31 weeks pregnant and just diagnosed with gestational diabetes...HELP!

Krista - posted on 10/24/2011

That's great news! Just to follow up on Kate's point, be careful with the sugar-free candies, especially if they have sorbitol in them. Large amounts of sorbitol can give you really bad cramps and diarrhea (which I found out one day after eating way too many sugar-free Twizzlers). Not something you want to experience while pregnant...

Ksusha - posted on 10/24/2011

Thanks a bunch for all your help! It looks like the diet is working and I'm slowly getting the hang of it. It's not as bad/scary as I was imagining it to be :) Also since I'm borderline and my numbers are pretty low, I've only had to make slight adjustments and seem to be managing it just fine! Yay! Again, thank you!

Christy - posted on 10/24/2011

Also be aware of high BS, when this happens the glucose in your system (causing the higher blood sugars) can cause weight gain with the baby you are carrying. As far as the sugar free candies, also be aware that they have carbs in them which cause spikes in blood sugars, although slower than actual sugar. Message me anytime if you have any questions.

Kate CP - posted on 10/19/2011

Also be mindful of white breads, pastas, and fruits. These can all spike your blood sugar. There are some really tasty sugar free candies out there now by Russell Stover http://www.russellstover.com/jump.jsp?it...

If you want to try them I suggest you eat ONE, wait an hour and then test your sugars. In some people (it's rare) these candies can still spike your blood sugar.

Teresa - posted on 10/19/2011

I didn't have GD, but since I refused to take the 3 hour test.... they had me monitored as if I had failed. My blood sugars ended up normal or too low except on 2 occasions that I wasn't cautious.

You will most likely be given blood testing supplies and have to check yourself 4 times/day. Whole grains are better than white any day. Watch your carb intake (especially sugars, but you SHOULD be able to 'get away' w/ a little), and always eat at least some protein w/ every meal/snack. The nutritionist will be able to tell you a LOT more useful information.

Krista - posted on 10/19/2011

It'll be a lot of trial and error, really. My best advice is to keep a food diary -- write down everything you eat, and what your glucose levels were afterwards. It'll take a little while, but you'll figure out what works.

There's also some really good advice on this thread, if you missed it: http://www.circleofmoms.com/welcome-to-c...

Christy - posted on 10/19/2011

I am type 1 diabetic and have been so for 33 yrs (I am 37 now). Obviously I was that way through both pregnancies. All I can suggest to you given your situation is different than mine was is CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR and OFTEN. This way you can get a better idea of what you can and cannot eat. You should be able to get a glucose monitor and strips from the DR or buy it at a drug store, walmart (they have generic brands cheap in case you don't have insurance). Check your BS (blood sugar) at least before and after you eat. Can get expensive but worth it for you and baby. BS levels should be 70-100, as you probably already know.

Sherri - posted on 10/19/2011

Just like a diabetic yes you can have it on a rare occasion and yes smaller is definitely better. I would invest in a sweet diabetic cookbook or search on line for diabetic dessert recipes. That should help to get you through for the next 9 wks.