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The GCT and Gestational Diabetes? |
I am 21 wks pregnant and had to go take the Glucose Tolerance Test yesterday due to advanced maternal age, history of GD and preeclampsia/premature birth. (I was supposed to take it at 16 wks, but somebody dropped the ball). I decided to take my glucose meter with me and check my sugar levels along the way. I didn't eat breakfast. I checked my blood sugar before the nurse gave me the yuck-o 50 grams of glucola to drink and it was 98. Twenty minutes after she made me drink it, it was 176. Another twenty minutes later, and it was 146. Right before she came back to get me at the end of the hour it was 124. I was confident, b/c she had told me the highest level to pass it was 135. She came and got me, and the needle she was going to take the blood with looked like a chopstick it was so big, so I asked her to use a butterfly needle. She pulled the blood, and I checked my sugar levels and it was back up to 146. I was floored. I checked again in the car and it was 155. (continued) Anybody have any idea as to why it would have started to go back up? Adrenalin from fear of the huge needle maybe releasing cortisol, etc? Mom to Hayleigh, - Between 2 and 5 percent of expectant mothers develop gestational diabetes, making it one of the most common health problems during pregnancy. And because the condition rarely causes any symptoms, testing is the only way to find out if you have it. These days, most women who develop diabetes during pregnancy go on to have healthy babies. Your practitioner will monitor you closely and you'll most likely be able to keep your blood sugar levels under control with diet and exercise, and by getting insulin shots if you need them. But poorly controlled diabetes can have serious consequences for you and your baby. One way to keep your blood sugar levels under control is to follow a specific meal plan. You would be strongly recommend you see a registered dietician who can create a diet particularly suited for you, based on your weight, height, physical activity, and the needs of your growing baby, as well as your level of glucose intolerance. The dietician will also take into account your personal food preferences. Be aware that if dietary changes aren't sufficient to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range, you'll need to take insulin as well. If your practitioner prescribes insulin shots, you'll need to meet again with your dietician to reassess your diet. Eat a variety of foods, distributing calories and carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. Make sure both your meals and your snacks are balanced. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you eat three small-to-moderate-sized meals and two to four snacks every day, including an after-dinner snack. Although your meal plan may contain fewer carbohydrates than you normally eat, complex carbohydrates should continue to provide most of your calories. Don't skip meals. Be consistent about when you eat them and the amount of food you eat at each one. Your blood sugar will remain more stable if your food is distributed evenly throughout the day and consistently from day to day. Eat a good breakfast. Your blood glucose levels are most likely to be out of whack in the morning. To keep your level in a healthy range, you may have to limit carbohydrates (breads, cereal, fruit, and milk), boost your protein intake, and possibly avoid fruit and juice altogether. Include high-fibre foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and dried peas, beans, and legumes. These foods are broken down and absorbed more slowly than simple carbohydrates, which may help keep your blood sugar levels from going too high after meals. Limit your intake of foods and beverages that contain simple sugars such as soda, fruit juice, flavoured teas, and most desserts 鈥?or avoid them altogether. These foods can quickly elevate your blood sugar. Ask your healthcare practitioner about using foods sweetened with an artificial sweetener if you need a sweet fix. Milk is high in lactose, a simple sugar, so if you drink more than two or three glasses a day, you may need to limit the amount you drink and find an alternative source of calcium. If you're looking for a new beverage of choice, try club soda with a squeeze of lemon or orange, or unsweetened decaffeinated iced tea. Moderately increasing your activity level is also a good way to help keep your blood glucose levels at normal levels. Again, speak with your diabetes educator or practitioner about the right amount and intensity of exercise for you. Mom-to-Hayleigh, |
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I know how ya feel. I'm at 31 weeks and have been testing my blood sugar 4X daily. So far it sounds like I'll be able to manage it completely through diet -- no pills, no shots. It's... I think your ob knows best.I would just follow the doctors orders.Sometimes women go for weeks at only 1cm, especially since women with gestational diabetes have larger babies it is best to induce ... Some of the things I like to eat Very thick "milk shakes" Don't worry they r good 4 u You can use what ever milk you want I use skim Frozen strawberries Take one cup of frozen st... diet? grapefruit in the morning with oatmeal and dry seven grain bread. turkey chicken or salads the rest of the day. don't eat too late- stop eating at least 3 hours before bed. no sugar... You're right, it will help to eat at set times. And it depends on what you're eating, not just that you're eating the same thing each time. And depends on many, many other things s... |
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