My glucose level is too high...what's next

[Lexima]

I just got a call from my OB that I didn't pass the 3 hour glucose test, now i'm freaking out.  He said he'll call me back with more instructions, I'll either have to go see a dietician and will have to start checking my sugar.  For now he said I should avoid foods made out of white flour and sugar and eliminat fruits that are high in sugar.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experiences they can share?  How does this affect the babies.  I'm paniking.

[carpediemforlife]

I failed my first test yesterday and Im going to take the 3 hour next wkk.....I will keep you posted.

[Lexima]

Thanks Sally,
I'm still waiting for my consult with a dietician, it's scheduled for this Sat.  For now I'm trying to avoid things made out of white flour and sugar, but it's not easy since I don't know how other foods affect my sugar.  Also I'm always feeling hungry and being 29 almost 30 weeks that bother's me bec I'm worried that my babies are not getting enough food.  I'm really hoping to get some ansers on Saturday.

Will keep you posted.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I got to start insulin today.

The idea of having to inject myself was actually much worse than actually doing it.  I have started on a low dose and just inject once a day using a pen gadget that my doctor provided (I have to buy the insulin and the needles).  The needle is very small short and thin and I could hardly feel it, though it did sting a little after the injection.

I am on a combination of fast acting and long acting insulin.  This is why I only inject once a day.  My doctor will see me in two weeks and we will adjust if necessary and I am to call him if anything out of the ordinary happens or any questions.

I have to say it was such a relief to see my blood sugars today after eating were all well within (rather than above) target.  So I think that using insulin if you need is actually a good thing.  Of course I'll still have to be really careful with diet, but now I have a good chance of being successful.

The only bad thing is that I noticed I was really hungry this morning.  Perhaps when the short acting was at full force.... so I'm going to have to try really hard not to eat too much when that feeling hits...

Just reassuring you that whatever happens it is not really too bad.

Sally

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I haven't gained weight yet.  Well, I lost about 10lbs since I got pregnant, but that is also because I was in the hospital on no food with appendicitis and then amoebiasis for nearly 10 days.  

I have started gaining some of that 10lbs back.... but am trying to be very strict on diet to limit the weight gain....

Am not at my own place these past 3 days so haven't been able to weigh in...  

I am still on limited activity thanks to the surgery (only 3 weeks ago) but will start exercising again next week, walking; swimming, stationary bike... whatever I can manage...

Sally

[jifnif]

i have gained 45lbs w/ all 3 of my pregnancies.  I have never had trouble losing it and I breast feed.  I do not exercise during pregnancy because I have had so many miscarriages (early on though).  I do walk but not very much, maybe 1x a day and about a mile or so.  I was a runner prior to being pregnant but I bleed in pregnancy so am taking it easy.  I also have a yoga video that I love that is very very easy.  It just makes me feel relaxed.  Your lunch sounds fine.  good luck and keep us posted.  

[Lexima]

Thank You so much for sharing your stories.  This is very helpful since it's all so new to me.  Since I haven't seen the doctor yet, I have to improvise on my meals based on what I read on line.  But I never thought that the different combination of foods can be so important.  Today for lunch I had half of whole week bagel, with white fish salad, lightly sweetened iced tea, and half of the apple.

I'm concerned that excersise might not be possible for me, since I'm carrying twins and I'm already 28.5w.  I actually started working from home to avoid commute and was ordered by the doctor to take it easy.  So I guess diet is the only thing to help me control this.

Jifnif and Sally have either of you gained extra weight because of high sugar?

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

failing that test means you have or are at risk for gestational diabetes.  You will be put on a strict diet, which will mean eating 5 - 6 small meals a day and closely controlling how much carbs you eat.  You will also need to exercise regularly (daily if you possibly can) - all to help control your blood sugar.  Usually your doctor will ask you to monitor your blood sugar 4 times a day.  First thing in the morning and then 2 hours after every meal.  You will have target blood sugar that you should be less than for each measurement. (for me it is <95 before breakfast and <120 2 hours after eating).

For most people this is enough to control blood sugar.  If not, then you will need to take insulin.  This is done by injection several times a day.  Sounds scary, but really this may be necessary for your and the baby's health.

I am now 14 weeks pregnant.  I was diagnosed with Gestational diabetes at about 6 weeks (so for me it was probably pre-existing but before my pregnancy I was able to control blood sugar pretty well with just diet and exercise). I have been monitoring diet and blood sugar but my levels are still above the target for 1 or two readings every day lately.  I have not been able to exercise for the past few weeks because I am still recovering from Ex-Lap and appendectomy three weeks ago. I should be able to start exercising again in another week.  

However, as my levels have been consistently above target, when I see my endocrinologist doctor next week he will be putting me on insulin for the rest of my pregnancy.  Not to keen on that, but know it has to be done.  This makes me 'high risk' pregnancy - but i was already anyway because I have hypothyroid and pituitary ademona, and am nearly 38 for this baby, which is my first.  I am still hoping for and will do everythign I can to have a natural delivery. (Am even more convinced after my recent surgery - the exLap is like the first half of a cesarean - and I can tell you the recovery is no joke!).

Go ahead and ask any questions.  I am not an expert, but have been reading a lot.  We can go through this together.

Sally

[jifnif]

I have gestational diabetes for the 2nd time this pregnancy.  I also had it w/ my son 2 yrs ago.  I went to see an endocrinologist and my numbers were good enough to be diet controlled.  I am doing fine and the baby is doing fine by diet alone.  I am now 38 weeks and the worst is not being able to eat what I want to eat!!  I eat sugar free pops for a snack.  You will learn what you can and can't eat.  My best advice if you are diet controlled is to eat a protein, a carb and some fruit in one meal.  I can't eat even a half of an apple by itself b/c it makes my blood sugar too high but if i eat a 1/2 sandwhich on whole grain bread w/ a cup of yogurt (has to be the diet stuff like light and fit) then I can eat a piece of fruit.  At night I have popcorn for a munchy.  Towards the end of my pregnancy I started taking evening primrose oil( ask your dr) to thin my cervix and it has dropped my numbers by 20mg so I can eat a bit more!!!  I have even had a small piece of chocolate cake w/ some slices of cheese (protein) and my numbers were ok.  The combination and amounts are important.  Don't eat white bread, use whole wheat or whole grain.  Skip anything w/ obvious sugar.  Your dr will tell you all you need to know but ask if you have questions.  Not that it means much to you now but my numbers are always between 60 and 120.  this is good.  :)  best wishes

[Lexima]

Thanks.  My doctor is sending me to a high risk pregnancy doctor.  Hopefully they'll have an appt for next week so I can get a detailed sonogram I was scheduled for one anyways just with a different imaging facility.  And then the same doctor will consult me on the diet and checking my sugar.

Good luck with your test!

[Sheri1972]

You probably have or are at risk for gestational diabetes.  This is fairly common and usually managed pretty successfully provided you follow your doctors instructions. I know plenty of women that had it with their pregnancies, and none of them had any complications cuz they did what the doctor said. I even think Selma Hyek had gestational diabetes with her recent pregnancy.

I do know your baby (or babies) tend to be bigger if you have this.  I also think it's possible to gain a lot of weight during your pregnancy when you have it.  I'm not sure why.  I have to do my glucose test too this week. I'm avoiding it because I HATE that stuff you drink. Ick. :(

Don't worry, everything will be fine!  Just see the dietician and eat what your doctor recommends.

Sheri