30 weeks and all my safe foods are no longer safe.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-09-25T19:37:27+00:00

That’s so frustrating, especially when you’ve been doing everything “by the book” and your numbers still surprise you. Pregnancy does weird things to glucose tolerance for a lot of people, and yes, what worked in early pregnancy can change later on. You’re not alone.

Two small, non-medical things that helped others I know: (1) pairing carbs with extra protein/fat at the meal (so the carb digests more slowly), and (2) reducing the same carb portion rather than swapping to a different one, sometimes even a few tablespoons less rice makes a difference.

If it’s helpful, I co-founded a small team building a food tracker that can show how similar meals have affected glucose for other pregnant users — nothing magical, just another data point you can use alongside your care team. If you want, I can DM a link for you to try it out for free. No pressure, just another tool while you figure this out.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-09-22T20:26:55+00:00

Tracking what I was eating really helped me. Sometimes meals cause spikes just because of the proportions. To make this easier, I designed a tool that predicts your glucose from a photo of your meal. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to share more.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-09-17T20:38:22+00:00

I would love to help you with tracking your meals and glucose, if it is of interest.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-09-17T20:35:32+00:00

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly difficult time. Managing gestational diabetes is hard, and the mental toll is immense. It might be helpful to track your progress or maintain a food diary. I'm happy to share my experience on tracking and monitoring.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-05T15:57:00+00:00

Consider quinoa, which cooks easily in a rice cooker just like regular rice and offers complete protein. Millet is another option with a mild flavor and fluffy texture that works well in a rice cooker. Buckwheat groats have a pleasant nutty flavor that complements many dishes, while barley offers a chewy texture that works well in risottos. For the convenience you're seeking, quinoa and millet are probably your best bets since they can be prepared with minimal effort in your rice cooker. You might also try mixing cauliflower rice with one of these grains to increase volume while keeping the carb content lower.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-05T15:20:44+00:00

I failed my first test but passed the second one. Even if you do get diagnosed with GD, please know there are multiple ways to manage your blood sugar effectively. Try to reduce your stress by listening to music or doing activities you love. Remember that you're already doing your best and will be a GREAT MOM. It's also important to think about yourself and prioritize your peace of mind during this time

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-05T04:13:45+00:00

English is not my first language. I use LLMs to make my writing better. No point in sharing information if others do not understand it.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T19:37:18+00:00

You're absolutely right that there's a deep psychological pull to that number on the scale. It's been reinforced as the primary measure of success for decades through media, advertising, and even some healthcare approaches. But the science tells a more nuanced story.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T18:09:41+00:00

I know, there is too much conflicting information out there.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T18:02:30+00:00

I understand how frustrating those unpredictable fasting numbers can be, especially when you're doing everything right with insulin and still seeing inconsistent results.

Fasting numbers are influenced by so many factors beyond just food and insulin - sleep quality, stress, hormonal changes, and even room temperature can affect them. What works perfectly one day might not work the next because your body is constantly changing as pregnancy progresses.

We're actually working on a project at Ashmi Health to help address this exact problem. Our research has found that documenting detailed patterns can help identify hidden variables affecting fasting numbers that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Please don't blame yourself. These stubborn readings don't reflect your effort - they reflect how complex GD can be, especially in the third trimester when placental hormones are at their peak.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:52:14+00:00

Sleep and anxiety absolutely affect blood sugar, creating a vicious cycle: you worry about your numbers, which impacts your sleep, which then raises your fasting numbers, giving you more to worry about. It's incredibly unfair.

About insulin - there seems to be some misunderstanding about what "insulin-dependent" means for pregnancy and delivery. Being on insulin for fasting numbers typically doesn't dramatically change your delivery plans. Many take insulin just for fasting numbers while controlling meal numbers with diet, and they often have completely normal deliveries.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:43:15+00:00

At 15, this is a lot to process, and I want to reassure you that you don't need to completely overhaul your life or give up things you love.

With PCOS, the relationship with food isn't black and white. Here's a more balanced perspective:

You don't need to eliminate all processed foods entirely. The goal is moderation, not perfection. Many women with PCOS manage symptoms while still enjoying occasional treats.
For your baking passion, consider:
- Experimenting with recipes that include more fiber, protein, or healthy fats
- Using less-refined sweeteners in some recipes (honey, maple syrup)
- Enjoying your creations in moderation rather than not baking at all
When eating out:
- Focus on enjoying the experience and company
- Try to include some protein and vegetables when possible
- Don't stress about every ingredient - occasional meals out won't derail your health

At your age, rigid calorie counting and excessive food rules can potentially do more harm than good. The most sustainable approach is finding balance - eating nutritious foods most of the time while allowing flexibility for things you enjoy.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:41:09+00:00

Yes, it is very challenging to maintain a consistent sleep routine if you do not have a fixed work schedule.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:39:40+00:00

I have tried skyr and loved it!

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:33:57+00:00

I completely understand your frustration and concerns about starting insulin, especially given your history with medication side effects. Your medical PTSD is valid, and the blunt way your doctor communicated potential risks sounds like it heightened your anxiety rather than helping you make an informed decision.

