Gestational Diabetes
My initial blood sugar reading was high, so I had to do a three hour glucose tolerance test. The results were a bit high. So, I've now attended a diabetes education class where I learned about what to eat and how to test my blood sugar. The diet and testing started today. As for eating, it's really not that hard. I have to limit my carbohydrate intake. I have to eat 3 meals and 3 snacks each day. Not that bad. The difficulty is the protein I have to eat with each snack. But, I've consulted my list of goodies and will be better prepared tomorrow. I'll go back on the 19th with my food journal and my blood sugar readings to see where to go from there.
Additionally, I have to test my ketone level with a urine test each morning. Do you know how difficult it is to hit a small strip first thing in the morning when you add in a very pregnant belly? Ketones are the waste by-product created when the body breaks down fat into glucose. While carrying a baby, you really shouldn't be producing ketones. And you certainly don't want to pass waste through baby's system. Ketones could be produced for one of two reasons: 1)body not producing insulin or 2) not eating enough carbs to be turned into glucose. Thankfully, I had no ketones detected today. I hope that continues to be the trend.
It took me 20 minutes this morning to test for ketones and to finally get my blood sugar tested. I had to prick 3 fingers to get blood. My index and middle finger yielded nary a drop of blood despite my massaging the finger to try to get blood.
I know I'll get more adept at my morning routine, including packing my lunch and snacks.
I look at it this way--just more practice in getting ready for Baby Mac: eating on a schedule, taking more time to get ready and out the door in the morning.
Try running your fingers under warm water for a little bit and let your arm hang down by your side before testing.
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