Gestational Diabetes Support Group - Page 62

[Junegoddess]

Originally Posted by pjs

I'm 32 weeks and tested my blood glucose this morning. Fasting was 108 (I tested at 6:15 am and had last eaten around 6 pm the prior evening) and 2 hr after 50 grams of sugar was 97. Is it likely my fasting was high because it was so long in between meals? Should I eat a bedtime snack and retest tomorrow am?

I have tried so hard to research this issue, and never feel like I've really figured it out.

My fasting numbers stink... often over 100 these days. Pregnant, non-pregnant, that fasting number is my bad one. After meals my numbers are FINE. Marvelous. Almost too low unless I really had a ridiculous amount of carbs. (The GD screen is a ridiculous amount of carbs, in my opinion, and I barely passed this last time... have to retest in a few weeks.)

Some theories on high fasting numbers:
That is reflects a middle of the night LOW, that your body overcompensates for by releasing sugar from it's storage spot in the liver. If you wake up around 2 or 3 am, test your blood sugar. If it's low, you'll know you probably need to start having a middle of the night snack. If it's high, it doesn't prove anything... it could have been the jolt of sugar from your liver that woke you up.
Some people find that if they lower their carb intake throughout the day, they wake up with better fasting sugars.
Some people find they are sensitive to particular kinds of carbs, like the sugars in milk or grains, and have to severely cut back or eliminate them.

Other people find they'd rather just take insulin at night and not worry about it further.

I've been supplementing with chromium picolinate, and initially it helped my fasting numbers a LOT, but as my pregnancy progresses (22 weeks now), my numbers are creeping up again.

[ellairiesmom]

My morning fasting #s have always been my problem as well. Other #s are perfect.

Has anyone else had their A1C checked? I am PCOS/IR & taking my metformin throughout the pregnancy & last month it was 5.4. That is considered very good.

I can't help but wonder about the 15% error rate of the glucometer tests & how in general they are snapshots but not really a true look at your overall blood sugar the way the A1C is...it doesn't factor in the big picture & I wonder if doing an A1C a few times throughout the pregnancy is a better indicator of what is going on? At least when it's time to make a decision about insulin?

I need to do more research & at tomorrow's appt I am going to ask my OB her thoughts on it.

I just think I would have a difficult time allowing her to put me on insulin this time around because of fasting #s when my A1C, the true mark for a regular diabetic is so under control.

[pjs]

I ate better dinners for the past two evenings and ended up with morning levels of 100 and 97, so I feel a bit better.

[LionessMom]

i noticed that when i cheat on my diet i feel worse. i think my fibro is benefitting from the GD diet. lol.

[cdahlgrd]

The amount of exercise I had the day before had a big impact on my fasting numbers. Even 15 minutes of aerobics after dinner would help a lot. I also had to have a good snack in the middle of the night. Almonds worked well for me.

[ZoraP]

I've seen a couple of people reference this during the thread, but has anyone else seen her glucose control improve a lot in the last few weeks of pg? I'm 36 wks now and have been able to drop my night-time snack and add in more carbs during meals without sending my numbers through the roof. I wonder what accounts for this change -- I've found nothing in the medical literature I've read that would explain why this happens.

In any case, I'm thankful for it.

[mkpgoddess]

Hi, may I join you?

I'm not currently pregnant, but we plan to TTC#2 in January. I had GD with my DD, and was able to keep in under (grumpy...lol) control with diet. Recently, I got a bug up my rear and decided to start checking my blood sugar numbers again. Oh looky, high fasting numbers (99-105) and normal post-prandials (105-115 unless I eat something like Chinese or pizza, then it's 170's; I generally eat high protein, low carb anyway). I'm terrified of what that will mean for this next pregnancy, both with what my numbers will do and what it means for my birth options. Can anyone speak to this?

TIA,

Samantha

[ZoraP]

Samantha, you may want to be checked now for glucose intolerance (or "pre-diabetes"), although I think these numbers are still in what's considered "normal" range by most practitioners. I'd probably ask about it anyway, simply because poor glucose control early in a pregnancy can do more harm than the glucose intolerance that doesn't start until the 2nd trimester.

With good control during pregnancy, your birth options *should* be fine, but I know that really varies a lot by practitioner, so it may require some searching on your part.

Good luck!

