gestational diabetes question

please forgive my ignorance on this topic.
from my experience, my heavy-set friends all ended up with gestational diabetes. i began my pregnancy at a size 2, and of course have gained some weight but its all belly. (well atleast thats what everyone tells me even though i feel like a bohemith, LOL)

i failed my 1 hour test and had to take a 3 hour test. i am waiting for my results today.
my doc said it's because i am having twins that i may have gestational diabetes.

can anyone answer why? he really didn't explain all that well. :mellow:

 

Hormones mostly, I believe. Just like they mess everything else up, they can mess up how your pancreas functions, too. While being overweight can increase your odds of having GD, anyone can get it.

Take heart, though. Lots of people flunk the 1 hr but do just fine on the 3 hr. I wasn't one of those lucky ones, but even so it hasn't been too bad. I'm just on diet control right now and it seems to be working. And even if you do have it, it'll probably go away as soon as those babies are out!

Good luck...I'll keep my fingers crossed for good results for you!!!

Eve

 

QUOTE(newtothis @ Apr 15 2009, 12:00 PM) [snapback]1274213[/snapback]
please forgive my ignorance on this topic.
from my experience, my heavy-set friends all ended up with gestational diabetes. i began my pregnancy at a size 2, and of course have gained some weight but its all belly. (well atleast thats what everyone tells me even though i feel like a bohemith, LOL)

i failed my 1 hour test and had to take a 3 hour test. i am waiting for my results today.
my doc said it's because i am having twins that i may have gestational diabetes.

can anyone answer why? he really didn't explain all that well. :mellow:


I was also a size 2 (109 lbs) pre-pregnancy and flunked my 1-hour glucose test. There are lots of false positives on that 1-hour test, especially if your doctor has you fast before the test (as mine did). I passed the 3-hour test with flying colors last week. Not to worry.

 

My daughter was a size 6 and healthy eater and ended up with GD.. pregnancy with twins puts you at increase risk of having GD.. The good news for my DD was that she followed the GD diet very well and gained a healthy amount while pregnant. She was below her pre-pregnancy weight when she left the hospital..

Good luck many people fail the one hour and pass the three hour!

 

I FAILED! :angry:

i have gestational diabetes!
is there anyone that could offer advice or their protocol? can this hurt my babies?

 

Pre-pregnancy weight can make GD more likely, but anyone can get GD. Two of my tiniest friend had it. I am overweight, but I had no issues with my prior two pregnancies. This time though I do have it and the endocrinologist said that it's most likely because it's twins and there are two placentas interfering with the glucose absorbtion.

 

Simple answer: Your pancreas makes insulin which breaks down sugar after you eat. The placenta(s) produce hormones that block insulin from doing this so that there is more glucose available to the baby(ies). In some women, the placentas make more hormone than necessary and this causes you to have gestational diabetes.

The diet prescribed for me:

Basically for every 30 grams of carbs you eat, you should eat 1 serving of protein (that is how my diet is laid out). This is not an end all be all rule but it will help you keep your blood sugar levels in check. Also, you should eat about 2 servings (30g) of carbs for breakfast, 2-3 for lunch, 2-3 for dinner, and 1-2 for snacks at mid-morning, mid afternoon, and evening. You should make sure to balance the number of carbs with protein.

Ask your doctor for a referral to a diabetic educator, they will be able to make the best diet for you given your weight/exercise. You should start with trying to control the GD with diet and if that doesn't work (mostly it doesn't), your doctor will prescribe medicine.

Again, DO NOT try to control this on your own for a long period of time, you need to see an endocrinologist and a diabetic educator because it will help you.

 

:hug: So sorry to hear you've joined the ranks. Just know that of all the problems you could have, this one is very treatable. I'd take this over bedrest ANY DAY.

Can it hurt your babies? Yes, if left untreated. Lots of people think it's only about having babies that are "too big" but that's not true. Unchecked GD can also lead to slower respiratory development and potential respiratory distress (which is already a concern w/ twins considering their potential to come early), and can also cause them to have hypoglycemia after being born (since they were used to the giant surges of insulin the diabetic mommy was giving in utero).

Now the good news. I tend to disagree that it's not usually successfully diet-controlled. I've known plenty of people w/ GD that remained insulin-free. And so far so good for me, too (although I'm in the early treatment stage). And it's usually gone as soon as the babies are out.

