I've got my follow-up consultation tomorrow morning. I'm really hoping we can get this under control quickly. Part of me is afraid that some 110lb soaking wet bubbly woman is going to tell me I need to lose weight and eat more salads - "Yay vegetables!" (Picture me grimacing here). I'm sure I'm being overly dramatic (gee, not sure where that's coming from ;-) ). I'll do what I need to do to make it right (like we all are) - doesn't mean I have to be happy about it right?
Highly unlikely they will tell you to lose weight. Mine actually encouraged me to eat more carbs as I cut too many in between the weeks I found out up to the week of my appointment. It's really not that bad and healthier for everyone in the long run likely.
So, I have been following the diet and testing sugars for three weeks now. And my fasting overnight numbers have continued to be high. Then, last Friday they were sooooo close to being in range. I noticed that on Thursday I didn't eat any bread- my carbs were from fruits, and other non-wheat based products. The nurse who looks at my weekly numbers said that for some people it's a trigger and "That's what's fun about my job. Everybody's body reacts differently to different triggers." I attempted to not eat bread again yesterday, and this morning I was within range. I am happy to feel like something is starting to make sense.
I have also noticed a correlation between my fasting glucose and how late I eat at night. I stop eating by 7:30-8 pm and my glucose is within range in the am.
So, I have been following the diet and testing sugars for three weeks now. And my fasting overnight numbers have continued to be high. Then, last Friday they were sooooo close to being in range. I noticed that on Thursday I didn't eat any bread- my carbs were from fruits, and other non-wheat based products. The nurse who looks at my weekly numbers said that for some people it's a trigger and "That's what's fun about my job. Everybody's body reacts differently to different triggers." I attempted to not eat bread again yesterday, and this morning I was within range. I am happy to feel like something is starting to make sense.
So glad you figured out what is triggering! I am still working on it...have an appointment tomorrow so we will see what they say - if I can have another week to try new things or if they need to put me on medication.
I'm a total newbie but I had my appointment with the dietician today and she was super sweet and made everything seem a lot less scary. I just did my first poke and it was 106 (had to be under 120) so yay for that too! I'm still nervous about all of the others but at least that first one was good! LOL
So, I have been following the diet and testing sugars for three weeks now. And my fasting overnight numbers have continued to be high. Then, last Friday they were sooooo close to being in range. I noticed that on Thursday I didn't eat any bread- my carbs were from fruits, and other non-wheat based products. The nurse who looks at my weekly numbers said that for some people it's a trigger and "That's what's fun about my job. Everybody's body reacts differently to different triggers." I attempted to not eat bread again yesterday, and this morning I was within range. I am happy to feel like something is starting to make sense.
Did they let you go three weeks with numbers out of range? I was told yesterday that I have one week and if I have three or more readings that are out of range then they'll put me on medication asap.
Met with the counselor today and I do feel better. Sounds like it'll be manageable - so far two readings well in the range of normal. I'm going to follow the recommendations, but hoping that eventually cutting out sweets will be enough to bring the numbers down. We shall see. My biggest fear now is how to manage over Halloween and thanksgiving.
I was thinking with the reduced sugar levels baby would move less, but oh boy no! He's doing the Macarena in there sometimes - almost wondering if I should be concerned with all the rapid fire kicks.
So, I have been following the diet and testing sugars for three weeks now. And my fasting overnight numbers have continued to be high. Then, last Friday they were sooooo close to being in range. I noticed that on Thursday I didn't eat any bread- my carbs were from fruits, and other non-wheat based products. The nurse who looks at my weekly numbers said that for some people it's a trigger and "That's what's fun about my job. Everybody's body reacts differently to different triggers." I attempted to not eat bread again yesterday, and this morning I was within range. I am happy to feel like something is starting to make sense.
Did they let you go three weeks with numbers out of range? I was told yesterday that I have one week and if I have three or more readings that are out of range then they'll put me on medication asap.
