Mamas with GD, I need your help please

[bgb699]

I failed my 1 hour GTT, which I expected because I've had a hard time keeping my blood sugar levels stable this pregnancy. I can't do the 3 hour because the glucose made me so sick it took me days to recover from the effects. I'm having an hba1c next week, but until then my doctor told me to eat a low sugar/low carb diet. I'm fine with that, but what constitutes low sugar/carbs? Like how much am I supposed to consume a day? I'm scared to even eat a piece of bread because I don't know what the limits are, and if I do have gestational diabetes I don't want to harm the baby. I guess my question is, besides proteins and veggies what the heck can I eat? And how much is too much? TIA!

[Mama2Bean]

Look for the GD support threads here, they are great. Also, check out this website: http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/g...ment%20Numbers

I have very, very borderline GD, so even though I technically didn't "fail" the three-hour, I know I'm even more sensitive now a few weeks later and probably have it. Ever since I suspected it, I've changed my diet. Everyone is different, but this is what I've done for myself:

Eliminated as much refined or added sugar as possible. Also eliminated honey and white rice at all times. Pasta--forget about it.

No fruit in a.m. PG women have a hormone surge in a.m. that boosts bG. I can only eat apples or maybe half a tangerine in afternoon if I pair it w/protein. NO melon, pineapple, etc. This makes me feel horrid.

Carb goal of 20g or less for breakfast and mid-a.m. snack. For other meals, carb goal of 30-45g.

I got a lot of this from websites and talking to my OB/MW. This is what works for me.

I got a bG meter and test myself if I'm feeling crappy. This helps me judge what is okay for me.

GL!

[bgb699]

Thanks for the info~ I found the GD support archives and there's a wealth of information on there as well!

[blueeyedbaby]

I know that with regular adult diabetes, it is recommended to pair protein with any natural sugars. So my dad will eat apple slices with peanuts or peanut butter, or a serving of cantaloupe with 2 slices of bacon (2 is a protein, 3 is a fat). I hope this helps!

[Mama2Bean]

Protein helps mitigate the effects, but GD has a MUCH stricter range of acceptable levels than regular GD b/c of the baby. For example, my neighbor is borderline diabetic. His fasting levels are usually around 105 and that's fine for him, but that is the level that is recommended for insulin if you have GD. Yikes!!

[TheGorge]

I'd stay away from processed foods in general. Sounds like you know what to do, though.

Hmm, that's interesting what you said about glucose making you feel sick. Is that an indication of anything? It was nasty, sure, but a glass of water took care of it for me.