January 18, 2006
Eat a big piece of chocolate cake for me!
What do all these things have in common? They are all sugar free. Can I just say that I feel like I have had my share of problems, only to now be faced with this? I got back my results from the gestational diabetes test, and although I don't have it, they said my blood sugar was high and if I wasn't careful, I'd get it. I came pretty close actually to the cut-off. I'm really surprised because I eat pretty healthy. That was the first thing most of my family and friends said. My co-workers were shocked. They say that I make them feel guilty with my healthy lunches of fresh fruit, turkey sandwiches on whole wheat bread, and my salads with low fat dressing. This really came as a shock to me. Apparently, sometimes it has nothing to do with what you eat, but with the fact that some people's bodies simply don't make enough insulin for themselves and a baby. I actually am having trouble finding ways to cut back because I really thought I was doing well to begin with. Although they haven't put me on a special diet because techincally, I don't have it, I am going to really watch what I eat so I don't develop it. I feel really crappy, like I've done something wrong. I also noticed a small stretch mark on my belly the other day. I am feel really badly about myself lately and not very much like a glowing, pregnant woman.
James bought me a wonderful book for Christmas on foods that can act as miracle medicines, so I have been reading that. According to the book, these foods lower your blood sugar: broccoli, nuts, wheat, cinnamon, and legumes. So, tonight, I went out grocery shopping for the second time this week and came back with some healthy, sugar-free things for meals.
I am going to try really hard to get through these next several weeks without developing gestational diabetes, so please pray for me. God is going to have to help me with the rest.
Posted by Hannah at January 18, 2006 08:59 PMHI there - I really do know exactly how you feel (only I DID get gestational diabetes) you feel so helpless - and that your body is working against you in some way. Drink plenty of water to help your blood stream filter the glucose. Do you have low Glycemic index bread there? That works wonders. Wholeweat bread is actually high in carbs which break down into glucose. Remember Pixy from Joburg - she is a diabetic and advised me to cut down carbs and it worked immediately. I also got one of those little blood tester things to check my sugar two hours after a meal - it's very re-assuring to know that your level is ok. By the way in my test, I was WAY over the cut off point and my little guy was born totally fine. As long as the sugar doesn't show up in your urine tests you don't have gestational diabetes. It's the pregnancy hormones that supress the manufacture of insulin in your pancreas. In South Africa we have superb ante-natal care and they don't even do the gestational diabetes test unless someone has sugar show up in a routine test. My obgyn told me that it's routine in the US & Canada (She's Canadian). This is even more reason to not stay at work too long - and take plenty of walks to burn off the extra glucose. I know I will get it again with my second pregnancy (whenever that is) because my dad developed type 2 diabetes late in life - and it's hereditary. Don't stress too much - there is plenty you can do to keep your sugar at safe levels. I would bring lunch from home as well - you never know what's in that school food! McDonalds has more sugar in their salads than in the Big Mac! Email me or Skype me if you want to talk about it - it's going to be ok.
Posted by: Valkyrie at January 18, 2006 11:56 PMOh ... don't be sad ... You will just have to hang in there and go for all that suger free stuff, and you will be ok. And NEVER say that you arent feeling like a glowing pregnant woman! Fell good about yourself!
You are a glowing pregnant woman! :)
Hey there...when I got home I was reading in my books about gestational diabetes, and to confirm, 140 is the cut off for the glucose tolerance test, I know I said I thought it was lower...so that's good! I will talk to Mrs Dent-Johnson today because she had it, and has her masters in nursing, she she knows a lot about it. Im sure you will be fine, but just be careful just incase. I know a fair amount about diabetes, so feel free to ask! We should go get some sugar free TCBY or somethin...its good! Ok well gotta go to school, ttyl!
Posted by: meggie at January 19, 2006 07:50 AMOh gosh Hannah. Good luck. You are absolutely right even though what people eat and you eat healthy matters some people just don't make enough insulin. You'll be in my thoughts!
Posted by: Ani at January 19, 2006 09:48 AMI will do my part, as your title suggested, and eat a big piece of chocolate cake-in your honor! Hang in there!
Posted by: alfredsmom at January 19, 2006 10:55 AMdear hannah, don't worry too much. if you worry about all of this and miss out on the being pregnant part, you might regret it after. a woman's body changes so much when it is carrying a baby. to me, it's a miracle that a body can carry another life in it and bring it into the world. the hormones are also not helping, i know. you will be fine. and the precautions you take now are good too. so look on the good side of things...and eat more of the blood sugar lowering foods - they really do work. if you can make fresh veggie juice in the morning instead of just fruit - maybe some veggies and an apple, those will really help too. chin up, dear friend, you'll be just great. :)
Posted by: stef at January 19, 2006 11:19 AMI try not to eat too much sugar and I know it's hard to transition, but you'll be ok. I'm assuming that's the starbucks no sugar added ice cream (Coffee Fudge Brownie)? That stuff is incredibly good (in my opinion), much better than any other sugar free/low carb ice cream (except maybe some of the Keto ice cream which I can't find anywhere anymore).
Good for you for stepping up and watching what you eat even more than normal to help your body.
Posted by: Nicole at January 19, 2006 11:57 AMI'm so sorry! Ugh! My friend Staci had GD and was able to control it just fine through diet. On the positive side ... she got to have a lot of ultrasounds at the end and see her baby! :) You *are* glowing, Hannah. Every pregnant woman is beautiful. Just rest and enjoy this miraculous time of life!
Posted by: Lisanne at January 19, 2006 01:11 PMyou so aren't a bad person. you are not a bad mother. you are doing everything right. you are a good person and you will be a good mother. evidence? read your blog. i <3 you hannah. *hugs*
Posted by: linda at January 20, 2006 07:35 AMGood luck with your sugarless weeks. You certainly have a good reason to stay with the healthy part of your diet.
I eat very healthy as well, but I come from a family of diabetics. So I'm particularly careful.
Posted by: cassie-b at January 20, 2006 10:55 AMIt will all be over soon:) And it is so worth it. You will have to go for a huge piece of chocolate cake after the baby is born:)
Posted by: Faith at January 20, 2006 01:08 PM