I am the same I had one week to get my numbers in check and my morning numbers are too high so I find out Thursday if insulin is where I'll be headed(I think likely)
So, I have been following the diet and testing sugars for three weeks now. And my fasting overnight numbers have continued to be high. Then, last Friday they were sooooo close to being in range. I noticed that on Thursday I didn't eat any bread- my carbs were from fruits, and other non-wheat based products. The nurse who looks at my weekly numbers said that for some people it's a trigger and "That's what's fun about my job. Everybody's body reacts differently to different triggers." I attempted to not eat bread again yesterday, and this morning I was within range. I am happy to feel like something is starting to make sense.
Did they let you go three weeks with numbers out of range? I was told yesterday that I have one week and if I have three or more readings that are out of range then they'll put me on medication asap.
I am the same I had one week to get my numbers in check and my morning numbers are too high so I find out Thursday if insulin is where I'll be headed(I think likely)
Rice is a trigger for me and so is cereal. Even if I stick strictly to my same carb allowance, use scales and weights and measures for the portions my numbers are still sky high after eating rice or rice based cereal. Tho I can tolerate rice based other things like pasta. Which is totally weird.
It is interesting that there are different high sugar triggers for different people.
I've been having a really hard time controlling my blood sugar lately. It doesn't matter how many carbs, what type of carbs, or how much I exercise, I can't get my breakfast numbers under control. I've noticed lunch numbers are creeping up toward my limit as well. I don't really have a question or anything, just frustrated right now. It seems like every time I think I've got this under control, I start having problems again. My OB adjusted the dose for the glyburide that I take at bed time, and told me to email my numbers on Friday. Really hoping this helps with the high numbers and that I can avoid any more scary low numbers.
Rice is a trigger for me and so is cereal. Even if I stick strictly to my same carb allowance, use scales and weights and measures for the portions my numbers are still sky high after eating rice or rice based cereal. Tho I can tolerate rice based other things like pasta. Which is totally weird.
It is interesting that there are different high sugar triggers for different people.
I think it's weird too. My dad has type 2 diabetes, and he mentioned he was surprised that I can (usually) handle whole-wheat bread. He can't eat bread at all. However he can eat corn, but I've found corn does horrible things to my numbers.
So, I have been following the diet and testing sugars for three weeks now. And my fasting overnight numbers have continued to be high. Then, last Friday they were sooooo close to being in range. I noticed that on Thursday I didn't eat any bread- my carbs were from fruits, and other non-wheat based products. The nurse who looks at my weekly numbers said that for some people it's a trigger and "That's what's fun about my job. Everybody's body reacts differently to different triggers." I attempted to not eat bread again yesterday, and this morning I was within range. I am happy to feel like something is starting to make sense.
Did they let you go three weeks with numbers out of range? I was told yesterday that I have one week and if I have three or more readings that are out of range then they'll put me on medication asap.
I am the same I had one week to get my numbers in check and my morning numbers are too high so I find out Thursday if insulin is where I'll be headed(I think likely)
Good luck! My fasting numbers were too high my first week and they are giving me just one more week to try a few more things, but basically told me to prepare myself to go on insulin because they don't think it's going to work. I'm a bit bummed since it is just those morning numbers out of whack and I hate needles. Is anyone else on insulin yet?
I'm sticking to my diet and doing ok with my blood sugars, but I am starving all of the time. Anyone else? Any suggestions?
My nutritionist said yesterday that celery with peanut butter is a free snack. She also let me add a 4th snack to my day because I was too hungry between lunch and dinner with just one snack. Check with them - I am sure they don't want you to be hungry!!!
Sorry, somehow just now seeing this. Yes. After week 1, they said they wanted me to up my night time snack carbs to see if that had an effect. After week 2 with similar numbers the diabetic nurse suggested medicine to my Dr who said they wanted to wait one more week. So, today is the follow up appointment...and sadly my fasting numbers have not been consistently under control avoiding wheat (about 1/2 the time), so I suspect we'll be doing some form of medicine starting this evening.
