Quick GD question..

[lovebabyhopes]

I can't reach my doctor to clarify..

I'm starting to test for the first time today. I got my fasting number this morning when I woke up (99) ... But now I'm wondering if I am supposed to test before each meal and 1 hour each meal? Or just an hour after each meal?

 

[laceyrainbow]

Hi,
First don't be sad with the 99! At least it's not OVER.
If you ate a bit bad or late last night it can give you a high reading.
The morning after christmas day I got 7.2 (which I think is 130 in your readings) because I allowed myself that one day of madness haha.

I've always been told to just test after meals and not before. It can get way too much doing it before and after, you'd be doing it like 8 times a day which I think most dr's agree is too much so just do it after your meals! Double check at your next appointment though!

x

 

[lovebabyhopes]

Thank you so much! I was able to reach my doctor who confirmed testing just an hour after eating. Do you test an hour after you start eating or an hour after you've finished?

My fast number on tuesday was 100 and this morning it was 102. I've been eating well this week, as soon as I found out.

Strangely enough, I also tested my husband's fasting number, just to see what his normal would be and he was 98! He is the epitome of health. Eats great normally, heavy on protein and complex carbs, never cares for simple sugars or trash food. He's active.. etc. I couldn't believe his number was right there with mine. After some googling, I'm wondering if my Onetouch Ultra2 is finicky. I've read reports that they give high readings. My other reason for wondering this is because when I did my 3 hour glucose test, my fasting number was 87 (supposed to be under 90). My doc said it was just fine and was more concerned with my 1 & 2 hour numbers.

So.. I'm debating getting a different machine to see if I get the same results. Thoughts?

 

[laceyrainbow]

I'm not sure actually haha. I guess if I eat at say 6, I'll test anywhere between 7 and 7.30.

I've found that, too.
My mums diabetic and when we test with her machine and then mine.. the number almost always varies. They do say don't use anybody else's machine for this reason but then that makes me ask.. how do we know if OURS is reliable then? Really, what's the point? If it could show perfect on one and terrible on another.. seems a bit strange to me.

If you're worried, I'd ask or get another one.

Do you get specific diabetes related appointments?

I have to go every Tuesday and they do a fasting test- which is obviously more reliable because they test it there and then in the lab.. but they always seem more concerned with that than my numbers from home.

 

[lovebabyhopes]

I don't have specific diabetes appointments (yet.) I have the paper referral to a nutritionist, but my doc said I could spend the week managing my numbers with diet to see where I stand before I go in. I'm kind of flying blind here, but have read a lot on line which is helpful. I'm going to try upping the protein in my snack right before bed.

My 1 hour numbers have been looking great this week, right now, my main concern is my fasting number. Ugh, it's just hard not knowing if your timing is off or if perhaps your machine is off. I guess time will tell.

 

[krissie328]

I was told by my diabetic nurse to test one hour after I start eating. So I usually just set an alarm for one hour out when I start.

 

[lovebabyhopes]

I'm so confused by this whole GD thing I want to cry. My numbers are all over the place and I can't figure out why. I had a kale & chicken caesar salad yesterday and my 1 hour number was 88. The lowest it's ever been since i started testing (needs to be under 120.) I had the same salad today, except this time I had a little bit of unsweetened iced tea and a small sliver of whole wheat (very thin) tortilla. My 1 hour reading was 130. Am I that sensitive that I can't handle even the smallest bite of whole wheat tortilla?? Or the iced tea? I thought this was about eating better, but even eating better is not enough. I feel like I can only handle protein and dark green veggies in order to keep my number down.

My doctor only told me to cut out processed carbs, white breads, pastas, sweets, etc. But she said whole grains and fruits are ok in moderation. They are sending me over the limit, though..

So frustrated because I feel like I'm being so good, but it's not enough. To top it off, my doctor wants me to walk every day, but it's so painful on my bladder, I want to cry. How am I supposed to walk when every step I take feels like my bladder (or cervix?) is being poked with a push pin? Grrr..

Sorry for my rant.

 

[laceyrainbow]

Unfortunately, I think it may be a sign you need medication
My doctor/nurse has told me all along that if you have a high number and you can explain it.. (for example, I ate cake and got a number way too high) then there's nothing to worry about. But if you can't explain it, it's an indication your body isn't coping. I'm sure that only applies when that happens 3+ times in a few days, though, so if not, don't worry.

You can't cut out EVERYTHING, it's as simple as that. Your body and your baby need SOME carbs and really, you shouldn't have to cut out the things you mentioned above completely, except sweets. I still have pasta and potato's, just in smaller portions.

It sounds to me you're doing everything you can PLUS more so you should be proud! Maybe you just need some help.

Discuss it with your doctor and see what they think!
Hope you're ok x

 

[lovebabyhopes]

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. I was afraid of that. I know there is nothing wrong with needing medication, but I was just really hoping I wouldn't need it. Tonight I had grilled halibut, green beans and salad. My number was 91.

I'm wondering how bad it is, if I stick to just protein and veggies. I'll have a piece of toast with an egg for breakfast or with unsweetened peanut butter for a snack, but if I keep grains and those kinds of carbs out of my main meals, maybe I can keep my numbers steady enough the rest of the time. Just wondering if that is too strict.

What I really need to be doing is speaking to a nutritionist. I'm going to call tomorrow, just venting/ thinking out loud for now.

Hmmm…. cake. I haven't had a bite of that kind of sugar this whole week. The longest I've ever gone in my life!

 

[laceyrainbow]

I know that cutting out carbs completely isn't recommended but that's for a 'normal' pregnancy. I'm not sure if the same thing applies to us. If the risk of high numbers or no carbs is worse? I'm guessing high numbers is more dangerous. But I don't know if they would suggest meds before you cut out a food group completely.

Yeah, I have a dietician, so ask them about that!

Haha, same Honestly speaking, I still treat myself once a week with something small!