Can I snack? Gestational diabetes

[mammagmac]

So I’ve just got back from my gestational diabetes clinic. Super fun.
They went though food and when to test your blood etc. Obviously they want readings after each meal - does that mean I’m not allowed small snacks in between? Or is it the monitoring after main meals that’s important?

Thanks x

I would always have a meal, wait till 2 hrs after, do my sugar reading then if I needed one I'd have a snack. I was told it was important to have that 2 hr window without food to check how your body was processing the sugar.

You can snack. Although I recommend ignoring 99% of what you were told today and joining the gestational diabetes UK facebook page. They are invaluable for support and thier knowledge of foods which will help you keep your horses levels in check was a million miles better than anything the diabetes clinic told me.

I did snack, but it was usually a planned snack to fit in with the timings. They had me testing 7 times a day so it was all very regimented!

That’s really helpful all, thank you!

@blindmansbluff goodness 7?! That sounds stressful. I’ve been told 4 for now.

Really not sure where the random horses in my comment came from.

Also, I did everything by the book, I cut carbs down significantly, I walked, I tested. My post meal numbers were good but nothing kept my fasting level (first thing in the morning) below target so I ended up on metformin tablets then an ever increasing insulin dosage.

If it happens to you, you haven't failed it's just the way it is. I was able to stop all meds immediately after having DD, readings went back to normal.

Snacking is advised with gestational diabetes, but after waiting to take the glucose readings. All meals and snacks well spaced out. I agree that the advice given at clinics is useless, you'll find out what works for you by taking blood readings. I found having eggs for breakfast, nuts and seeds for snacks, or lower sugar natural yogurt, and protein and low carb veg for lunch and dinner worked really well. It is horrible getting the diagnosis and having to be so aware of your diet suddenly, but it doesn't last forever and it does set you on track for a healthier way of eating. Good luck!

I'm supposed to test 6 or 7 times a day but my day is like this:
On waking, take fasting level
Then have breakfast whenever, take it again an hour after.
If I want a snack I have it, but I wait an hour atleast before my next meal.
Then I take my blood test before lunch and an hour after.
If I want another snack then it's usually 2 hours after lunch, and then dinner won't be for another 2 hours usually so that's fine.
If I only had 3 meals a day, my levels would drop too low to 3. Something before meals so I need a snack in between. Sometimes I have Greek yoghurt with a few berries or some chicken bite things, cheese and apple maybe

That’s super helpful thank you so much everyone!! If anyone has any further thoughts please keep sharing.

@TinySleepThief I understood what you meant it’s all good 😂😂

Remember when you’re shown blood testing they’ll probably suggest a fingertip which is super sensitive, husband who is type 1 diabetic often does it on the side of his finger or forearm which hurts less.

I know this is an old thread but I thought you might be able to help me…

I was recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
I have been measuring my glucose levels before and after food as instructed.
When I went for the two hour oral glucose test, my fasting level was 5.4 and my post glucose was 9.5.
Since starting the glucose monitoring, I’ve had fasting levels of below 4.5 and after meal readings of anywhere between 3.8 and 6.2 depending on carbs and sugars.
I’m concerned I’ve been misdiagnosed. Is this a possibility? My fasting levels have never reached anywhere near the 5.4 I got before my test.

For instance, my before lunch reading today was 3.2 and my after lunch reading was 3.8. I had a bowl of soup and a slice of toast. I did the reading at 1 hour and repeated at 1.5 hours to make sure.
I don’t want to do anything that will harm my baby.

I had to eat 7 times a day which was bloody hard! I thought that most of that were meant to be snacks so I'd just have a Biscuit and then test afterwards.

I’m a type 1 diabetic and when I want to snack and not affect my blood sugar is just have protein. Half a boiled egg or some cheddar cheese or a small piece of meat etc etc.