what do i eat to control my sugars?

[carshells]

I've been a diabetic for 10 years and in the 10 the only time I had my sugars undercontrol was when I was 20 to 22. I have lost 3 babies due to high blood sugars. I noticed when my hormones are out of control so are my sugars. I eat the same thing I ate when I had my sugars under control but for some reason now I can't get my sugars under control. No matter what I eat or do. Please can someone help me. Tell me what I should eat or do to bring my sugars under control. Oh and I am insulin dependent. I just want to get my sugars under control so that when I do try to get pregnant again. I will have a safe and wonderful pregnancy. Any advice will help tremendously. Thank you.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I have had 2 diabetic pregnancies.  Both were successful and my girls are perfect 3 and 6 yo.  Both weighted about 7 lbs at birth (ie. normal);  though I have had quite a few miscarriages, they were not diabetes related.  I use about 40-45  units of insulin a day and I my latest Hba1c was 5.4.

The most important thing is that you

1. Eat low carb.  Blood sugars cannot be well controlled (70-120 is the target range) if you don't eat low carb (moderate protein and high healthy fats).
2. You personally learn to adjust your insulin to control your blood sugar.
3. You need to test blood sugar regularly.
4. As you are planning pregnancy you need to find a diabetes fetal medicine specialist to work with.

What insulins are you on?  Are you taking basal and bolus (ie. 2 insulins).  You need to adjust your basal insulin so that your blood sugar is flat (and on target) even if you don't eat.  You then need to work out your carb:insulin and carb to protein ratio so that you properly dose insulin before eating.  You also need to use your fast acting to adjust your blood sugar if you are high between meals.    Do not be shy to adjust your blood sugar, as long as done carefully an with frequent testing.

I recommend you go to the following UTube site and study what is said:  "Bernstein Diabetes University" or you can also get his book "Diabetes Solutions" by Dr. Richard Berstein.

If and when you get pregnant you can expect your blood sugars to go crazy.  You have to increase and adjust your insulin immediately (with lots of testing).  For example, I conceived last cycle (but lost it - I am no spring turkey).  I knew within 24 hours of conception because my insulin requirements increase by 80% nearly immediately.  I was able to keep my blood sugar under control.  I knew I lost it before my period because my blood sugars starting going down.

For women you may find that your insulin requirements are different in the first half vs. second half of the month.  I increase my insulin about 20% in the second half of the month (particularly I have to increase my bolus insulins).

Ask questions.  Let us know what else we can do or answer.

[brice1967]

Hi carshells.  I am so sorry to hear your story.  I can't even imagine losing 3 babies.

Let me ask you this.  What does your regular diet consist of?  BEing you are insulin dependant, you should have some wiggle room there with being able to adjust you insulin injections a couple of units either way, but I'd certainly ask your physician about doing that.  (My wife has the okay from her doc)

Besides diabetes, have you had a completely checkup from a gynecologist?  There might be other issues.  My wife had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies and everything came out fine....

Briefly, your diet should be a high protein diet and fewer carbs.  Get back and let me know whats happening.