Well this is a thread/group for anyone dealing with GD on any level. Newly Dx'd, had it before, have it again or lookign at the possibility of dealign with it. Whoever you are - regardless of whether you HAVE GD or support someone (mother, sister, Daughter, Client) with it. This (I hope) can be a place for you to vent, bitch, whine, complain, share, support, give hope to, give suggestions to or whatever for whoever/whenever/whatever issue you might have that is related to GD and it's complications and concerns.
Be blessed.
This spawns from my recent Dx of early onset GD (I'm 11w2d) and was Dx'd two weeks ago when I failed my GTT with a number of 188.
I refused the 3hr and my OB consented to doing a fasting draw at every appointment (2wks) and had me see the nutritionist (who was worthless). I switched care providers and again refused the 3hr. I borrowed a meter and had three days of all high numbers, so they sent me to the diabetic counselor and got me all set up with my own supplies and everything. They tried telling me that my insurance would not cover it if I didn't have the 3hr GTT results to "confirm" I had GD. Then they told me that my numbers were high enough that if I did take the test I could end up with serious complications like a diabetic coma! Ugh...
I was diagnosed GD during my last pregnancy, though my care provider now thinks that the results were flawed. But because I already have the monitor he'd much rather I test my levels than bother taking the GTT. . so I haven't refused the test. It's fine with me, I'd much rather avoid having the sit in the lab for 1 and then most likely 3 hours. I also feel more confident checking my levels twice a day so that I can better stay on top of things and hopefully keep everything in control with diet and exercise.
I failed my hour and was given the option of taking the three hour or just to start monitoring and meet w/the diabetes clinic (counselor and dietian) and just be entered as having gd.So i went with what seemed better for me (I had gd in a previous pg so knew it would comeback) and didn't do the three hour. Why should I put myself through that when I knew what the results would be anyways?!
Well, I guess I'm going to take my chances tomorrow with my OB and hope he doesn't react like Elephantine's did, if he does my chance at VBA2C is dead in the water but I think he'll be reasonable! and a girl can still hope (so keep your fingers crossed for me!
The thing for me and the reason I don't want to do the 3 hour is I know something is and was going on before the 1 hr ... this pregnancy was a surprise and I had planned to talk with my GP for pre-diabetes testing before I found out I was preg! I also think I slipped under the wire with my last pregnancy and it was just missed - I had symptoms of hypoglycemia and thirst but managed to work with it. My first was a 7 lbs baby, my next was 7lbs 10oz (3 weeks early) and my last was 8 lbs 9 oz (a week late!) So a history (mum has type II diagnosed last year), I'm overweight (was working on losing), and a previous pregnancy with a 8.5 lbers and the right symptoms.
I rely pretty heavily on my instincts (that gut feeling) and I just don't think the load tolerance is right for me... it feels all wrong and frankly scares me! - but I can't describe any better than that.
I'm content to be labelled GD and be done with it... if my insurance doesn't cover the monitor, test strips, and counselling then fine... we'll do what we need to do and pay out of pocket ... I just really want to do the right thing... and forget the fooling around business. If that makes sense.
Just wanted to thank you all for commenting... it has helped!
I'm guessing I'll be joining you ladies later this week, so I wanted to jump in and say hi. I had mild GD with my DD's pregnancy, ended up with a c-section. DD was 9 lbs 2 oz. This pregnancy I'm gaining weight way too fast (already gained 40 lbs as of yesterday), I'm craving sugar and sweets all the time, craving carbs since day 1, have type II diabetes in the family. So I fit all of the risk factors unfortunately. I'm trying for a VBAC and have to get my weight gain under control somehow, or they aren't even going to "allow" me to VBAC in the hospital. Than I'm faced with having an HBAC that I'm not comfortable with or a RCS that I don't want. Not the place I want to be in for the next 16 weeks. I've agreed to take the 1 hour with a meal later this week, and assuming I'm going to fail it, I'll be skipping the 3 hour and going right to finger sticks 4 times a day. Just hoping to stay healthy and keep this little guy healthy.
I had a 3hrGTT test yesterday (I am 28 weeks) and the hospital-based CNM called and told me it was "borderline" (officially "insulin resistant") and she recommends I follow the GD diet strictly for 3 weeks, exercise daily, and retest in 3 weeks to see if I come up negative, so that I am not classified as GD in their system. My fasting and 3 hr levels were fine. My 1hr was right on the line, and 2hr was elevated. I am relieved to have normal fasting levels, my understanding is that this is a good sign that diet modifications should be effective.
