Gestational Diabetes. So confused...

[Surprised26]

So this is my first day of stabbing my fingers and testing my blood sugar. I tested positive for gestational Diabetes and have pretty much been terrified of eating since.... My question is that I seem to be testing low when I thought my diagnosis meant that my blood sugars would be high?

I'm in the US, I'm only clearifying that because on most other scales the numbers would sound high. I was told that anything under 90 while fasting (in the morning) is fine and any reading 2 hours after eating should be under 140

Today's readings so far

Fasting= 28
2 hours after eating= 115

If I'm diabetic, shouldn't these readings be much higher? I'm just so confused so if anyone who knows more about blood sugars could please put in any input it would be appreciated...

 

[StranjeGirl]

28? Is that a typo? It's possible to go very low when diabetic- many times people with diabetes start by having huge drops, but 28 must be a misread...i've never heard of anything that low!

115 at 2 hours is normal for non pregnancy, but usually our sugar is lower in pregnancy so you would have to look up what is "normal" during pregnancy. Typically in a non diabetic (not pregnant), depending on what you eat of course, it's normal to be back around 100 or under after 2 hours (I think they want you under 140, but truly normal is probably closer to under 120) It really depends on what you eat. You can eat a ton of low carb foods and probably not get high at all at any point because there is nothing to spike your blood sugar. The main things is seeing how individual foods affect your body and your meter - so you kinda just have to keep testing. I'm not sure about pregnancy though because in a non pregnant person you can just cut out carbs/sugars and really keep your numbers low for a type 2 diabetic (type 1 has different requirements) but I think when you are pregnant they want you to have a certain amount of carbs, so you have to experiment with it. Walking after a meal can really help bring your numbers down too. My guess is that if you consistently get 115 at 2 hours with the meal you had today then that meal is a good one for you(but check with your dr). Sorry you have to deal with this

BTW- I am no expert and I don't have diabetes. I just thought my blood sugar was high in the past so I did a bunch of research and bought a glucose meter, so definitely don't take my word for anything as I am just repeating what I have read!

 

[Luvspnk31]

Ok, my DH has been diabetic since the age of 4, and I'm also a nurse, so I'm pretty well versed.

First off, you HAVE to eat. 28 is dangerously low. Anything under 60 is LOW. Your target range should be between 70-110.
Diabetics have trouble with insulin regulation. Insulin is the chemical that "burns" up sugar when we eat it, so that we have normal amounts in our blood. Insulin is produced in the pancreas. With type 1 diabetes (juvenile ) the pancreas doesn't produce any insulin. With type 2, the pancreas still produces insulin, but in decreased amounts, and the body goes into what's called insulin resistance, meaning the body doesn't register the insulin in the blood.

I know you're afraid of going to high, but being to low is almost more dangerous. You HAVE to eat, I can't stress that enough. Just be smart about what you eat. No processed sugars,more simple carbs. Eat lots of protein , it actually helps stabilize blood sugars, complex carbs are good. If your low, and need to get it up quickly, drink 6oz OJ, followed by milk.

I know it's daunting, and very confusing, but do a little research, and talk to your dr about a diabetes education class. Most hospital offer them for free.

It'll be ok, you'll get through it!! Btw, NOTHING you've "done" caused this, so don't beat yourself up. GL!!

Also, it's PROLONGED high blood sugars that cause problems. Do your best to stay within range, but don't freak out if you have some high ones here and there.

 

[MissyLissy]

A 28 is dang near a diabetic emergency. Did you feel dizzy, light headed? That is a dangerous number. I echo the above poster, you NEED to eat. A high reading here and there isn't the end of the world. Prolonged highs are bad- but isolated highs are nothing to be overly concerned about. One very low reading can send you in diabetic shock and kill you though. Lows are much more acutely serious than highs. Diabetics deal with both high and low numbers- not just high. It's a balancing act to find the right diet/med combo to get you close to stable and normal. I was just dx with GD myself. I haven't even met with my diabetic counselor yet, but know a fair amount about diabetes from working with many individuals that are diabetic throughout the years.

 

[MamaLa]

28 is way too low. Diabetic coma low.

 

[MissyLissy]

A good fasting number should be in the 70s. Anything below 60 is low. Going under 40-50 should constitute immediate attention/hospital to get your number up quickly. I'm surprised you were functunal with a 28.