I was surprised when she told me that my blood sugar would go up of I didn't eat a snack before bed. Said the liver would start making sugar if it thought I was starving. She also noted to test right when you wake up - don't wait until everyone is off to school/work as the adrenaline can raise the numbers.
Well ladies, I am officially on insulin for the rest of my pregnancy. 1 shot before bed and 1 in the am before breakfast. It can and will mostly likely get worse throughout the pregnancy. I'm not looking forward to stabbing myself but whatever keeps baby girl safe and healthy until she arrives.
My biggest fears and things that make me want to cry are- I worry about her having diabetes in the future and just wish I could have avoided that risk. I worry about her sugar levels after birth and worry about the birth in general I just hope she arrives healthy.
I know they are taking every precaution and this is why I am testing and taking insulin but I just can't help feel helpless for her.
@kdoak2015 the best thing you can do is establish healthy eating habits and carry that in to your kiddo to reduce their risk of DM later in life. I was a GD with my first my daughter is 10 lean and healthy and so far no risk. I also got my crap together and reduced my own risk and lost more than 10% of my body weight and I have so far been able to stay outside of the stat of GD moms having type II within 10 years. You can do this and you can continue to do this. Taking insulin actually reduces her risk factors because you are keeping your glucose under control and her pancreas doesn't have to work so hard
Thanks @nik6499, was hoping to hear from you as I know you have experience. So happy to hear that you and your daughter are healthy and happy. I plan on keeping my strict diet after pregnancy. I use to be fairly healthy and then quit smoking and gained quite a bit before becoming pregnant. Just need to get back to where I was a few years ago.
You can totally do this!!!! Believe it or not insulin is the absolute best choice for pregnancy and it allows you to maintain tighter control of your glucose. If you have an iPhone there is an i health glucose meter on Amazon the meter and strips are inexpensive and it gives you a lot of interactivity to help you keep track and report your numbers
I had my doctor visit yesterday and my doctor noticed my numbers were still high. She is giving me one more week to see if it's just what I'm eating or otherwise. If numbers continue to stay high she's putting me on insulin shots. I'm not too happy about and a little nervous but whatever is going to help me and the baby I'm all in.
Being seen by military doctors is frustrating because each has a different thing to say. 2 weeks ago, the doctor said that my fasting weren't too high, but they had been high to me (above 100 but below 120). No matter what I do they are in this range. This is not my first rodeo with GDM. This time the doc comes in says my fasting are high but prandial sugars (after meals) are good. Doctor said that is not what I eat, but my body. So I started 2.5 MG Glyburide, and my BS this AM was the lowest it has been this entire pregnancy. This was after having a piece of cake to celebrate my husband's birthday. Didn't care for the last doctor though because he rushed and walked out before I got a chance to ask him anything.
My fastings are higher too depending on when I eat at night (not what) and my post prandials are awesome. It's a little irritating trying to get it figured out. I haven't been as good about checking this week I gotta get back on that. Ideally your fasting should be under 95
Sigh...joining your ranks. I have insulin resistance issues due to PCOS, but I had gotten my pre-diabetic level A1c's down to normal just prior to pregnancy. I passed the 3 hr at 20 weeks, but I retested at 28 weeks and failed. Never can pass the 1 hour.
Oh well. Here's to no cake at my shower (for me) and pricking fingers for another 11 weeks!
Ladies who, like me, barely failed.... My doctor told me at my last appointment that "they" (the all knowing "they" in charge of deciding these things) have lowered the passing number twice in the last several years so people who previously passed are now failing. He said it's a money-making game for insurance companies and informed me that I was probably one of the ones who got caught in that last sweep. Especially since I haven't changed my diet at all and the numbers are consistently fine. But, he said you won't read that info in any journals because "they" want to keep it quiet.
So, don't freak out if you barely fail. You're probably fine.