After thinking about it yesterday, I've decided to go ahead and get a glucometer and start testing myself. Even if I manage to avoid a GD classification, this seems like a sign that I should be on the watch for problems.
Also, I am seeing a HB midwife and really only using the hospital practice b/c it gets me all my labs and whatnot covered at 100%. But I can't do a HB with uncontrolled or insulin-dependent GD. However, I am right now assuming that won't be the case, that careful diet will be enough. All the more reason to just get a glucometer and not wait 3 more weeks. I will meet with the hospital nutritionist, but also plan to work carefully with my HB midwife on this.
I had a 3hrGTT at 20 weeks and was perfectly fine. I had two 3hrGTTs with my last preg (4 years ago) and was fine both times. So I don't think I have any underlying diabetes or glucose intolerance. My mom has typeII and so did her dad and brother. She probably had GD or something like that with me (they didn't monitor for it back then). So I do consider myself high risk for GD and for TypeII, I hope this is a good kick in the butt to do what is right for my health (and that it doesn't turn out to be more severe than that!)
UGH. I have been sort of dreading this and now I think I just KNOW that I have to get on top of my diet. Its a bit frustrating b/c I am actually really careful about what I eat already-- but, sigh, I do have a sweet tooth.
Originally Posted by baileyandmikey
Ok, so now I am spilling ketones. What does this mean, should I worry, and will they put me on meds??????????????????
I don't have much experience, but the ketones are a byproduct of a very lowcarb diet. I think some are ok, maybe too many could be bad. You might try adding in just a little more whole grain carb with your high protein meals, or more vegetables.
Originally Posted by baileyandmikey
Ok, so now I am spilling ketones. What does this mean, should I worry, and will they put me on meds??????????????????
Though I'm still in the diagnosing phase (repeating the 1 hr test) I bought a book on Managing GD and here is what is says about Ketones.
"Ketones: These are chemicals produced when the body Burns stored fat for energy. Excess ketones are spilled into the urine where they can be deteced with a simple test. Ketones may appear in the urine when the blood glucose level is far above normal or when there is not enough carbohydrate available to convert into glucose (such as when a person is fasting, or just not eating enough carbohydrates.)"
and
"During pregnancy it often means that you aren't eating enough for you and baby."
So here are two thoughts... one monitor your sugar closely and make sure it isn't too high and if that is okay do as Elephantine suggests and increase your carbs.
I took my chances with my OB and refused the 3 hour test ... on the basis that I couldn't carb load the 300mg the way he wanted me to. He got back to me at 9:30pm and I explained to him how much trouble I was having eating sweets in general let alone loading that much sugar into my system for 3 days. He refused to let me class myself as a GD mom - yet, because of the ramifications to baby after birth - such as testing and monitoring sugars etc.
He offered me the option of repeating the 1 hr test, and suggested that I lightly load for 1-2 days prior to the test and fast 12 hrs (instead of eating - prior to the test.) He's pretty sure I'll pass... and we'll monitor again at 24 weeks like normal. If I don't he said I'd have to do the 3 hour test but to only load up to 150mg instead of the 300mg diet he recommended!
Seemed reasonable to me ... and he also suggested that I could load with things like dried fruit instead of the sugary oreo cookies and chocolate bars (which ordinarily would appeal to me! LOL!)
So I'm hoping to get in Tuesday for the GD test and in the mean time he got super excited when I suggested that I'd attempt to follow some of the guidelines for the GD diet, just because my babies are getting bigger - his exact words "Would that other mom's to be would follow that diet - because its great for optimum nutrition!" LOL!
Originally Posted by Grumpy72_ga
he got super excited when I suggested that I'd attempt to follow some of the guidelines for the GD diet, just because my babies are getting bigger - his exact words "Would that other mom's to be would follow that diet - because its great for optimum nutrition!" LOL!
Yeah, both my MWs (hospital and HB) have said something similar about the GD diet, that its just extremely healthy, especially combined with the fact that I eat lots and lots of fresh produce and cook almost all my own food and stay away from processed stuff. They both are happy to hear that I am planning to follow the diet for the rest of pregnancy even if I pass my third 3hrGTT. (Passed first, borderline result on second. Unfortunately there is no option to do alternative tests here, though I'll ask about more about it. I think the hospital protocol is pretty strict on this... of course I hope not to deliver there, but just in case I'd rather NOT be classified as GD or suspected GD if I can help it).
