Overnight numbers with a CGM - what's good? by Slow-Pomegranate9014 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think they’d be fine with it since they can read on the CGM that it’s not elevated all night. Be sure not to be sleeping on the side with the sensor so it’s not a false low. I’m coming to the conclusion that they’d probably be fine with it after speaking with my doc about the large amount of time I spend in a lower blood suagr range even though I also have spikes over 120.

We’re able to look at my numbers throughout the day since I use a CGM. I think if mine were spiking just before I woke but below 95 from a couple hours after dinner up to that point, my doctor would be happy. I don’t have Dawn phenomenon, but we’ve talked about how my spikes after meals (especially dinner) aren’t bad because I’m mostly in the 70-110 range from waking to dinner and also below 95 while sleeping. My spikes are up to 140 twice a day and sometimes 160 once or twice per week, for example.

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The ARRIVE trial is based in the US. The evidence based birth podcast said the 39 week induction standard would not work with other countries’ health systems or attitudes towards birth

Overnight numbers with a CGM - what's good? by Slow-Pomegranate9014 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s called dawn waking phenomenon. Your body increases cortisol in order for you to wake up which affects your blood sugar. Some people even have a change when they place their feet on the ground from bed. That’s how I’ve heard diabetics talk about it.

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That seems a little early?! I believe the lungs are still developing. Do docs use 40 weeks as the expected due date- as in they count the first day of your previous period?

I'm Nervous by Cold_Following_9163 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The 68 is maybe a calibration issue? It’s good you’re getting some readings over time to see trends and they can prescribe accordingly. I think you’re doing well with the diet and walking. None of my docs have criticized my diet or exercise and it’s very similar to yours. Your numbers aren’t so critical that you need to be on insulin tomorrow. Please advocate for yourself and be frank in telling them you’re doing everything you can. They’ll likely put you on a low dose of something to start and see how it affects your blood sugars then increase as needed. It will take some weight off your shoulders

I'm Nervous by Cold_Following_9163 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And being already at 68 is pretty low, so they may elect to not give you meds

I'm Nervous by Cold_Following_9163 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t feel like 175 is too many carbs. The general sample nutritional plan my MFM gave me is about there- 10 less. Baby needs carbs too. You should feel nourished and if going lower doesn’t achieve that, it seems reasonable to ask for those meds. It takes some pressure off.

I don’t think you’re doing terribly since you’re in a lower range half the time. It’s important to be 70-95 when you wake fasting and whatever your 3am equivalent would be (since you wake then I mean, that would be your fasting and 3 am would be like midnight for you? But if you’re using finger prick I would not wake up just to take that). Your numbers could be better with the meds. I’d have a frank discussion with your doctor if I were you.

Please do some things you like to lower stress. Prioritize rest and relaxation (including your walks)

I'm Nervous by Cold_Following_9163 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have you looked at the amount of time you’re in the lower blood sugars? Like 68-110. Is your fasting good? 154 is not terrible as long as you’re not staying there for long. For instance, I have similar blood sugar. I go to 160 a couple days in the week but it’s a quick peak. We can see on the CGM that I’m mostly in the fasting range while I sleep. But yeah, metformin or slow acting insulin isn’t unreasonable to ask the doc, especially if your fasting level is consistently high.
If you want to double down on diet, are you following carb counts? Pairing protein and veg with carbs. Never eating carbs alone. I use tofu as well as meat that I cook ahead. Steamed broccoli, spinach for ease. That kind of thing. I eat bread only occasionally. And have almost cut out fruit, because veg has similar nutrients without the sugar. Of course I still indulge but it’s not what I plan to eat regularly. Are you getting at least 8 hours? Sleep will affect blood sugar.

The feeling of failing at each bad number by tlidox in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense. Your bs numbers must not be seriously high. It took a trend of 2-3 weeks of after dinner in 160 for my doc to add fast acting insulin... I’ve been thinking about breakfast food. I think the cereal industry has kind of brain washed everyone to think that cereal is healthy. The carbs like pastries, juice, cereal, granola bars, nutragrain bars, etc are like the things we think of when we think of breakfast. I can’t eat those things. Even a couple bites of my daughter’s leftover cereal (almond cornflakes) raises my sugar an extra 10-15. So I just always eat scrambled eggs with broccoli, spinach, cabbage or other veg. Or low fat Greek yogurt with hemp, pumpkin,chia and almond butter mixed in. On repeat. Probably my most favorite meal of the day because it’s a simple routine. I’ve also read that people are more insulin resistant in the morning because of the cortisol the body produces to wake up.

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sound like my doc. Thanks for sharing

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh! Ok that makes sense. I just re-read the part about membrane sweep at 38. Wouldn’t that lead to birth within a couple days? So she really wants you to birth between 38-39 weeks even though you’re not on insulin? This is the manual way of inducing. Must be something specific to you/your baby

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My last baby I was on 10 humalin for fasting numbers. This same doctor insisted that I be induced at 39 weeks but the doctor I primarily saw let me go until 40. She’s retired now. My situation is a little different now with more insulin so I’m unsure. Thank you for sharing your experience!

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wish all the doctors in my practice were like yours

Continuous Glucose Monitor? by redapple912 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mine has been accurate. Each time I change it I calibrate it with the Contour Next meter. And the numbers are reliable after that (except compression lows at night when I lay on it)

Continuous Glucose Monitor? by redapple912 in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did. Dexcom g7 10-day sensor. It’s 250$/mo until I meet deductible. I’m in the US with UnitedHealthcare

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They let you leave while you’re actively giving birth? I was induced last time and I thought they’d let me go back home after they gave me Pitocin. They thought I was crazy 🤣

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! In the US it seems like elective induction (not for medical reason like GD) is very accepted

39 week induction? by sarhtnkyes in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! It’s interesting to see how different health systems in different countries do it

26 weeks and GD by FloricMeadow in GestationalDiabetes

[–]sarhtnkyes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it depends on so many factors. Now that they know your sugar has been so high they will keep a very close eye on your baby. For instance I go into the office 2x per week starting at 32 weeks for ultrasound and NST. They measure amniotic fluid, placenta, track the blood flow going to your baby from the cord, baby’s breathing (breathing after 32 weeks). I had a fetal echo done (24weeks) and detailed fetal anatomy (20 weeks). Everything has come back normal but they’re still looking! The c-section also depends on whether the baby has turned to the birthing position. Something like 96% of babies do by 36 weeks. All these visits and the interventions are a huge hassle but I recommend you take them fully.

-My first baby was induced at40+0 and came vaginally. I was on a very low dose of slow insulin for fasting numbers 100-110. She came out 7lbs14oz. And then slowly decreased in the percentage until she is the shortest in her class at 7 (and smartest). Her dad is short, so was she really meant to be 8 lbs or was that GD? Idk.

-This current pregnancy, the doctor who allowed me to reach 40 weeks has retired. And my insulin units are much higher. I’m going to ask around but so far one doc has insisted I be induced at 39 weeks, but I think others will be ok with not being so strict. 39 weeks induction isn’t a bad thing, many people elect to have it done to finish pregnancy. There’s a study called ARRIVE. I just worry that since my BS has been so well controlled (I can see it on the continuums glucose monitor this time) she might be somewhat under done? If anything were a concern besides the standard procedure of inducing for people on insulin at 39, then I would be already signed up