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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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diabetes in pregnancy

188 replies

happymumtobe · 21/11/2008 16:41

hello just wanted to know if there are any mums on here that is also a diabetic? i am in my 6th wk of pregnancy and i am also a diabetic would be intrested to meet and chat to other mums that are diabetic and pregnant or have been pregnant with diabetes.....thanx

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llareggub · 01/12/2008 20:07

I've just never come across a method for counting carbs. I'd worked out a way of judging sugar content, but I was born of a mother who was obsessed by calorie content and fat content, so I'm very comfortable with that.

I mentioned portion sizes because obviously you can't eat unlimited portions, and I'd probably prefer a few more carbs than recommended!

nobodysfool · 01/12/2008 20:32

Tee is that 10g per 100g?

Tee2072 · 01/12/2008 20:37

Well, if your comparing brands, nobodysfool then yes, compare like to like. But if it is under 10g per whatever the serving is, then that is okay also!

llareggub there isn't really a method for counting carbs any more than there is a method for counting sugar or fat. You just add up how many carbs it says it is on the label!

liznay · 02/12/2008 09:13

Hi Ladies,

I've bought a blood sugar monitor as I've had sugar in my urine for the last few weeks (although not strangely yesterday when the midwife tested - however it was present the last 2 x they tested)
Anyhow..

Had crunchy nut cornflakes for breakfast and tested 8.0mm/l one hour after eating - is this borderline for GD?
Is a 2 hour reading better? I'm a bit worried in case I end up having a huge baby.

Please help!

Tee2072 · 02/12/2008 09:21

liznay under 8 is what you want to be, but I would bet an even 8 would be fine also. And yes, it should be one hour after eating.

If the doctors are concerned, they will send you for a glucose tolerance test. That is more accurate than just testing your blood with a metre for diagnosing diabetes. When you test using a home metre, they can be less than 100% accurate, or you could have something on your hands that could drive the number up.

mavornia · 02/12/2008 10:07

my doctors said that up to 10 one hour after eating is fine

liznay · 02/12/2008 10:08

thanks Tee and Mavornia - thats reassuring.

SweetBROODY · 02/12/2008 11:32

HEy guys - there is a specific way to carb count. This is the amount of insulin your body requires to burn a certain amount of carbs. for example for every 5grams of cards that I eat I need to take one unit of insulin.

You really need to see a dietician to help you with this as it is pretty much trial and error trying to work out what your ratio would be.

Tee2072 · 02/12/2008 12:16

Sweetbroody I haven't actually been given that ratio, and not all endos/dieticians do it that way, especially if they think you are only going to be on insulin during your pregnancy. They gave me carbs to eat, started me at minimum insulin and kept upping it daily until my numbers sorted themselves out.

But I agree that everyone should go see a dietician!!!

SweetBROODY · 02/12/2008 12:55

Tee I see what you mean - they worked out your ratio backwards! TBH I dont think it matters which way you do it.. but because I am vegetarian and the bulk of my diet is carbs they helped me work out the ratio. Otherwise i'd prob be hungry all the time!

nobodysfool · 02/12/2008 19:00

Its interesting to see that up to 10 is thought of as an acceptable level.
When i have been getting higher readings than 7.8 (my highest recommended level) i have started doing another test half an hour later(1 and a half hours after eating) and it has always dropped within my target levels.
I'm really not sure if i want to go on medication for what seems to be a very small amount of time.
Anybody got any opinions?

SweetBROODY · 03/12/2008 11:08

I am not allowed to go over 7.8 after one hour of eating. I think the most crucial thing is for your sugars to have been stable at conception. I would really discuss this with your consultant. Also be aware that the insulin intolereance will get worse through out your pregnacy and you will prob have to start medication at some point. To be honest if it means you will have a healthy pregnancy I think its worth it, it also gives you slightly better freedom in what you eat. Which can make all the diff to your peace of mind.. I was so depressed last time because I couldnt even look at fruit without sugars going high and this time Ican eat them as long as I adjust my meds!

I think whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck...

My doctor is one of the best in North London for Diabetes and PRegancy and he strongly will not allow "his" ladies go over 7.8. He has a very good record and very strict control.