Joining the group. Diagnosed last Thursday but can't get into to see the dietitian for another week and a few days. I've cut out everything and feel grumpy, hungry and weak. I was underweight when I got pregnant and now I don't know what to eat. I just want to see the specialist and get an idea of what to eat. I feel like this in between time is torture and not healthy for me or my LO. Sorry for the rant, I just want to do what's best and feel I have been just left to figure it out alone by my doctors. I've been reading the thread for snacks and carb counts, seems I have not been eating enough carbs from everything I've read here. I am so confused
You definitely need carbies! It is confusing but it seems that not having enough carbs causes it's own set of fun issues. I've read you should have at least 175g of carbs a day it's just a matter of spacing them out between meals. For instance, my dietician has me eating 30-45g of carbs per meal (although I've been eating a bit more at dinner or else my sugars drop quite a bit) and 15-30g per snack (so up to 225g of carbs a day). Before going to see the dietician I just tried to follow the general set of guidelines which worked out because that's exactly what she told me to do anyways.
@kmwz thanks so much for the reply. It is all so confusing I am learning and each day feel a little better about the situation. I've decided the first thing I want when little one is born is a medium rare steak, baked potato, glass of wine and a Krispy Kreme doughnut lol!
You're welcome! I haven't been at it for too long but have done a lot of reading and am on this group, the gestational diabetes mamas on babycenter, and another group on Facebook LOL (mostly for food ideas!). It really hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. And yesssss to the wine.. Except for me add in a bacon turkey bravo from Panera bread.. and some oreos.. Nom noms.
So I just have to weigh in here. The guidelines don't change based on insurance companies and money making entities. Guidelines are produced by third party organizations who review evidence, review current guidelines and review current evidence and make guidelines geared at improving patient outcomes. In the last few years we have gotten much more aggressive with diabetes because research has shown that patients with aggressive treatment and management have better outcomes. Guidelines are not made for any purpose other than ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.
@littlebitmom I had to wait over a week to get in to see the dietician too, and that wait sucks! I didn't know what to eat really. I just went today and I'm actually surprised at how many carbs I can eat. 30g's for breakfast and 3 snacks that are 30g's, and 60g's for lunch and dinner! Basically no giant bowls of pasta or really sugary things. That's what they told me to eat based on weight and age, you might get more or less. You can't cut out carbs completely or you'll get ketones in your urine and that's not good, just don't go crazy with the carbs and you'll be fine until you can meet with the dietician
Joining the group. Diagnosed last Thursday but can't get into to see the dietitian for another week and a few days. I've cut out everything and feel grumpy, hungry and weak. I was underweight when I got pregnant and now I don't know what to eat. I just want to see the specialist and get an idea of what to eat. I feel like this in between time is torture and not healthy for me or my LO. Sorry for the rant, I just want to do what's best and feel I have been just left to figure it out alone by my doctors. I've been reading the thread for snacks and carb counts, seems I have not been eating enough carbs from everything I've read here. I am so confused
That stinks that you have to wait so long to see the dietician. Just make sure to have some carbs at every meal and then your snacks can be carb free or really low carb.
What is really bugging me is I was on complete bed rest while in the hospital and a diabetic diet eating way way more than I ever would at home, and had the best numbers in a while. I get home and not even eating anything just checking my numbers for another base number I'm at 150. So me not being on bedrest and not eating 2200 calories a day is making my sugar messed up :-/ will definitely be talking to the doctor about it...
Ladies who, like me, barely failed.... My doctor told me at my last appointment that "they" (the all knowing "they" in charge of deciding these things) have lowered the passing number twice in the last several years so people who previously passed are now failing. He said it's a money-making game for insurance companies and informed me that I was probably one of the ones who got caught in that last sweep. Especially since I haven't changed my diet at all and the numbers are consistently fine. But, he said you won't read that info in any journals because "they" want to keep it quiet.