[ithappened]

coming in here for some support

I went into the OB today for my 30-31 week check-up and she was concerned because I have some 'extra amniotic fluid' and the femur, (sp) as well as the head, was measuring ahead by 4-6 weeks, also she said the weight at this point was about 1.8kg (about 4 lbs) which she felt was too high for where I am in my pregnancy.(?)

To be honest, I am a bit scared what exactly this all means (eg = c-section?). I am a huge worrier. and tend to think worst case.

She ordered a OGTT screening for this week and asked me to start eating '6 times a day'. My concern/problem is, I already do graze all day (eating very healthy), I exercise 5-7 times a week a minimum of 40 mins, haven't gained excessive weight (22lb at 31 wk), was at a healthy weight to begin with and I am scared/concerned what this all means if I do/don't have GD (again c-section, major/minor birth defects etc).

What I have read online is with GD you need to increase your exercise and eat better- but if I exercise more, it would be doing 2 hours a day and if I eat better, well, I'm not even sure what that would be as I already follow a really healthy diet. (oatmeal for breakfast, lean proteins/salads, lots of veggies and fruits)

I was a big baby (9+ lbs), my DH was a big baby (9+ lbs), is it possible its just genetic or is something else really wrong?

[LionessMom]

Originally Posted by ithappened

coming in here for some support

I went into the OB today for my 30-31 week check-up and she was concerned because I have some 'extra amniotic fluid' and the femur, (sp) as well as the head, was measuring ahead by 4-6 weeks, also she said the weight at this point was about 1.8kg (about 4 lbs) which she felt was too high for where I am in my pregnancy.(?)

To be honest, I am a bit scared what exactly this all means (eg = c-section?). I am a huge worrier. and tend to think worst case.

She ordered a OGTT screening for this week and asked me to start eating '6 times a day'. My concern/problem is, I already do graze all day (eating very healthy), I exercise 5-7 times a week a minimum of 40 mins, haven't gained excessive weight (22lb at 31 wk), was at a healthy weight to begin with and I am scared/concerned what this all means if I do/don't have GD (again c-section, major/minor birth defects etc).

What I have read online is with GD you need to increase your exercise and eat better- but if I exercise more, it would be doing 2 hours a day and if I eat better, well, I'm not even sure what that would be as I already follow a really healthy diet. (oatmeal for breakfast, lean proteins/salads, lots of veggies and fruits)

I was a big baby (9+ lbs), my DH was a big baby (9+ lbs), is it possible its just genetic or is something else really wrong?

it sounds genetic but i am not a doc. i do know that with GD you can not eat oatmeal or cereal of any kind for breakfast. you gotta eat protein with only 30 grams of carbs. fruits are also a source of carbs. with GD you limit carbs. you have to eat a certain amount without going over. carbs are breads, sugars, noodles, grains, fruit, juice, etc.

[Tillypoppy]

I've just been diagnosed with GD. I need help

Hello All,
I've been testing myself for a couple of days now, and of course, trying to figure out what works with my diet. My numbers weren't horrible during my glucose screenings
(137 for the hour glucose and for the three hour glucose my fasting was fine and my 1 and 3 hour were below range, but my 2 hour reading was 161). So I although I was upset that I have GD, I felt these numbers were good enough that I could control it with diet.

This morning I testing my fasting glucose and it was 128! So the nurse who showed my how to use the meter said I could also use my palm. I immediately used my palm to read it again and my reading was 100. I don't understand how these readings taken moments apart can be so different. I called the nurse this morning to ask about it (it was a different nurse than the one that taught me how to use the meter), she was very unhelpful. All she said is that I should always use my finger and never my palm, and if I have a reading like that again I'll have to see an Endocrinologist. Eeek! Now I'm starting to freak out about this (which I know will raise my levels). Why wouldn't I test my palm if the numbers are lower and the other nurse said it was fine? Why are these numbers so crazily different? My meter is a Freestyle Lite if that helps.