Here's my regimen: I was seen by a dietician at my MFM and she provided me w/ a diet plan to follow. I test my blood 4x/day. NO, it's not as bad as you think. The needle you use is so tiny that you barely feel it. I log what I eat (admittedly a PITA). I phone in the blood test results 2x/week. If all stays well, I'll be reduced to 2 finger pokes/day. The hardest part for me is eating everything I'm supposed to - meaning I'm required to eat a LOT. Do try to follow the diet regimen that they give you. It's really important. And against common thought, cutting out carbs is NOT what they order. If you start to do that, you can cause other issues that can be equally harmful. It's all about balance and timing. And just for the record, I've done my research on insulin treatment, too, and all the mommies say that's not as bad as you'd think, either. Worst case scenario and none of us want to go there, but good to know. I found a site called (I think) diabeticmommies.com that was hugely informative and reassuring.

Something that I need to add - I wouldn't base your diet on what others have been put on as they vary from person to person (as do the directives given by each doctor). For example, I'm required to have FIVE carbs w/ lunch and dinner as opposed to the 3 a pp mentioned. You really need to see a dietician/diabetes educator and follow their plan for you.

Just know that this, too, shall pass. It's a pain, but it's for the babies and you may actually learn some new healthy eating tips, too. I've heard of many GD moms that lost their weight really fast pp because of their new healthy eating regimens. If there's anything I can do to help, feel free to PM me!

:hug: Eve

 

Diabetes in general is a pain in the booty I have type 2 .. the most important thing to know is that you listen to your dr do whatever they tell you to do then you should be fine .. I think that in most cases GD is treated well with just diet but sometimes theres a chance it cant be as long as you remember that its all good ... on a side note it doesn't matter if your a size 2 or a size 28 diabetes can come up I think its important that people know that

 

QUOTE(newtothis @ Apr 15 2009, 12:55 PM) [snapback]1274293[/snapback]
I FAILED! :angry:

i have gestational diabetes!
is there anyone that could offer advice or their protocol? can this hurt my babies?


Ihave it and I've been on insulin for 2 months now. It was tough at first. I cried and was frustrated. I didn't know where to begin and how to alter my diet so I didn't hurt my babies. I would check my #s and cry that they were not low enough. First of all, know that it takes a while to get to know the system so don't expect to understand it all today. Meet with the dietician (as I'm sure they will arrange for you) and she/he will give you the total rundown. Now remember, it all seems overwhelming in the beginning....measuring, testing, reading labels. This will get much much better over time and you will remember which foods you can eat and how much, by memory. Just follow the guidelines on paper and even write down everything you eat and set up a schedule on paper ( you can scrap this once you get going and can remember).

Basically eat at the same times each day if you can.

For me, I eat at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm 10pm and my diet goes somewhat like this.

7am BREAKFAST - 1 CUP ALBRAN WITH 1/2 CUP MILK AND CHEESE AND COFFEE

10am SNACK - 7 SMALL WHOLE GRAIN CRACKERS WITH NO SUGAR PEANUT BUTTER

1pm LUNCH - 1 SLICE WHOLE GRAIN BREAD WITH MAYO AND CHEESE AND 1/2 CAN TUNA AND SPINACH AND TOMATO WITH A NO SUGAR YOGURT AND AND 1/2 SMALL BANANA

4pm SNACK - 1 CUP COTTAGE CHEESE WITH TBSP NO SUGAR JAM STIRRED IN AND CELERY STICKS WITH PEANUT BUTTER

7pm SUPPER - GREEN SALAD WITH SALMON STEAK AND 1/2 WHOLE GRAIN ROLL AND FRENCH DRESSING AND NO SUGAR CHOC PUDDING FOR DESSERT (OR SMALL PIECE OF PLAIN NEW YORK CHEESECAKE WITH NO DRIZZLE/GRAHAM)

10pm SNACK - 7 SMALL CRACKERS WITH CHEESE AND 1 CUP MILK

___________________________________________________________________________________


Basically, you need to lay off sugar and junk food completely. You need to cut your carb intake to a low level. Read labels when eating process foods as alot of this can be hidden. Try to eat "real" food you prepare yourself....sandwiches, salads, lots of protein (eggs, cheese, salmon, steaks, meats, peanut butter).....there are alot of food ideas that will come to you as you progress. If you want to PM me and ask any questions, I can give you my grocery list ideas, etc.

I don't mind helping out. I had a tough start and now it's all coming together.

You can do it. Just give yourself time to learn. AND the best thing is that it keeps your weight in tight control and you will be so much healthier (and your babies) for it.

Take care and know you are doing all you can. This is a great step by asking people around you for opinions and information gathering.

 

ok, thank you everyone.
this doesnt seem as bad as i thought (diet-wise) anyway.

my glucose kit comes in 2 days and i go to the doctor on monday and begin monitoring. is there anything i should be avoiding until monday? sugary treats?

