A Day in the Life...

A couple of weeks ago I took the test to determine if I had Gestational Diabetes. It's a fairly standard test that includes fasting then taking a massive amount of sugar and seeing how your body handles it within an hour. I wasn't diagnosed with it but they called to indicate that the results were borderline and then asked if I would monitor my sugar and carbohydrate intake and come in in 2 weeks. So I took this test last Friday and again the results came back borderline. I was somewhat frustrated when I talked to them about it yesterday because now they want me to take another test, this time a 3 hour glucose test. Maybe I'm a strange person but I'd much prefer if they had skipped the 2nd test and just given the 3 hour test then. If I had known that it would go to another test, I would have insisted on the 3 hour test. However, both Wes and I have decided that we should act like it's a diagnosis and plan on going through the rest of my pregnancy as if I have Gestational Diabetes. For those who are wondering, gestational diabetes is, it is when, mostly due to hormones, a pregnant woman's body stops producing the necessary insulin and therefore increases blood glucose levels. It affects 3-10% of pregnancies (wikipedia). It can lead to risks within the pregnancy such as high blood pressure, complications during birth, and bigger birth weight of the baby. 


So for the last two weeks I have lived in the life of a diabetic monitoring my sugar and carbohydrate intake. (Well, without the pricking my finger daily and checking my blood glucose). I've made a meal plan (that I almost follow) and have done as much web-doctor research possible. (Did you know there is such thing as cyberchondria, in which one is a hypochondriac because of the research they do online?) And I will admit it has been a very educational experience. And I've had many blessings in disguise. The hardest thing I've found through this is that the last part of my pregnancy my little tummy-munchkin CRAVES sweets. I'm normally a salt-craving person. Potato chips, crackers, etc. But lately all I can think about is things like oreos and hot fudge sundaes, etc. So it's been a process learning to monitor that intake and not giving into these cravings. 


Something I've been surprised with is that lack of information available on correctly managing diabetes, particularly gestational diabetes. I had never heard of it until my Dr. talked about the test. And I didn't really internalize the information until my results came back borderline and I was requested to monitor intake. Naively, I just thought that diabetes had more to do with monitoring sugar intake, not all carbohydrates. And I thought if I just replaced stuff with sugar-free that I was off the hook. WRONG! I'm very glad to have found the few resources that I have because they've given me more information and allowed me to be more insightful while making my decisions. For instance: 15g-19g of Carbohydrates is 1 serving size. A 4 oz. glass of 100% orange juice is 12 g. So 1 serving. An 8 oz. glass of milk is also 1 serving of carbohydrates. I never would have thought about this information. And in the past I drink Orange Juice by the gallon. 


Another thing I've learned is that managing blood-glucose levels include eating snacks and such during the day then smaller meals. This is something I'd been doing just because I haven't been able to eat as much but I've been hungry more often throughout my pregnancy. However, I found a guide that explains you should eat 2 servings of Carbohydrates for breakfast, 1 serving for a mid-morning snack (Same with mid-afternoon, and night-time snacks) and 2-3 servings for lunch and dinner. I've also found that it's very good to put protein in your body rather than sugar.


Now I have to note that through this I have NOT monitored my blood sugar daily, just monitored my carbohydrate intake and tried to input my carbs as whole-grain whenever possible. I'm not perfect at this. I have, since this test, eaten cake and ice cream and bagels and flavored cream cheese. Which is something I'm going to get better at. However, I've found at Walmart some Glucerna Snack Bars which only provides one carb choice...unlike many other sweets, and really isn't bad tasting. I have only tried the Chocolate Peanut butter, but it's more filling than a candy bar and almost as tasty. And I am going to begin monitoring my blood glucose levels...if Walmart has any of the finger prick things. Also, my next Dr. appointment is next week and I will talk to my Dr. about monitoring this as well as working with a dietician as needed.


ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE: Because, I'm slightly forgetful and should have mentioned this earlier but EXERCISE!!! This is another very important aspect of monitoring glucose level--not to mention maintaining health. 


I go on at least 2 20-minute walks a day while at work. Occasionally I try to walk after work as well, in the evenings. I have a goal to get better at this. 


All around this has been a very interesting experience. One I'd prefer not to repeat but it is likely that it will be a problem through any other pregnancy I have.


I've found it's an educational, emotional process. I have learned a lot of information that I'm sure will be helpful in other aspects of life as well.