Original poster
happymumtobe · 03/12/2008 15:29

hi rosieposey im 8 wks pregnant im insulin dependant i inject 4 times a day also i have 50 units of novorapid 3 x a day and 60 units of lantus 1 x a day...it is all new to me as ive been diabetic for 5 yrs but first pregnancy with diabetes, it is quite scary as my sugar levels are not stable either so at the moment im waiting on app at hospital with consultant so i can get more advice and information i have also been told i should be taking 5 mgs of folic acid instead of 400micrograms dont know weither thats true or not be grateful for any advice if you have it hun thanx

OP posts:
Tee2072 · 03/12/2008 16:26

Yes happymumtobe you do need to be taking extra folic acid, 5 mgs, but if you haven't been, don't freak out or anything. You actually get quite a bit of folic acid from eating certain foods.

nobodysfool · 03/12/2008 18:11

Tee are you still around?
Do you have any words of advice on my last post on this thread?
You seem to be my book of knowledge and certainly more helpful that the hospital

Tee2072 · 03/12/2008 19:45

sorry, nobodysfool somehow I missed the question!!

I can't remember how far along you are, but if they say to use insulin, yes do it. It has really made it for me so that I can practically eat normally. I still have to count carbs and not eat as much junk, but I am still eating very well with the insulin.

I do think insulin is a good idea!! And I never would have said that before I was put on it!

nobodysfool · 03/12/2008 20:56

Thanks tee sorry to stalk you
I'm 33 weeks and have heard that it can take a couple of weeks before the insulin dosage it perfected.
The diabetic mw has said to call the diabetic nurse if i am worried about my morning levels.So they dont seem to be concerned about my levels.
Thanks for putting me straight on the insulin worry.

Tee2072 · 03/12/2008 21:02

I think it took me 2 weeks to get my insulin regulated, nobodysfool. But even at 33 weeks, you do have 7 weeks to go! I would ring them if you're worried about your morning levels.

nobodysfool · 03/12/2008 22:12

The morning levels seem ok if i steer away from bread,wheat and oats!Then i make sure i have my carbs during at the other meals.
Not ideal i know but it seems to be working at the moment.

rosieposeyxmaspuddingandpie · 06/12/2008 17:15

Happymumtobe - sorry for late reply have been internetless for the last 4 days!
Dont worry hun this is my 4th pregnancy where i have been diabetic and 3rd insulin dependent. Am glad im not the only one on what seems like extortionate amounts of insulin 4x a day, can never seem to get my sugar levels just perfect for more than one day and it creeps up but 2 to 4 units each week so dont worry sometimes its just a question of keeping up with your actual bodys requirements and that changes all of the time - im 29 weeks now and i dont think i have had one whole week where my levels have stayed in the realms of where they should be and the Consultant thinks thats just because of my placenta doing its thing and not behaving itself! Consultants will keep a good eye on you and your levels anyway so you will be in good hands. I expect you already have a good dietician so know what you should be eating ect ect and i was told that the babys size doesnt start to get affected till around 24 weeks+ which is also when your placenta compromises your insulin production (or what there is of it) hence why you get the growth scans thereafer. Hang in there ... you and your lo will be fine

iris66 · 06/12/2008 18:20

Hi all - can anyone tell me if you get random lows as well as highs? It seems an odd question I know but it feels like I get a rebound low (delayed reaction??)if my sugar goes too high.

For instance: last week I had 1/2 glass of wine with my dinner then had the other 1/2 with a piece of fruit cake an hour of so later. later that evening I was feeling a bit odd and my sugar was 4.0. 20 minutes later it was 3.1 so I necked some apple juice and had a couple of oat biscuits.
This morning, my sugar was 6.1 (I'd had a few slurps of tea before testing) but then 1 1/2 hrs after having a bacon sarnie it was 4.5!!

Last pg I was getting lows like this and the consultant couldn't give me any answer apart from eat more! I do eat well, and healthily, but am really worried that my GTT on fri is going to show impaired and I'm going to get "told" to go on insulin, despite the lows. Anyone have any views?

Tee - I know you said lows were better than highs - and I'm not going too high, yet, but i'm really worried about hypos. DH is away a lot!

Tee2072 · 06/12/2008 20:12

iris its really hard to know. Different pregnancies seem to react to diabetes differently. On another board I read, several of the women are having your types of lows after highs, others, like me, were having highs until they went on insulin!

I would just make sure you are eating enough carbs.

iris66 · 07/12/2008 21:23

Thanks Tee. I saw your reply last night but couldn't post (PC had a funny turn)

What other board have you seen this on by the way? (hope you don't mind me asking) I'd be really interested in other people's views and experiences.

Tee2072 · 07/12/2008 21:30

I also chat on Delphi Forums and there is a board called Diabetic Mommies.

I am also called tee2072 over there, if you come over!

iris66 · 09/12/2008 20:07

thanks Tee
I've taken your tips on extra snacks on board by the way and it seems to be working.

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