Ketones, GD and Calories

[Caezzybe]

OK, now I'm getting a bit worried. I've been eating what I thought was a healthy diet for gestational diabetes, bearing in mind that I can't tolerate bread, rice, oats or pasta (anything high carb basically). I've been eating about 300g of potato a day, lots of protein and lots of vegetables and salad. I have low fat/low carb yogurts (Muller Light) between my 3 meals to keep from getting blood sugar spikes. I'm also doing about 50 minutes walking per day and two or three gentle arm workouts (seated) with 2lb weights (just a couple of minutes maximum per time to help tone my arms up).

Despite feeling fine, never being hungry and getting low blood sugar readings (4.5 to 5.5 fasting and 4.5 to 6.4 after meals), I've just discovered that I'm only eating around 1300 calories a day (and feel like I've been really stuffing my face). I've read that I should be eating more than that, especially now I'm in the third tri. I'm worried about ketones and that if they discover them in my urine at the hospital they will put me on insulin.

How are you getting on with your diet, particularly if your carb intake is fairly low? Are ketones a problem for you? Does anyone have any ideas about how to increase calories without increasing carbs? I'm trialling the effect that nuts have on my blood sugar as I know I can get quite a lot of calories from them if needed. Is anyone else doing anything similar??

 

[tickledpink3]

I had the same issue as far as not getting enough calories in. My diabetic counselor told me to put in more protein with my meals and even for my snacks. I even increase my protein more than the 7grams per meal they suggest because it keeps me fuller longer and I get the extra calories in. She also suggested that for snacks, I eat those protein bars that are low carb but have on the front of the box 7 grams protein. Those help too and have the extra calories you need.

 

[Caezzybe]

Thank you for that I've coincidentally started eating extras like slices of ham between meals and more nuts for the protein (although had a bit of a potential iffy "bad tummy" reaction to almonds so will give those a miss from now on). More low fat yogurt required as well, I think

 

[ProzacQueen]

i have discovered i can get away with the muller crunch corners. they arent the low fat type so will bump up your calories. the strawberry shortcake ones are lush. also how about cheesey snacks, babybels etc?

im on insulin and its honestly not that bad at all, the finger pricks 'hurt' more

 

[sarafused]

I doubt they would put you on insulin at this stage considering your sugars are well managed. I also had GD with my first baby so Im very used to it, but first time round the doctor at the hospital here did actually say they are reluctant to put mothers on insulin unless its clearly needed.

I generally go low carb as its suits me better. Though Im surprised that I can manage some treats really well with no bad affect.

Last night for dinner I had a big salad with chicken, bacon and a few crutons. I also added some full fat salad dressing and a little cheddar. After that I had Lidles version of a solero as I really wanted a treat. Before eating my blood sugar was 4.6 and an hour after it was 5.6 (Im not on insulin).

You could take the full fat yogurt now for the extra calories. The GD eating plan Ive been given actually lists a small ice-cream as a good snack which surprised me.

 

[Sarah10]

Hi i had an appt at the hospital yesterday for a growth scan + dietry appointment, they found ketones in my urine, they gave me some strips to test myself, once i'd eaten some pasta for my tea + drunk lots of water it went away, but i do find eating carbs in a morning a challenge as it sends my BSL's up, i really don't want to go on insulin either x

 

[Caezzybe]

Hi i had an appt at the hospital yesterday for a growth scan + dietry appointment, they found ketones in my urine, they gave me some strips to test myself, once i'd eaten some pasta for my tea + drunk lots of water it went away, but i do find eating carbs in a morning a challenge as it sends my BSL's up, i really don't want to go on insulin either x

If it helps, try to organise your hospital appointments for the afternoon (after you have had lunch) and drink plenty of water in the morning. I'd probably advise against using a first morning urine sample as well, as you will have had nothing to eat overnight and ketones are almost inevitable after a night of not eating!

I had ketones show up once and it's because I'd used a first thing urine sample, they got me to retest while at the hospital and I was fine.

Another thing that worries me is that the midwife doing my antenatal classes advised taking in Lucozade Sport for during labour and I'll be asking my diabetic team about that as I'm not convinced. Yes I want to avoid ketones during labour, but I'm not convinced that deliberately putting myself on a sugar rollercoaster is the best option. I'm thinking of getting a bottle of Lucozade sport, letting hubby drink it and then filling it with Fanta Zero and keeping my blood sugar stable with nuts and protein bars.

How did you other mums cope with diet in labour (who have already give birth before) if you were diet controlled??

 

[ProzacQueen]

Another thing that worries me is that the midwife doing my antenatal classes advised taking in Lucozade Sport for during labour and I'll be asking my diabetic team about that as I'm not convinced. Yes I want to avoid ketones during labour, but I'm not convinced that deliberately putting myself on a sugar rollercoaster is the best option. I'm thinking of getting a bottle of Lucozade sport, letting hubby drink it and then filling it with Fanta Zero and keeping my blood sugar stable with nuts and protein bars.

How did you other mums cope with diet in labour (who have already give birth before) if you were diet controlled??

dont worry about this, shes not saying you MUST bring lucozade. they are only advising things that might help with your energy levels as you might be in for the long haul- obviously that means different kinds of stuff for us with GD!!

you can eat and drink what you like during labour really, so go with whatever suits you
xx

 

[Sarah10]

Ah thanks that is what i have found, once i've eaten the ketones aren't showing up, so hopefully the way to go is eat regulary.
I'm unsure on what to eat during labour also, i'm thinking of flavoured waters/diet drinks and maybe cereal bars (low sugar ones)