 

QUOTE(newtothis @ Apr 15 2009, 03:00 PM) [snapback]1274513[/snapback]
ok, thank you everyone.
this doesnt seem as bad as i thought (diet-wise) anyway.

my glucose kit comes in 2 days and i go to the doctor on monday and begin monitoring. is there anything i should be avoiding until monday? sugary treats?


yes, no sugary treats in any form (candy, chocolate, sauces/creams, muffins, cakes, pies, etc...anythign sweet is a no no unfortunately).

 

omgosh, lol.
how about carbs? (i.e. bread, pizza, etc?)

 

Fiber is your friend. For starchy carbs, they are the best for glucose control. The more whole grains you can get (as opposed to white flours) the better. Juice isn't so good but fruit in moderation. Some veggies, like corn and peas, are considered carbs. General rule is to go easy on "big" carbs for breakfast...I'm strictly prohibited from having juice, fruit, or milk for my first meal of the day but I'm encouraged to drink milk and eat fruit the rest of the day. The body has the hardest time correctly processing sugars first thing in the day so stick w/ mostly protein with, say, a piece of toast until you can get your numbers regulated. And if you have a carb, balance it with a protein.

Keep in mind that a lot of sugar free products (most of them, actually) contain artificial sweeteners which are not really all that great for pregnant women. Dietician said max of 3 art. sweetened products per day but I choose to not take the chance. I allow myself one Glucose Control Boost per day and that's it for art. sweeteners. I have it as part of my late evening snack (w/ a piece of peanut butter toast), as I find it's easier on the heartburn than a big ol' plate of food.

My favorite snack now is a high protein powder, milk, and fruit shake. That's my afternoon snack and I really look forward to the sweet treat.

Also, my RD said that people w/ GD should never go w/o eating for more than 10 hrs...hence the late night snack.

One final thing. I've read that different foods will affect everyone differently, so it will take some experimenting. Once I started getting good numbers, I kept eating those things, only making small changes here and there to see how my body would react. This way my numbers aren't all over the map while I figure it all out. For really good info on nutritional values (including most restaurant items), check out calorieking.com. Great website.

HTH!!
Eve

 

QUOTE(newpairofschus @ Apr 15 2009, 04:41 PM) [snapback]1274568[/snapback]
Fiber is your friend. For starchy carbs, they are the best for glucose control. The more whole grains you can get (as opposed to white flours) the better. Juice isn't so good but fruit in moderation. Some veggies, like corn and peas, are considered carbs. General rule is to go easy on "big" carbs for breakfast...I'm strictly prohibited from having juice, fruit, or milk for my first meal of the day but I'm encouraged to drink milk and eat fruit the rest of the day. The body has the hardest time correctly processing sugars first thing in the day so stick w/ mostly protein with, say, a piece of toast until you can get your numbers regulated. And if you have a carb, balance it with a protein.

Keep in mind that a lot of sugar free products (most of them, actually) contain artificial sweeteners which are not really all that great for pregnant women. Dietician said max of 3 art. sweetened products per day but I choose to not take the chance. I allow myself one Glucose Control Boost per day and that's it for art. sweeteners. I have it as part of my late evening snack (w/ a piece of peanut butter toast), as I find it's easier on the heartburn than a big ol' plate of food.

My favorite snack now is a high protein powder, milk, and fruit shake. That's my afternoon snack and I really look forward to the sweet treat.

Also, my RD said that people w/ GD should never go w/o eating for more than 10 hrs...hence the late night snack.

One final thing. I've read that different foods will affect everyone differently, so it will take some experimenting. Once I started getting good numbers, I kept eating those things, only making small changes here and there to see how my body would react. This way my numbers aren't all over the map while I figure it all out. For really good info on nutritional values (including most restaurant items), check out calorieking.com. Great website.

HTH!!
Eve


Thank you, Eve. Is 30 weeks 'too late' to get this under control?

 

I don't think so - that's about when all of this shook down for me. But I think it makes it that much more important to get the numbers under control as soon as you can so they don't just put you on insulin because time is running out. I don't know if that's true or not, but it's my theory and I'm stickin' to it. And if that means I have to eat the same 3 meals every day for the next month+, then by God, I'm doin' it.

Keep us posted on how your appt goes, k? :hug:

Eve

 

QUOTE(newpairofschus @ Apr 15 2009, 04:50 PM) [snapback]1274578[/snapback]
I don't think so - that's about when all of this shook down for me. But I think it makes it that much more important to get the numbers under control as soon as you can so they don't just put you on insulin because time is running out. I don't know if that's true or not, but it's my theory and I'm stickin' to it. And if that means I have to eat the same 3 meals every day for the next month+, then by God, I'm doin' it.