Meanwhile- my HB MW suggests I just get an on sale/bare bones glucometer and start testing my sugars- more frequently for a bit and then maybe just fasting levels if everything else is looking okay and some occasional after-meal levels. The hospital MW practice is adamantly against that. Weird. They don't want me treating myself "like a sick person." My feeling is that I'd like to have more control over my (and my baby's) health and its not about being sick and worried, but about being proactive and informed. Sigh. It just means I'm not likely to get a prescription to cover the sticks unless I actually get the "official" GD diagnosis (which obviously I don't want).
So-- I am new here and have some food questions for you mamas who've been dealing with this longer:
Do people have especially good/useful books or websites to recc on managing GD? I am vegetarian (ovo/lacto) but I assume that is mainstream enough nowadays that there will be modifications for veg diets in there. I am sorry if its been discussed before... I read the first few and last few pages of this thread- too overwhelmed to read it all!
Does anyone use agave syrup? What do you think about those supposed "low glycemic" sweeteners? Does it really matter? Obviously I'd still be using with extreme moderation. I'm not planning to use any chemical sweeteners, but what do you all think about stevia?
I just opened a brand new cookbook (an xmas gift I hadn't even looked at) and by chance first page was a recipe for home-made almond/cashew milk. yum! I'm going to try it tomorrow. It looks pretty easy- if its tasty I'm happy to share. Should be pretty low in sugars compared to cow milk and I'm wondering if it might make a nice "ice cream" with fruit.
I am 16 weeks pregnant and have gestational diabetes.
I am having a problem with my blood sugar going up at night.
I have been diet controled for a week now and it is going well except for @ night.
Last night my blood sugar was 5.0 2 hours after dinner (8pm) and I had a snack of some cheese and pickles (only 2 grams carbs) and in the morning my sugar was 5.6!!! I a higher carb snack like a yogurt or skipping snack all together and nothing works.
I wish I could offer you some advice but I've never really had that issue and from what I've read here it is common for some people but don't know what they have done to help it.
I did want to give you a hug and keep this bumped as this thread has been kind of slow as of late.I hope this means everyone is doing well! I have been doing so much better since I was put on meds 3-4 weeks ago and I am stressing less on the gd.
Hang in there I hope someone has an answer for you.I do know it was recommened for me to have 2 carbs servings as a bedtime snack and unless my dinner results are way high I follow that- if they are high I still try to do at least one carb serving. Something high in fiber and paired with a protien is good- like whole wheat crackers and cheese or 1/2- small apple with peanut butter.If its high I try to just have a cup of skim milk- there are 13 gms of carbs and 8 gms of protien in skim milk (i dunno if that converts the same in Canada though!Look at the nutrional vaules to check- but its a good protien to carb ratio).Good luck!
Also a note my fasting is higher the earlier I get up and test- don't know if that really makes a difference but if I test at 5am its higher than if i test at 6am.So if I get up that early I don't tet for an hour but I also don't eat anything (or drink) till I doo my fasting test!
When are you having your bedtime snack? I know during my last pregnancy that if I had the snack too early then my numbers the next morning would be high. As the pregnancy progressed I actually pushed the nighttime snack later and later.
Had my appointment yesterday. Ob is very happy with my blood sugar numbers. I'm at 19-20 weeks so hoping they can stay good with diet and exercise.
I am really overweight and as such, at risk for GD. Currently, I am 16 weeks and the past few days I have noticed that even if I eat a meal, small or large, I am very sleepy and will nap for an hour or so, and a couple hours after that want to eat all over again. I also have not been craving sweets at all this pregnancy and normally I love sweets.
I don't have an appointment for another week, should I just go ahead and buy a monitor and start testing just to see? Or, am I making a mountain out of a molehill?
Originally Posted by geekgolightly
I am really overweight and as such, at risk for GD. Currently, I am 16 weeks and the past few days I have noticed that even if I eat a meal, small or large, I am very sleepy and will nap for an hour or so, and a couple hours after that want to eat all over again. I also have not been craving sweets at all this pregnancy and normally I love sweets.
I don't have an appointment for another week, should I just go ahead and buy a monitor and start testing just to see? Or, am I making a mountain out of a molehill?
Try changing your diet first -- eat high protein and super low carb and see how you feel after a few days.
tif22 -- some people have huge troubles with their fasting levels. Have you tried experimenting with something like a sugar-free cereal w/skim milk? Maybe try something like that one night and then something high in protein, like mixed nuts, another night and see if the numbers change.
