Hello!
I know we have a section talking about the test, but what about those of us who did not do so well on the test? I think it would be awesome to hear from some other mom's about how you feel about it all, worries, encouragement, great snacks you've found... etc...
For me, pre-pregnancy, I was an extremely healthy runner, biker, and worked 40 hours a week on my feet. I had an excellent BMI and was well within my weight. Absolutely no history of Diabetes 2 in family except in a few who got it after age 80 and no gestational diabetes in family or big babies. I eat pretty well for most Americans, but I do have a BAD chocolate addiction. Log in my fitness pal regularly and use my Fitbit religiously since 2012.
So... when I got the results, I felt angry, cheated, and embarrassed. Not only that, I felt like I had somehow failed my little baby even before he was born. "WHY ME!?!" was my thought.
I got my meter the same day I found out and started taking my blood glucose levels as instructed. It honestly hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I'm no longer mad at myself and am just trying to figure out how to manage things so I'm getting enough calories, but not too many carbs... and staying full!!
My current favorite snacks are: Veggie straws/laughing cow light cheese wedges; mixed nuts (kirkland trail mix with the m&m's taken out... hubby likes that part); half cup of fat free fage greek yogurt with a half cup of frozen berries (no sugar or syrup added).
Things I'm working on: Finding meals that balance good carbs and protein and fat! I feel like I'm on a pendulum here! Eggs, veggies and whole wheat toast or a protein shake and an apple, usually work for breakfast. Lunch and dinner are often a gamble...
Things I don't understand: Why is my fasting glucose level ALWAYS so low! It's usually in the 60s which from all my research is what someone already with type 2 diabetes shoot for while pregnant... Does that mean I had type 2 even before being pregnant? I get blood work every year and no one ever said anything... Now I'm worried I'll have to stick myself 7 times a day and meticulously control my eating every day for the rest of my life! YIKES! I know you ladies who have diabetes before pregnancy do it. I don't know how! You have a whole lot more self-control, will power, and courage than I'll ever have!
Additional research I've done: Stress can have a HUGE effect on glucose levels... Even in someone without diabetes. I had a very emotionally, mentally, and physically stressful job that I think sent me in a constant state of fight-or-flight. My husband and my relationship was rocky in one very emotional area where I felt like I could never fully trust him at his word. We had an old cat that was on the brink of death (RIP Cookie 02/00-1/12/16). My husband got a new job in a different state... new insurance... new OBGYN... new apartment... etc... All that has settled down as of this week. Anyway, stress can cause your blood glucose to skyrocket and if it is constant, stay high. I think once becoming prego, my body said, "enough is enough" and stopped processing sugar correctly. These last couple days I feel my glucose level has been much easier to manage now that my life has calmed down.
Ok, sorry for the long intro to this topic. Feel free to follow the same format and/or add your own things!
Re: Gestational Diabetes Support
Hello! If interest is high enough, I think it would be great to have some sort of weekly GD/Diabetes check in post. When I had GD with my first pregnancy the high risk board was very active and there was a weekly check in which I found helpful. This time, not so much. I would be willing to run it, if asked, or just participate
My situation is a little different. I had GD with my first pregnancy, and was able to control it with diet, exercise, and a lot of work and research I had a healthy 7.13lb baby at 40 weeks.
Pregnancy #2 I passed two GD 1 hr tests, and was never diagnosed. However, I suspect my insulin resistance increased late in pregnancy undiagnosed, as baby grew very quickly at the end and I ended up having a 9.03lb baby at 37 weeks
This time around I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when we were TTC. I worked very hard for about 5 months to get it under control so that it would be safe/wise to conceive. I consulted with my endo, OB, and a MFM prior to becoming pregnant so I would know what to expect in terms of treatment and risks. So far my disease has been well managed through insulin and frequent dr visits in this pregnancy. The bummer is that I haven't found much in the way of information or support for pregnant moms with T2 diabetes, outside of the info provided by my doctor and the ADA site.
@korpatch -I'm not sure what your concerns are with a low end fasting blood sugar? Typically people with undiagnosed diabetes would be running a high FBS (greater than 120's or so). Can you explain more?
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
I like the idea of a weekly check in. It doesn't look like there are that many of us though.
@korpatch Do you have any idea what a "normal" fasting blood sugar was for you, pre-pregnancy? It's possible that you just have a low end of normal FBS. How do you feel in the mornings? Normal or shaky/nauseous/dizzy, etc? Hypoglycemia related to diabetes is usually a result of some issue with your diabetes treatment (i.e. too much insulin or activity, not eating enough etc). I would ask your doctor about it, but it's probably not something you need to be too concerned about right now. After pregnancy you will probably have to repeat another glucose tolerance test, so you'll get answers then as well.