[ellairiesmom]

Originally Posted by Tillypoppy

This morning I testing my fasting glucose and it was 128! So the nurse who showed my how to use the meter said I could also use my palm. I immediately used my palm to read it again and my reading was 100. I don't understand how these readings taken moments apart can be so different. I called the nurse this morning to ask about it (it was a different nurse than the one that taught me how to use the meter), she was very unhelpful. All she said is that I should always use my finger and never my palm, and if I have a reading like that again I'll have to see an Endocrinologist. Eeek! Now I'm starting to freak out about this (which I know will raise my levels). Why wouldn't I test my palm if the numbers are lower and the other nurse said it was fine? Why are these numbers so crazily different? My meter is a Freestyle Lite if that helps.

ok-my friend who works in the meter business (she is a researcher/product testing manager for a leading pharm co) confirmed what you will find if you look around...the meters are typically 15% off. I firmly believe that the future of pregnancy GD testing will be an A1C test every 10-12 weeks, along with meter testing as a guide, but with NO GTT. The A1C bloodwork is a real look at a 3 mos period of the true blood sugar.

That being said, some of the things you can do to try & get a more accurate reading than not are to make sure you wash your hands well before testing & try the best you can not to touch the strip end. I have seen major # changes associated with both these things. I never did a palm read so I can't speak on that but I will ask her if that is ever recommended by the manufacturers.

My issue is my morning fasting. I can never seem to figure out a pattern with specific foods etc but a couple things I have noticed are:
1) what i eat from 7pm on the night before comes into play-if we have a lower carb, higher protein dinner & I don't eat a major carb after 7pm or so, i seem to be ok; (but for some, they need a carb right before bed to be ok-so i guess you gotta play around with it a little to see what your body needs to work)
2) the longer i sleep in without testing, the higher my #'s BUT I do have a spike around 5/6 am, so I would never test that early;

Don't get anxious or worry...you can figure out what works for you. I don't know if an endocrinologist is the proper response? help from a nutritionist would seem more logical to me???

[TexasMum]

I have always been told by my diabetes education lady that you should always test on your fingertips because anywhere else is not as accurate. I have had fasting glucose that high. Some days are worse than others. Most of the time it hovers around 97 in the morning but thats with 20 units of Novalin NPH at bedtime. The past week or so it has been around 107 fasting but as pregnancy progresses, numbers get higher and harder to control, for me anyways. You will just have to make some adjustments to your diet/exercise/insulin/all of the above, whatever it is you use. Don't sweat it. It can be frustrating at times. I don't have GD, I have been diabetic my whole life so it doesn't change to GD just because I am pregnant now, but that's what I know.

[Tillypoppy]

Thanks

Thanks for your help. Yes, I washed my hands, but I didn't know about touching the reader part of the strip maybe that was the problem. I'm also new at this and am trying to adjust my diet to fit. I did have a couple of grapes for my after dinner snack. I also took the test at 6:00am, so maybe should wait a bit.

[PaytonPlace]

I just found out on Monday that I "failed" the 3 hour GTT and have a diagnosis of GD. I'm supposed to test 4 times daily - one fasting in the morning and then 1 hr after each meal. So far, my after meal numbers have always been under 100 (my goal is to be under 140). I tested the waters today and had pasta alfredo with a side salad for lunch and my 1 hour number was 93. I was pleasantly surprised. My fasting numbers are higher than they're supposed to be. They are supposed to be under 95 and they have been between 95 - 100 but never over 100. I don't mind the diet too much but some days I really want to have a big plate of french toast & syrup just to see what happens. LOL Ugh...only 10 more weeks.

[sunshadow]

I just started using the glucose meter and I hate it! (It hurts!) My numbers are no where near high. Usually in the 80's or low 90's. My morning fasting for the last two days has been 68 and 73. I have no risk factors other than my age. I was already pretty much eating the same way before. I don't normally get junky food. I just feel like I am doing all of this for nothing and I wonder if I could have possibly gotten a false positive. I am worried that they will want to do more tests on my baby and give him formula after he is born. I just worry this will mean people are going to freak out more about his birth and I don't think I really have gd. At least not at this point in my pregnancy. That's pretty much what the dietitian told me as well. But, because "I might" later on I have to do all this. Sorry, just a newbie having a hard time with it all.