Tiff22: have you been tested for GD? What were your test numbers? Those post meal and fasting numbers seem pretty ok to me. Even when not pregnant my fasting number is 5.2-5.6. Remember that there is some error in the test as well (+- 0.5 I think?). Also, look up some info, in this thread and on the internet, about the "dawn effect". Basically your body is producing sugars to wake your body up. How soon after first waking are you testing? If you are waiting to test until you shower, get dressed and ready for work etc, then you can expect that your numbers will be a bit higher than if you had tested while still in bed 5 min after waking.
At any rate, this is why I don't like the GTT and other arbitrary test methods for diabetes. My numbers are not abnormal for ME, but may be for some. My MIL has fasting levels around 4.5 all the time but I don't think I've EVER tested lower than 4.8. When not pregnant I have the same fasting levels as when I am pregnant, but if I were being monitored by a dietician they'd have me on insulin in a heartbeat and that is just NOT right. I do have to limit my carbs, as my post-meal numbers are WAY higher when pregnant if I don't limit my carb intake to 30-50g per serving.
Good luck! And yes, I agree, it's been super quite around here and I hope that is because everyone is doing well! I know that a lot of our more active posters were due in Febuary, so hopefully they are holding thier babies by now
For problems with dawn phenomenon, a lot of people like to have a snack before bed. Some things that work are a half peanut butter sandwich (use whole wheat bread), crackers with peanut butter, see the trend? Use something that's a fast carb like bread, with something slow carb like peanut butter.
Dawn phenomenon happens when your liver dumps glycogen into your system as your body is getting ready to wake up. Test immediately upon rising, don't wait until after you've showered, had a cup of coffee, gotten the kids off to school, etc., since that will skew your waking result.
If you need a meter, there's no reason to purchase one! Lots of times there are coupons in your weekly circulars for the drug stores that will have the One Touch meters for free. You can also go here for a free meter, just answer the questions "pretending" you're a T1 diabetic who takes insulin and tests more than 4 times a day.
All of the meter companies give meters away for free... they make money on the test strips being $1 a piece. These One Touch meters come with a sample of 10 test strips. If you need the meter right away, call your doctor and ask them if they have a meter for you, and if not, ask them for the name of the meter rep that they deal with. Call or email that rep and they'll get you a meter for free too. Calling the meter company directly for a meter is usually pointless, they don't like to give them away over the phone...weirdos.
Officially, in Canada at least, fasting levels of over 5.2 are enough for a diagnosis of GD. In a non-pregnant person, that's categorized as pre-diabetic.
tif22, have you talked to your doctor or midwife about your fasting numbers? High fasting numbers are one reason they'll discuss insulin therapy -- you may just need a slow-acting insulin shot at night.
I have high fasting numbers also. And I suspect that Dawn effect. I have had to push my bedtime snack to 1-2am. If I eat something then and wake up at 7:30am and test then I have a number under my limit. If I have a snack at 12 or 3 am I get a higher number.(I am having the same snack I drink an atkins drink same flavor etc....) Oddly if I have ice cream before bed and then my 2am snack I have very low numbers(60-70's)
My fasting numbers were a little high. I figured out that i needed to excercise for 15-30 minutes in the evening and then have a high fiber/protien snack at bedtime AND eat a high protein snack at abou 3am (handful of almonds). My sugars were crashing in the middle of the night otherwise, and then my liver would over compensate. So I had to keep my carbs as stable as I could (ice cream would make me crash super fast and then rebound super high!!).
I am wondering something and will ask the Dr tommorrow but figured I would ask here also.
My fasting numbers are high (105-115) unless I get up at 2am to eat. I eat at 2am and then test around 7:30am. The Dr knows this and is fine but the last 2 days that isn't really working anymore either. Today was 110 yesterday was 97. Anyways it got me thinking I have been falling asleep around 8pm every night and then getting up at 2 for my snack. Could I just test at 2am since I am getting 6 hours of sleep? When I get up at 2am I am up for at least an hour to an hour and a half so I am not even sleeping 5 hours.
My Dr would rather control me diet wise. I am on Glyburide at bedtime Which is another issue If I am taking it at 8pm then I am going almost 12 hours before testing. There is no way my body will stay up past 8 no matter how I try. So my thought is take my meds at 8 sleep till 2 test and have my snack. This way it is 6 hours fasting and 6 hours for my meds. and maybe I will miss that dawn effect?
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