So, don't freak out if you barely fail. You're probably fine.
Yea I would like to weigh in as well, your medical professional told you that you failed BUT that you really didn't fail and are fine because it's all a scam?
You aren't a professional so giving other women medical advice as you did above is not your call. You can't say that they are "probably fine". We all took the same test and whether numbers were a bit lower/ higher they are stating we have GD for the safety and well being of my baby. I for one plan on listening to the specialists and doing what they tell me whether I passed by an inch or a mile. Sorry not trying to be rude just think you received bad info from a doc.
I'm sorry, I should have specified that I'm not a doctor or medical professional.
I guess each person's situation is different. For me, personally, it was refreshing to not have a doctor tell me that I will certainly be insulin resistant and won't even consider a vaginal birth. The doc I was seeing before my current doc said all that, without even looking at my numbers or any records at all. She treated me as a child and wouldn't dialogue with me at all about options. She just told me horror stories about worst case scenarios and interrupted if I had questions. My new doctor is very respectful and we visited about GD and options for a long time at my last appointment. I'm measuring completely normal; my sugar records are completely normal. He thinks I don't have anything to worry about and to just keep doing what I've been doing. He actually said I don't need to test more than twice a day too: fasting and one perandial. I'm very grateful that I don't have to worry about anything. Of course they will continue to monitor me, just in case.
Again, sorry to have offended anyone. I just thought it was interesting information and it really gave me a lot of hope. I thought others riding the line between normal and GD would have hope too. If "support group" is only for talking about negative things, please let me know and I will not post here anymore.
@ArielleRene- I don't think anyone is saying we only want to talk about negative things, we just want to make sure that anyone reading this has correct information. Do I remember correctly that you've said you ate fairly low carb/low sugar before your GD diagnosis? If so, this may contribute to why you haven't had to change your diet. I'm uncomfortable telling anyone that has been diagnosed with GD that they are probably fine. What if someone reading this barely failed and then decided not to change their diet or monitor their blood sugar? And what if that diet included a lot of high carb/high sugar things like soda, french fries, doughnuts, and candy? This could result in a lot of dangerous complications for both mom and baby.
I'm sorry, you're 1st doctor sounds like a real jerk. When I was diagnosed my OB went over the risks associated with GD, but then she said that if I can control my blood sugar, I shouldn't have any of those problems. My OB did say that she doesn't like GD patients to go past 40 weeks, so I fully expect that if I don't go into labor on my own, that I will be induced sometime shortly before my due date. She has never said I can't deliver vaginally, but did say I have an increased risk of c-section, especially if I have to be induced.
I barely failed my 3hr test, and at first I was able to control my blood sugar fairly easily. As my pregnancy has progressed, I've had a much more difficult time controlling my blood sugar. My OB said it is very common for insulin resistance to increase further along in pregnancy. I think anyone that has been diagnosed with GD should monitor their blood sugar. If their levels are fine and they don't have to change their diet, that's great! But if the things they are eating on a daily basis are raising their levels, then it's important that they know that and make changes.
I agree. That's why I never said not to do any of those things. Testing your blood sugar and eating well are important! Like you said, sometimes things can change later on in pregnancy so it's important to monitor. However, you can be fine and still carry the diagnosis on your record. Some doctors, per my experience, make things sound way scarier than they really are. I guess my personal experiences really affected my opinions on this more than I realized.
Obviously we all want to do what's best for our babies. Let's all eat well and have healthy babies!
I am a medical professional and this thread has been nothing but supportive of anyone. Where we are taking offense is the the insunation that these women have medical providers who are leading them astray. These guidelines are in place for a reason, the numbers determining failure are not arbitrary. Having GD does not mean you cannot deliver vaginally it means there are several important complications that need to be watched for and monitored for. In my first pregnancy I passed my glucose screening with no issues I continued my regular diet and then we started noticing my baby was large, we screened again late third trimester and I failed. Perhaps if the guidelines has been as stringent 10 years ago I would not have passed and my daughter might have been smaller as I would have received appropriate medical and dietary advice and she may not have had shoukder distocia.
