be put on meds for having one or two high numbers over a large span of time. I'm sure they'd look at your food log and realize why! I'm just not going to go over board and have five pieces of cake or anything. Just moderation!

MandahGirly · August 2015

I really just want a piece of cake and Mac and cheese. Just not at the same time. Maybe.

Mrsg305 · August 2015

I'm at 32 wks and have been testing my BS for about a month. Mostly, my fasting numbers have been in the high 80's and low 90's. There were a few mornings where my fasting number was in the high 90's, but those were times I'd eaten my dinner late in the evening the night before and had fruit with it. I usually test 2 hrs after meals and am around 100-120 max. I've started seeing a nutritionist who has me sticking to a max of 35g of carbs at breakfast and lunch, 60g at dinner, and 15g for snacks (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hummus and veggies). I mostly don't snack at night, but if I do it's a string cheese or tablespoon of peanut butter. Yesterday, I had kebabs for lunch and ate 1/2 a pita bread--and 1/2 cup of ice cream. An hour later, my BS was 166 and 2 hrs later it was 122. My endocrinologist never mentioned ketones to me, so I haven't been checking that.

momma=z · August 2015

A small cup of vanilla ice cream keeps my fasting numbers low, I just try to add some peanuts or something. Also, there's a brand of milk called Fairlife that's high in protein and low in sugar that keeps my fasting numbers very low as well. I usually have a glass of it with a couple graham crackers.

MamaOwl15 · August 2015

I have tested 2 times so far, once at the doctor's office during my appointment and once at home after dinner. Both times I got 84. This seems really low to me, since that's about what they want to see fasting.

I've limited my carbs all day, but I had some grapes and some blueberries earlier and dressing on my salad for dinner, plus I snuck a few of DS's regular jelly beans earlier. Shouldn't that have made my numbers higher?

ETA: my doctor said my after-meal number should be under 120. Is it bad if it's 84?

MandahGirly · August 2015

MamaOwl15 said:
I have tested 2 times so far, once at the doctor's office during my appointment and once at home after dinner. Both times I got 84. This seems really low to me, since that's about what they want to see fasting.

I've limited my carbs all day, but I had some grapes and some blueberries earlier and dressing on my salad for dinner, plus I snuck a few of DS's regular jelly beans earlier. Shouldn't that have made my numbers higher?

ETA: my doctor said my after-meal number should be under 120. Is it bad if it's 84?

Is this after 1 hour or 2 hours? I believe anything under 70 is not ok so you would need to have some carb/sugar combo to get your BS back up. I have had a few after meal #s in the 80s 1 hour after meals. I think I had something in the low 70s or high 60s ice but I just ate a piece of chocolate and retested and it went back up.

MamaOwl15 · August 2015

MandahGirly said:

MamaOwl15 said:
I have tested 2 times so far, once at the doctor's office during my appointment and once at home after dinner. Both times I got 84. This seems really low to me, since that's about what they want to see fasting.

I've limited my carbs all day, but I had some grapes and some blueberries earlier and dressing on my salad for dinner, plus I snuck a few of DS's regular jelly beans earlier. Shouldn't that have made my numbers higher?

ETA: my doctor said my after-meal number should be under 120. Is it bad if it's 84?
Is this after 1 hour or 2 hours? I believe anything under 70 is not ok so you would need to have some carb/sugar combo to get your BS back up. I have had a few after meal #s in the 80s 1 hour after meals. I think I had something in the low 70s or high 60s ice but I just ate a piece of chocolate and retested and it went back up.

I'm not exactly sure, as I didn't know the exact time I ate. I'm going to start my testing 4 times a day tomorrow and I'll make sure to note the time I eat and the time I test. If my numbers are consistently in the 80s, I guess that's not bad and it means my dietary changes are helping. We shall see . . .

MirandaC1984 · August 2015

I was diagnosed today. Picking up my meter and attending a 4 hour GD class in the morning. I'm wondering how this will change my OB care other than checking levels ect. I was already told I had to reschedule my appointment because it the original one was with a PA and now I have to see an MD. Are you ladies being seen more often or getting ultrasounds to monitor size of the baby at all?

MandahGirly · August 2015

MirandaC1984 said:
I was diagnosed today. Picking up my meter and attending a 4 hour GD class in the morning. I'm wondering how this will change my OB care other than checking levels ect. I was already told I had to reschedule my appointment because it the original one was with a PA and now I have to see an MD. Are you ladies being seen more often or getting ultrasounds to monitor size of the baby at all?

I am currently diet controlled and my appointments haven't changed. I did see the nutritionist 2 weeks ago and will see them again in another week or two. I had an ultrasound last week for an unrelated issue but I will get a growth scan at 38 weeks.

saveinsincity · August 2015

My number for fasting have been under the 95 they recommended and I had only 1 spike when I ate too much beans, no pun intended. Took 1 cup, instead of 1/4cup serving but it was too tempting to pass up.
Today I get a call saying I have to go on meds. I'm so pissed. I have cut out all carbs, cut back on so many foods I ate prior just to avoid spikes and now this.
I haven't even had milk since the 1st appointment with the nutritionist due to it. 3 weeks ago or cereal, unbelievable.

And to top it all off they left a detailed message on my house phone so my sitter heard it all.

I'm beyond pissed, disappointed and stressed. There goes asking for a cheat day 1 month from now for my shower. And I'm sure I lost more weight too.

If only I could stuff my face with cake or some cereal and milk.

dparker721 · August 2015

@saveinsincity, so you've only had 1 high number and they're saying you have to start medication? I don't know much about it all yet, but that seems so odd to me.

ETA: I've only had one high number when I ate dinner out one evening, but the dietician said they aren't going to harass me about a high number here or there.

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