[newdawnnewday]

3rd pregnancy, first time with GD

i was so happy to find this thread. i am going to try to read thru as many posts as i can. i've already seen so much that has put me at ease.

i am EDD jan 12/2010. this is my third child. my last is just 19 months old and i didn't have GD with her nor did i have it 7 1/2 years ago with my firstborn. so far (it's only been 2 weeks!) i've done ok. my post meal numbers are all good. it's my morning fasting number, it's been high pretty much 50% of the time. highest was 121 and they want it under 95. they said i could do everything right and still just not be able to change that fasting number. i was told to wake up earlier to test and then eat (hubby works from home and has been letting me sleep in).

i've also noticed that simply doing balance ball jumping jacks, like bouncing while arm flapping, can dramatically help my number if i've had something naughty. still, being on this kind of eating plan isn't easy for me.

and i have to be successful. my firstborn was c-sec, my 2nd was vbac and i'm hoping for another vbac. my doc was cautiously optimistic with the last vbac so now he's really watching me.

i guess i just needed a place to share my situation and to read thru to hear how the rest of you amazing mamas are dealing with/have dealt with, it.

peace & light.

[lincap]

I am 25 weeks along and not feeling very good. My 1 hour test is at 28 weeks.

With DS1 my 1 hour was 3 points below needing 3 hour so MW told me to watch how much OJ I drink etc.

With DS2 I was a few points above cut off but declined the 3 hour and went right to the meter.

Now with baby #3, just in the last few days I am getting that yukky feeling, I had when my #s were too high. My strips are expired but I might try them anyway just to see where I am.

I know my problem is finding ok protein to eat. My DS1 is very allergic to dairy, eggs and peanuts so we do not have those in the house and DS2 who is still nursing is allergic to eggs. I remember from last time the GD diet that was suggested to me was very dairy and egg heavy. And I ate a lot of sausage to compensate.

I want to try to start eating more proteins, less white carbs, I just need help figuring out what to eat for breakfast, snacks etc that doesn't include dairy, egg or peanut. Anyone have any ideas?

[shoefairy3]

Originally Posted by lincap

I am 25 weeks along and not feeling very good. My 1 hour test is at 28 weeks.

With DS1 my 1 hour was 3 points below needing 3 hour so MW told me to watch how much OJ I drink etc.

With DS2 I was a few points above cut off but declined the 3 hour and went right to the meter.

Now with baby #3, just in the last few days I am getting that yukky feeling, I had when my #s were too high. My strips are expired but I might try them anyway just to see where I am.

I know my problem is finding ok protein to eat. My DS1 is very allergic to dairy, eggs and peanuts so we do not have those in the house and DS2 who is still nursing is allergic to eggs. I remember from last time the GD diet that was suggested to me was very dairy and egg heavy. And I ate a lot of sausage to compensate.

I want to try to start eating more proteins, less white carbs, I just need help figuring out what to eat for breakfast, snacks etc that doesn't include dairy, egg or peanut. Anyone have any ideas?

beans? legumes?

Cooked chicken, tuna and crackers

[EFriend]

Second time...and worse.

Looking for support and hugs!

This is my second pregnancy (c-section scheduled 1/26/10). I knew before my 1 hour glucose test that I had gestational diabetes again. How? I was out to lunch with my type 2 diabetic mother and started shaking and feeling really off... took my blood sugar with her meter half way through lunch:355! I called my OBGYN in shock that is was SO high. They had me fast for 4 hours and take my blood sugar every 2. It finally went down to 144. Needless to say they moved up my glucose testing. Went through both the one hour and the three hour, thank goodness I didn't almost pass out with either this time, and took my own blood sugars during as well (CHEATER! lol) so it was no surprise when they said I had GD.

Now to the "and worse." About three weeks ago I tried to get my doctor to help me manage my blood sugar levels because counting carbs and 3 meetings with a dietitian wasn't helping this time. My average has been around 160-180. Finally today, after faxing in and calling in to the office worried and crying...starving too, they put me on glyburide. (still waiting for it to be filled 5 hours later!) I have been "starving myself" to keep my sugars down below 200 because they refused to put me on any medication to help me (thus me calling their office crying saying I needed food for nutrition and energy). On top of it all, they are now having me come in twice a week for non stress tests, ultrasounds, and a normal visit. (My poor two year old daughter in tow!) The nurse even had the guts to give me a lecture of being "more careful of how many carbs I have been eating, and from where! I officially think I know more than she does!

Anyways, just hoping that things start going the right way. I am now stressed about getting off the glyburide in time to breastfeed, and of the risk of low blood sugars (starving myself has left less room in my tummy for food and my appetite is nada!)

Has ANYONE else had a similar experience?