He point being its fine to offer support talk about experiences and offer suggestions, but you should not make light of a diagnosis and assume anyone is probably fine. Because we are all different. Failing the glucose test indicates you have insulin resistance and to what degree may vary, and for some as their pregnancy progresses their insulin resistance is going to increase which is why we encourage dietary modification and glucose monitoring earlier on.
It's not just about carbs. You need to balance that with protein. Similar to someone else's guidelines - 30-60 carbs and 1-2 protein servings per meal. 15 carbs and a protein for snack. I'm finding that things that trigger other people don't bother me at all, and some that should be healthier sends my numbers high. Weird. There's tons if info online too, but I'd always defer to dr. GD doesn't mandate c-section either for all people. The baby may (or may not) be larger than normal. My doc said she monitors belly size (must remain within normal range) and as long as I control my GD she proceeds as normal. If I started to measure large she would want extra ultrasounds etc. to track progress.
Re: Gestational diabetes support group
It's really not that bad and healthier for everyone in the long run likely.
Met with the counselor today and I do feel better. Sounds like it'll be manageable - so far two readings well in the range of normal. I'm going to follow the recommendations, but hoping that eventually cutting out sweets will be enough to bring the numbers down. We shall see. My biggest fear now is how to manage over Halloween and thanksgiving.
I was thinking with the reduced sugar levels baby would move less, but oh boy no! He's doing the Macarena in there sometimes - almost wondering if I should be concerned with all the rapid fire kicks.
I am the same I had one week to get my numbers in check and my morning numbers are too high so I find out Thursday if insulin is where I'll be headed(I think likely)
My biggest fears and things that make me want to cry are-
I worry about her having diabetes in the future and just wish I could have avoided that risk.
I worry about her sugar levels after birth and worry about the birth in general I just hope she arrives healthy.
I know they are taking every precaution and this is why I am testing and taking insulin but I just can't help feel helpless for her.
Thanks again!!
Oh well. Here's to no cake at my shower (for me) and pricking fingers for another 11 weeks!
So, don't freak out if you barely fail. You're probably fine.
You aren't a professional so giving other women medical advice as you did above is not your call. You can't say that they are "probably fine". We all took the same test and whether numbers were a bit lower/ higher they are stating we have GD for the safety and well being of my baby. I for one plan on listening to the specialists and doing what they tell me whether I passed by an inch or a mile.
Sorry not trying to be rude just think you received bad info from a doc.
I guess each person's situation is different. For me, personally, it was refreshing to not have a doctor tell me that I will certainly be insulin resistant and won't even consider a vaginal birth. The doc I was seeing before my current doc said all that, without even looking at my numbers or any records at all. She treated me as a child and wouldn't dialogue with me at all about options. She just told me horror stories about worst case scenarios and interrupted if I had questions. My new doctor is very respectful and we visited about GD and options for a long time at my last appointment. I'm measuring completely normal; my sugar records are completely normal. He thinks I don't have anything to worry about and to just keep doing what I've been doing. He actually said I don't need to test more than twice a day too: fasting and one perandial. I'm very grateful that I don't have to worry about anything. Of course they will continue to monitor me, just in case.
Again, sorry to have offended anyone. I just thought it was interesting information and it really gave me a lot of hope. I thought others riding the line between normal and GD would have hope too. If "support group" is only for talking about negative things, please let me know and I will not post here anymore.
Obviously we all want to do what's best for our babies.
He point being its fine to offer support talk about experiences and offer suggestions, but you should not make light of a diagnosis and assume anyone is probably fine. Because we are all different. Failing the glucose test indicates you have insulin resistance and to what degree may vary, and for some as their pregnancy progresses their insulin resistance is going to increase which is why we encourage dietary modification and glucose monitoring earlier on.