Gestational Diabetes

[holly3372@msn.com]

Hi everyone. So late this afternoon I got a call from my Ob's office saying I am being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I only took the 1 hour but because my sugar was so high ( 200) he wants me to not even bother taking the 3 hour test. With my history of preeclampsia ,he doesnt want to mess around .They put in a call to my MFM and I will be treated there. The problem is its Thanksgiving week and possible I may not be seen until next week. I am wondering what I can do diet wise in the meantime. Anyone know of a reputable web site or book or any tips for anyone thats had this would be great help. I am nervous, thanks!!

[olivejuice0806]

I'm so sorry! I don't have any advice, but I know you have to be nervous.

[alviarin]

Similar thing happened to me- failed one hour by enough to skip the three hour and go straight to a gestational diabetes diagnosis.

The nurse called me with results and told me cut out sugar and I'd be getting a phone call to schedule a gestational diabetes class. They called right away but it was close to weekend and next class was next week.

Basically in the class I learned to balance carbs and protein, making sure never to have a carb by itself. And to also eat more frequent meals/snacks every 3-4 hrs. I did pretty much cut out sugar like no more sugary soda or fruit juice. Two hard candies could have 15 grams carbs or be one serving of carbs. Personally I'd rather have a small potato or a cup of rice. (along with my serving of protein: meat, cheese, or nuts).

I could still eat everything else though, just watching portion sizes of carbs. In the class they taught me how to use a glucometer. Fortunately my sugars stayed in range just by controlling my diet.

I hope this helps a little, good luck.

[MomTimesThree]

So sorry you're having to deal with GD, not fun... my numbers were through the roof and yet with diet I was able to get them under control very quickly. You might ask if they can call in a prescription for a blood sugar checker thingie and the lancets, sorry I forget what they're called. Though you can also purchase them at a drug store, about $20 for the finger poke thing and same for the blood sugar reader. The pharmacist might also be able to be helpful as far as materials for diet...

I modified my diet and saw immediate results. I kept to 3 meals, and made sure to have a morning and evening snack and basically to count carbs and decrease sugar intake- which I already was, but man do I like me some carbs... ok and late night chocolate. That was out. I'm not sure if it's standard, so you'll have to check with your team, but I was in the hospital and was given the diabetic meal choices which allowed me 30g of carbs with each meal and 15g as a snack.... I believe... Breakfast was maybe 15g... Anyhoo... the big part I learned was actually reading the serving size and portion control... because wow, you would be surprised how little is measured in the serving size..

Good luck!

[alviarin]

You could google "diabetic exchange" diet or list or "carbohydrate counting". That is basically what I learned in the gestational diabetes class. For me it wasn't the total amount of servings per day that was as important as making sure to always balance my carbs by eating enough protein along with them.

[angieb]

The American Diabetes Association has a good website with helpful info. (Here's a link with the food info by them: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitnes ... hatcanieat)

I wouldn't start counting carbs YET- a dietitian or doctor or medical provider will take into account all your info and set up recommendations for how many carbs they want you to eat per meal/snack/day. Enjoy your last few days of freedom!

In general, something carby = bad, protein = good. 30g of carbs per meal is a typical allowance so you should be sure you are eating some carbs but that's pretty easy to do. Drinking lots of water can help keep your numbers better too (a trick I did a time or two after Olive Garden).

Sorry you have to deal with this, it stinks, but so worth it! FWIW, I passed my 1 hour easily with DS2 and definitely did not have it (he was 6.5lbs)

[holly3372@msn.com]

Talk about being thankful today!!! Thanks all of you for your great info and advice! I have a much better grasp today then yesterday thats for sure! I will do what I have to do to get through this after all I have been through way worse!! Again thank u and Happy Thanksgiving!!

[princess purr]

Good luck! I hope it is easy to controll with diet. My cousin had gestational diabetes and really ended up with no problems. I wonder if having gestational diabetes will help make the baby bigger?

[amallison]

I had GD with my last pregnancy was able to control it with diet. I'm not saying it was easy or fun, but it was possible for me. I got diagnosed and then there was a snow storm, so it was a while before I could go the GD class. They told me not to change my diet until I went to the class and got all the information. I would just be conscientious and try not to worry. I know a lot of women who have dealt with it successfully.