GD and morning readings

[TheNewWife]

Hi everyone!

I know there are many threads here on GD but I didn't find the answer to my question so thought I'd just start a new one.

I don't have GD but I have "impaired glucose tolerance" and am being treated as if I had GD. I see a dietitian and nurse at the diabetes clinic at the hospital and am testing my blood sugars 4x/day.

My morning readings have been higher than the acceptable threshhold and so they have threatened to put me on insulin. I would rather not - and am willing to make whatever changes need to be made.

So my question is this: is it okay for me to go for a walk before doing my morning testing or is that "cheating?" I could get up and let DH take care of Emma while I go for a 20 or 30 min walk ... and then see what my readings are. However, I don't want to give a false impression of readings and put myself/the baby at risk.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Caezzybe]

I had the same thing with my morning readings. Going for a walk is not cheating, it's genuinely keeping your blood sugar under control and is a good thing to do.

I found that eating a low carb breakfast helped (bacon, egg, mushrooms, tomato). I was in the same situation, the diabetic team tried to give me insulin for the breakfast blood sugars and I refused, controlling it with exercise and cutting out bread, pasta and anything with wheat in.

 

[TheNewWife]

Thanks, Caezzybe. As soon as I've eaten my sugars are good ... they're good before and after all meals except breakfast. Even then, my 1 hr and 2 hr results are always well within the acceptable range.

I'll talk to DH about taking over morning duties and get myself up for a walk tomorrow before I test. We'll see how that goes.

 

[Pixelle]

I agree with Caezzybe.

I'm actively encouraged to exercise before/after readings as it's a good way to manage blood sugar.

My nurse also said that morning readings are notorious for being higher than the rest of the day, so I wouldn't worry too much

 

[TheNewWife]

Thanks, Pixelle. The dietitian wanted me to return tomorrow (2 days later) to see the RN to learn how to administer insulin and she was going to phone my doctor for a prescription, but since we are very busy this week with a family wedding I told her I just couldn't make it in ... so I have one week to get this under control.

I will definitely be going for a walk in the morning before anything else!

 

[sarafused]

Personally I dont think its a good idea to walk before you take that morning reading. I take mine as soon as I wake up.

That morning level indicates to a degree how your sugar has been over night. That sugar has been in your system for at least a couple of hours and has been affecting the baby.

My morning levels have been going upwards, now peaking at 5.7. Ive got an appointment with the diabetic midwife next week because I know I cant alter that diet wise. I dont want to go on insulin or medication but I will if required as its in babys best interests.

You may also find that a walk doesnt actually help your level either. Ive read that overnight your liver can throw out glucose which is what is creating the problem. It may continue to do so until you get some food into your system.

Yesterday I didnt get time to eat breakfast due to a early midwife appointment. I took my sugar level as usual and then didnt get to eat until 3 hours later, it had hardly gone down (only by 0.3) and I hadnt just been sitting in that time.

 

[TheNewWife]

Thanks. I am really not sure what to do - so I figure I will walk tomorrow and then see what happens. Either way, I'll be honest with the dietitian & RN and like you said, will do what I need to do to keep both the baby and myself healthy.

 

[Aus_Amy]

I had high morning readings.. now on night insulin (OH Does it) mine were in the 10 range.. But last night went dancing and this morning read was way low.. Instead of a morning walk, i would suggest a 30 min walk after dinner, and see how that goes.. (I mean after you take the night test)... Maybe if warm enough whole family goes..

 

[TheNewWife]

Thanks for the suggestion. If I go for a walk in the evening (after dinner) then I am on my own as Emma is in bed by about 6:45 and someone has to stay home with her. I go to the gym some evenings though and that just seems to make everything worse the following day.

My readings were fairly high all day (still in the okay range but higher than usual) so I'm not sure if today was just an off day or what ... it's all a big guessing game, really!