Failed my 3 hour glucose test - HELP!

[Minnesota!]

Well, I failed my 1 hour glucose by 1 point, so they had me take my 3 hour on Tuesday. Failed really bad. So, I have been dx with Gestational Diabetes. I don't meet with the diabetic nutritionist until the 27th. Can someone give me an idea of what I can eat until then? I just feel so guilty, like I am not taking good enough care of my baby...

Thank you!!!

 

[browneyes]

I'm not sure, I'd think limiting sugar intakes and carbs would be the way to go though. Good luck.

 

[tkyes]

No advice Andrea, just a and my well wishes.

Try not to feel guilty, you're doing just fine!!


tamie

 

[Kitty 34]

{{{{HUGS}}}......you need it. Please don't feel guilty.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Minnesota! -- here's a link to a page on WebMD that has some specific diet/food suggestions for someone in your situation.

http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/tp17366.asp?navbar=tp17143

I would print this page and take it with you to your meeting on the 27th. Until then, this is a good starting point. Your nutritionist may have some changes to make based on your specific situation, so this guide is really just a starting point. Everyone is different, so some adjustments may be necessary.

Best wishes!

 

[tw1nsmom]

It's difficult to tell you exactly what foods to eat, but it's a safe bet that you need to eliminate all sweets from your diet. When I had it they had me eat several really small meals a day (approx. every two hours). I also switched from regular to natural peanut butter, and had to combine small amounts of protein with small amounts of carbs. The nutritionist will tell you what is best in your case. For instance, we found that if I had any milk first thing in the morning my blood sugar would spike. I know it's scary and having to think about everything that goes into your mouth is a pain, but it really is manageable. I'm sorry you have to go through this, but please don't be too scared. With your nutritionists and your doctors help, I know you and your baby will be just fine.

 

[suzannen]

Minnesota,
I failed my 3 hour glucose test for my second pregnancy by 4 points and was sent to a nutritionist once and an endocrinologist monthly until delivery.

The link Eeyore1954 sent you is a very good start. My nutritionist recommended eating smaller meals throughout the day to keep insulin levels more even. Other suggestions included having have snacks like almonds or high-fiber grains (mini-wheats or multi-grain toast); lots of vegetables. As well as watching your regular sugar intake, she also said to be careful of the fruit I was eating as it's often loaded with sugar. That was the hardest adjustment for me.

My doctor just kept stressing to me that all it meant was that he would take even extra, extra good care of me watching me a little more closely.

PM me if you want more info. Best of luck!

 

[skuttle]

Please don't feel guilty...you're taking great care of that baby.

I thought I would fail my glucose test...my mom's diabetic, grandma's diabetic, and two of my cousin's had gestational diabetes...I was lucky (and shocked) and passed. I know how stressful that test can be...especially with that icky drink!

I know from the little I know about regular diabetes from my mom, you have to be sure to watch your sugar intake and carb intake until you go to your nutritionist. Also small meals throughot the day is the way to go. Good luck!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just stopping by, Minnesota!, to wish you my best, you are in the home stretch.

 

[shleybird]

Don't worry so much as that can also cause your blood sugar to rise, ie stress. I had gestational diabetes with both of my boys, and they are both happy and healthy(7&8). There is not anything you have done wrong, or any way you could have prevented this.
Follow your diet, and enjoy being pregnant. Your baby will be here before you know it, and then the real fun starts.

 

[Doctor P]

Here is what I can tell you as a Type 2 diabetic (and I have learned quite a bit about gestational and Type 1 along the way)--first of all, every person's body is a little different in terms of what causes their blood sugar to spike and how quickly it spikes; second, the advice given that you should eat smaller meals and smaller quantities is probably good advice; third, eating high fiber foods helps to ameliorate their carb (and hence sugar) effect on your body. Avoiding sugar and sweets is not generally required as long as you keep track of the carbs you are eating and count them all (including sugar alcohols, contrary to Atkins' and other low-carb diet suggestions). Slower acting carbs that tend to give more even blood sugars include complex carbohydrates.