Keep us posted on how your appt goes, k? :hug:

Eve


i will definitely keep everyone posted. i should have my glucose monitor this weekend and then monday is when i learn how to use it.

 

I just wanted to agree with the people who said that it's really important to work with your doctor on your diet. People all have different levels of sensitivity and those levels can vary depending on time of day. I started out with 3 meals and 3 snacks, but my fasting number was a few points too high so my endo had me eliminate the nighttime snack. I also have to be careful at breakfast, but can pretty much eat what I want within reason for lunch and dinner. In the begining there's quite a bit of trial and error until you figure out what your body can handle.

I cried for two days when I got the call that I had failed the 3 hour test, but it really isn't that bad. My endo will even allow me to splurge at bit on special occasions

 

QUOTE(newtothis @ Apr 15 2009, 03:12 PM) [snapback]1274530[/snapback]
omgosh, lol.
how about carbs? (i.e. bread, pizza, etc?)


for me, bread, rolls, pasta, potato, rice of all sorts will drive my sugars through the roof. i can only have this in tiny tiny portions so i just avoid them altogether. i get my grains from all bran cereal and whole grain bread (1 slice per meal). it takes a while to adjust to not having the carbs but when your "withdrawal" subsides you don't think about it as much.

note: plain cheesecake or 1 cup of vanilla ice cream will not put my sugars out of range but breads/potatoes/etc. does 10xs the harm - for me. took me a while to experiment with this as i didn't want to do any harm but one day i had for lunch, a grilled chicken breast, greek salad and cheesecake for dessert and BINGO! good numbers! sooo, occasionally if i have an all protein/all salad meal, i will forgo the bread and treat myself to the plain cheesecake or ice cream (in moderation of course).

 

On the topic of off-limit food. Tomatoes ALWAYS make my sugar high. I can't eat red sauce, salsa or ketchup and have a normal 2 hour reading afterward. My endocrinologist told me that happens to some people. Hopefully your doctor will have a good plan for treating your GD.

 

QUOTE(Little June Bug @ Apr 15 2009, 08:03 PM) [snapback]1274826[/snapback]
for me, bread, rolls, pasta, potato, rice of all sorts will drive my sugars through the roof. i can only have this in tiny tiny portions so i just avoid them altogether. i get my grains from all bran cereal and whole grain bread (1 slice per meal). it takes a while to adjust to not having the carbs but when your "withdrawal" subsides you don't think about it as much.

note: plain cheesecake or 1 cup of vanilla ice cream will not put my sugars out of range but breads/potatoes/etc. does 10xs the harm - for me. took me a while to experiment with this as i didn't want to do any harm but one day i had for lunch, a grilled chicken breast, greek salad and cheesecake for dessert and BINGO! good numbers! sooo, occasionally if i have an all protein/all salad meal, i will forgo the bread and treat myself to the plain cheesecake or ice cream (in moderation of course).



Strangely, I'm the opposite. I can eat a sandwich on whole grain bread for lunch each day and I can have a small potato or whole grain pasta with dinner and I'm usually well below my target. I had some ice cream thinking I would be fine with that as well and my number was crazy high.

 

I too was 109 and size 2 before both pregnanices (OK well more like 113 with this pregnancy, lol) and have had GD both times. They have been diet controlled both times, without too much trouble. For me, I know it's genetics, as my dad and grandma are diabetic. I'm sure I will probably have Type 2 someday, but I'm hoping that by making healthier lifestyle decisions than my dad and grandma have made, I can at least offset it by several years.

The other posts have given great advice. I had to be much more strict with my twin pregnancy because I was on bedrest and not able to do anything. With this pregnancy I am active and constantly chasing 2 year olds, so my numbers have been much lower due to the exercise I'm getting. But even still, you can eat the exact same thing on two different days, and get readings that are 10-20 points apart, and it can be frustrating! Like today I had a chicken tender salad, something I eat frequently, and my number was way out of range...I think it's because I took a nap after eat instead of housework like I usually do, lol.

You are not alone, and you will do fine, and remember a healthy baby is the goal, and you can do it!

 

I was also a small size when I got pregnant with the boys and I had GD. I am sorry to hear you failed. You will soon figure out what makes your sugars spike and the best thing I learned was everything in moderation. I could still have a couple chocolate treats or sweets at certain times a day and it was fine for me. You will have to see what works best for you. I controlled mine with diet and it was fine. My nutritionist was fantastic and answered any questions I had whenever I wanted.