Gestational Diabetes

Since I failed my 1 hour glucose test, I had to take the longer 3 hour test.  I had to fast in the morning and get my blood drawn right away.  Then they gave me the drink and then each hour after that for 3 hours, I had to get my blood drawn.  As someone who has terrible veins to begin with, this was not a pleasant task!  The nurse was able to find a good vein on my right arm, so that lucky one was drawn on 3 times.  Ouch!  But I survived and waited for my results.

My 3 hour test was on Wednesday and Thursday morning I received a call with my results.  I failed!  :-(  So that means I have gestational diabetes.  So of course, being the way I am, I started researching like crazy.  It appears the main thing they worry about is that the size of the baby will be larger, which for me isn't a big deal since I will have a c-section anyway.  But as I researched more, I found that if I don't get my sugars under control, I have a higher chance of still birth in the last 2 months, there is a higher chance that either the baby or I or both will have diabetes after the birth and a few more somewhat minor issues.  So enough motivation to watch my diet.  I have started walking more often and watching my carbs and sugar intake.  I have been referred to a diabetic specialist and a dietician to help guide my way through the last few months of my pregnancy.

I have been eating pretty well throughout this pregnancy, so this diagnosis surprises me a little.  I have eaten more greens, veggies and fruit with this pregnancy than probably Aidan and Carson's combined!  But I have been eating a good amount of carbs.  Even though they are multi grain and whole wheat carbs, I guess I need to cut back. 

After meeting with the dietician, I have a plan in place and a few new meal ideas to try.  I have to test my blood now 4 times a day.  Once in the morning after fasting all night and then an hour after each meal.  So far, it is going well and I am staying under my recommended levels.  As I have been experimenting with different foods to see how my sugar levels react, I have noticed that I don't have issues with fruits (which have a good amount of sugar) but I have a big issue with bread and potato products.  Whenever I have anything in that category, my sugars elevate.  So my low carb diet has shifted slightly to very little carbs especially breads and pasta.  I have found one type of bread that I can have because it is low carb and has a good amount of dietary fiber and I have also found one type of torilla, also low carb, high fiber, that my sugar levels seem to be ok with.  So I am able to have a sandwich every once in a while.  I feel like I am eating the same things over and over again, but I guess the reward of a healthy baby will be worth it!  As long as I can keep my sugar levels in check, I will not need to go on medication or insulin, which I am trying to avoid at all costs.