 

[Mishetta]

What Browneyes & Suzanne said! I also suffered from GDiabetes & all went well. Matter of fact, since I followed the diet so well, I didn't have to go on Insulin but I did have to poke my finger 3 times a day for about a month to test my sugar, until my doctor saw I was very serious about following the diet. Then I only had to do that 2 times per week. I had no problems with the rest of my pregnancy nor delivery. Stay calm.

Good luck to you. All will be fine, don't worry.

 

[snoopy]

My girlfriend who just gave birth to twins had GD. She was put on a low carb diet. I'll ask her exactly what she could eat.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I had it with all 3 pregnancies as well. I did not have to go on insulin but I did have to test my blood levels 3 x a day and keep track for the Dr. Sometimes they were still high and I would have to record what I ate. For me it was probably a blessing in disguise as it really forced me to eat well and healthy. Like others have said, the nutritionist will walk you thru it. It is nothing YOU did, so do not feel guilty. Good Luck and be well.

 

[pammypooh]

Minnesota,

I had gestational diabetes with both my DDs. (now they are 7 & 8).

First - this is NOT your fault. I also had tremendous guilt, but was told again and again, this did not happen because of anything that I did. I am certain same for you! You are doing the right thing by getting the right tests and going to meet with the diabetic nutritionist.

As far as what to eat - for me, serving size was a big deal. I can't say I knew the proper serving sizes till this point in my life. It is important to combine your carbs and proteins - so for instance if you are going to have crackers, have a serving size of cheese or peanut butter with it. My big treat was a half cup of low fat ice cream, with a choc. graham cracker on top. Also, try to avoid fruit juices as they go into the blood stream and raise glucose levels much faster than a serving of fruit.

You can get through this and have a perfectly healthy baby and go back to normal levels yourself!

I did wind up needing insulin to help manage mine, but not everyone does...and if you happen to need insulin, you can do it...its for your baby and you!

I thought of it this way - because of the gestational diabetes, I received even better care than if it was a normal pregnacy. I saw a high risk ob, in addition to my ob, I had non-stress tests 2 -3 times a week, I had ultra sounds about every other week. I felt very well looked after.

I did have C-sections with both due to size and baby position. Both my girls were early by about two weeks. 8lb 11oz. and 8lb 14 oz.

Trying to remember what else you might have questions about...
Please PM me if you have any other questions.

Best regards,
Pam

 

[dianeschlicht]

You have had good advice here for diet. Be sure to follow that link to WebMD. Good luck, and have a happy delivery!

 

[Beast fan]

First of all, relax. Yea, I'm a male. But DW gave birth to 2 DS's while she had gestational diabetes. I cannot give advice about diets, but I will say this..... After you see your nutritionist, follow their plan to a "T". Don't miss a single step. If you have followed the doctor's and the nutritionist's orders and your blood sugar is still high, then pat yourself on the back.

With DW's first pregnancy, she got all worried and stressed out, which forced her doctor to also give her blood-pressure medication. With the 2nd pregnancy, I flat-out told her she would probably have gestational diabetes and that we would work through it together. Sure, she had to take insulin, but no blood-pressure medication.

Good luck.

Dave

 

[Doctor P]

The other thing that I would say, and I am not in any way trying to argue or be critical of ANY person, is be cautious of any anectdotes or suggestions from experiences that are more than two to three years old. Our diabetes support group two nights ago was about resources and new things in the 21st century. We were encouraged to be wary of any articles, information, or experiences that were more more than about three years old (four years at the outset). Indeed, the diagnostic protocols and blood test interpretations have changed in the last 3 MONTHS (the calibrations of HbA1C tests to blood sugars have actually been wrong and there are new standards for acceptable HbA1C numbers). On the good side, as we have come to know more about the effects of things on blood sugars, things have loosened up somewhat in terms of rigidity (but not in terms of general approach). Good luck!!!

 

[preshi]

Awwww I'm sorry. There is no way you could've known that you had GD without the test. Just take care of yourself, worst thing that will happen is that you will have a big healthy baby

 

[huey duey & luey]

Instead of white flour products, try wheat, bread and pasta and brown rice. Good Luck
Tara