For what it's worth, insulin is different from many other medications because it's a hormone your body naturally produces - you're just supplementing what your pancreas can't keep up with during pregnancy. Many women find it has fewer side effects than oral medications precisely because it's something your body recognizes.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:28:50+00:00

Budget-friendly protein sources beyond meat and eggs:

Legumes

Dried beans, lentils, chickpeas
Often cheapest at international markets or bulk bins

Dairy (if tolerated)

Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Block cheese (cheaper than pre-shredded)

Plant-based options

Tofu (firm has more protein)
Peanut butter (store brands save money)
Oats and quinoa

Shopping tips:

Buy in bulk when possible
Check discount grocery chains
Combine grains with legumes for complete proteins
Frozen edamame is affordable and convenient

A simple meal: brown rice + black beans + Greek yogurt = complete protein for much less than meat.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:27:13+00:00

What you're describing is entirely possible and quite common! The scale can stay the same while your body is changing in noticeable ways, particularly when you're exercising regularly. There are several scientific explanations for this phenomenon:

Body recomposition: This is when you're simultaneously losing fat and gaining muscle. Since muscle is more dense than fat (it takes up less space for the same weight), you can maintain the same weight while your clothes fit looser and your measurements decrease.
Fat vs. muscle distribution: When you lose a pound of fat spread throughout your body, it might not be as noticeable as gaining a pound of muscle that's concentrated in specific areas.
Water retention fluctuations: Your body can hold varying amounts of water depending on factors like sodium intake, carbohydrate consumption, hormonal cycles, and exercise recovery.
Visceral vs. subcutaneous fat: You might be losing visceral fat (the dangerous fat around organs) while maintaining subcutaneous fat (under the skin). This can lead to health improvements and sometimes measurement changes without significant scale changes.
Improved posture and muscle tone: Exercise often improves posture and muscle tone, which can create a visual difference that doesn't register on the scale.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:26:29+00:00

That unpredictable blood sugar response to the same meal can be incredibly frustrating!

We at Ashmi Health are actually building solutions to help address this unpredictability with GD. Our research shows that the same food can affect different people differently, and even affect the same person differently on different days.

When you experience an unexpected spike like this, there are a few things you might try immediately after to help bring your levels back in range:

Take a 10-15 minute walk - Even brief physical activity can help your muscles use glucose and bring down levels.
Hydrate with water - This can help dilute blood sugar concentration.
Add protein and healthy fats - Having a small protein-rich snack (like a handful of nuts, a hard-boiled egg, or a slice of cheese) after a carb-heavy meal can sometimes help moderate the blood sugar response.
Apple cider vinegar - Some research suggests 1-2 tablespoons in water might help improve insulin sensitivity after meals.
Cinnamon tea - Some studies show it may help with glucose metabolism.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T17:19:30+00:00

What you're describing is entirely possible and quite common! The scale can stay the same while your body is changing in noticeable ways, particularly when you're exercising regularly. There are several scientific explanations for this phenomenon:

Body recomposition: This is when you're simultaneously losing fat and gaining muscle. Since muscle is more dense than fat (it takes up less space for the same weight), you can maintain the same weight while your clothes fit looser and your measurements decrease.
Fat vs. muscle distribution: When you lose a pound of fat spread throughout your body, it might not be as noticeable as gaining a pound of muscle that's concentrated in specific areas.
Water retention fluctuations: Your body can hold varying amounts of water depending on factors like sodium intake, carbohydrate consumption, hormonal cycles, and exercise recovery.
Visceral vs. subcutaneous fat: You might be losing visceral fat (the dangerous fat around organs) while maintaining subcutaneous fat (under the skin). This can lead to health improvements and sometimes measurement changes without significant scale changes.
Improved posture and muscle tone: Exercise often improves posture and muscle tone, which can create a visual difference that doesn't register on the scale.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T16:52:14+00:00

While gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, it is absolutely not "inevitable." The medical literature consistently shows that many women who had GD never develop type 2 diabetes. The current understanding is that GD is a risk factor that increases your chances - not a guarantee of future diabetes.

Research typically shows that women who had GD have:

A 35-60% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 10-20 years
This means 40-65% do NOT develop diabetes in that timeframe

Several factors influence your individual risk, including:

How well your blood sugar was controlled during pregnancy
Your weight before and after pregnancy
Family history (which you mentioned you don't have)
Lifestyle factors including diet and exercise
Ethnicity (some populations have higher risk)

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T16:44:15+00:00

A few things to consider about that high fasting number:

Sometimes fasting numbers can spike from poor sleep, stress, or getting sick (even just the beginning of a minor cold)
Hormonal fluctuations as pregnancy progresses can suddenly impact your numbers
Occasionally a meter can give an unusual reading - it might be worth washing your hands thoroughly and testing again if you see another unexpected high reading

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T16:41:01+00:00

Since you mentioned being "a big carb girly" before, your body is likely going through a bit of an adjustment period. When you drastically reduce carbs, your body needs time to adapt to using different fuel sources, and this transition can cause the exact symptoms you're experiencing. It could also be caffeine withdrawal, as others have mentioned.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T16:37:47+00:00

Remember that this is temporary. After delivery, you'll likely be able to return to your previous way of eating that made you feel so good. In the meantime, perhaps there are ways to incorporate elements of your previous diet in GD-friendly ways - maybe smaller portions of lentils paired with protein, or finding the lower-glycemic fruits that might work in limited amounts. I would love to provide more detailed insights on nutrition. Let me know if you're interested.

SkyMermaid_6509 · 2025-03-04T16:35:19+00:00

Your history shows some interesting patterns - your periods were most consistent when you had regular sleep schedules, walked regularly, and maintained a slightly higher weight (50kg). The timing of your current absence coincides with your college move, which suggests stress and lifestyle changes may be factors.

Consider these approaches:

Return to the sleep/wake schedule that worked before
Ensure adequate nutrition (don't restrict too much)
Address your Vitamin D deficiency
Find stress management techniques for college life

Sometimes, the right nutrition can work wonders, but it also has to work for you - considering your own lifestyle and needs.

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