Do you eat an evening snack? Maybe try playing around with that (more carbs, less carbs, different combos of carb/fat/protein) and see if that has any impact.
I'm guessing that there will be more people falling into this category, since most of the early April due date have just gotten to the 28 week mark for the standard GD testing. There have been a few questions on this board about GD already too, that I've seen.
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
I don't get many days off at work and I ddon't want to use one of my paid days off for this test (I imagine being able to sleep at night while fasting would be a lot easier to do). I really don't much about GD either.
I would see if you could get the test scheduled to a day you didn't have to work all night. I forget my failure 1 hour numbers... They were higher than that.
But it is your call. Just make sure you research the side effects of GD... Cause there are some really bad ones!
I'm not sure what your work schedule looks like laid out throughout the week, but I think your best bet is to schedule it early in the morning, on a day after you didn't have work the night before. Or you could call and ask if you could do one in the evening since you do work overnights.
When I had GD with #1 6 years ago the limit was 140. I failed with a 141 also. I very clearly and significantly failed the three hour test and was diagnosed with GD. I passed two 1 Hour tests (first and third tri) in my second pregnancy with results under 114, but still had a 9lb baby at 37 weeks and probably had some late onset insulin resistance or GD. She was in average size percentiles at 20 and 28 weeks but grew rapidly between 30-36 weeks.
I guess my point is, based on my experience, that GD is tricky, and as pp stated, there are some considerable risks to not treating it. I would suggest you to try to make it work and have the three hour test. Did you explain your non-traditional schedule? Why can't you take the test after your normal sleep/fasting time?
I suppose the safe alternative might be to decline the test, but talk to your dr about proceeding assuming you do have it. That would mean beginning to test blood sugars and change your diet to a diabetic diet. I'm not sure if your insurance would cover your testing supplies or other necessary items without a definitive diagnosis though.
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-35261184
I have my glucose test this week
I really feel disappointed with having GD but I feel like I just have to pull up my big girl, stretchy, britches and do what I have to do for my son. I'm worried about temptations from time to time but I just keep telling myself, in the end it will be worth it and I have less than three months to work through this. I know that I can do it. I don't want to be on insulin so if I can control my levels through my diet, it would seem silly not to give it my all and try.
I have found a TON of recipes on Pinterest but I'll be happy to get a suggested meal plan from the doctor just so I don't feel like I'm guessing at everything.
I would love to do a "check-in" with everyone and I'm always up for new meal ideas.
Wishing you all the best :-)
Miscarriage 04/21/2015
Rainbow Sugar Baby due 04/22/2016, C Section Scheduled for 04/08/2016
Miscarriage 04/21/2015
Rainbow Sugar Baby due 04/22/2016, C Section Scheduled for 04/08/2016
@live4something
I'm glad you are feeling better after meeting with your endo. I'm sorry that you're bummed about needing insulin, but you are doing the best thing for your baby I've been on Levemir pretty much since the start of my pregnancy (pre-ex type 2 diabetes). I met with a high risk doctor prior to conceiving, and she also told me that insulin is hands down the preferred diabetes medication during pregnancy, so I switched to that early on, and later added Novolog for meal time support.
I found that for awhile the bedtime dose of Levemir, which is a slow acting insulin/long lasting insulin, also helped with my daytime meal numbers, so that might delay your need for additional meds for awhile. Also, when I had GD with pregnancy #1 I found that a little bit of activity after meals really helped with my numbers. So if you can get a 10-15 minute walk, etc, after each meal that may help as well. Good luck!
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
Miscarriage 04/21/2015
Rainbow Sugar Baby due 04/22/2016, C Section Scheduled for 04/08/2016
I usually give my shots in the belly, at about the same level of my belly button but off to the side. I favor the right side because it's easier being right handed, but I do switch sometimes to give it a break. I do 4 shots a day now, so it's getting a bit sore, lol.
Did your doc show you how to administer the shots? Mine brought me in to show me how, before they called in the rx.
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
Miscarriage 04/21/2015
Rainbow Sugar Baby due 04/22/2016, C Section Scheduled for 04/08/2016
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
Girl not when you have a phobia! But anyway, I'm definitely going to bruise tomorrow >.<
I'm totally crushed that I have to go for the next round of testing. I was super nauseous drinking the first drink and have no idea how i'm going to handle consuming even more glucose!
Miscarriage 04/21/2015
Rainbow Sugar Baby due 04/22/2016, C Section Scheduled for 04/08/2016
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12
Marriage: 12.18.04
DD1: 5.19.10
DD2: 4.11.12