Using diet and exercise to balance my blood sugars and keep my baby safe
My diagnosis
I was 27 weeks along when I had my appointment for my 1-hour glucose test to screen for gestational diabetes.
I have always struggled with hypoglycemia (aka low blood sugar issues), and my former provider told me I would likely never develop gestational diabetes because of this.
Yet, I still went into my appointment feeling nervous. I chugged that nasty red drink, which tasted just like the juice in a bottle of maraschino cherries, and headed in for my appointment. As you can imagine, ingesting that amount of sugar could give anyone a stomach ache - but with a strange shakiness within my body, I wondered - was this nerves, or was my body acting differently than it did my first time around with this test?
While on a work call the next morning, I stepped away to take a phone call from my doctor's office - I HAD FAILED MY GLUCOSE TEST. They asked me to come to the lab the next morning, a Thursday, for an extended 3-4 hour test.
While there, they took an initial fasting blood draw. I drank a lemon-lime flavored glucose drink with TWICE the amount of sugar contained in the first bottle I tested with. Then, for the next three hours, they took a blood and urine sample at the top of each hour to measure my glucose levels.
The phlebotomist informed me that the lab doctor would be out of the office until Monday, and that I would likely get my results back on Monday.
After (barely) surviving my anxiety through the weekend, I called my doctor's office when I hadn't heard by 3 p.m. He was out of the office! I had to wait another day.
Tuesday morning came, and again, while on a work call, a call came through from my doctor's office. With no time wasted, they informed me that I failed my extended glucose test, and that I HAVE GESTATIONAL DIABETES.
The words just rang through my brain. How could I have gestational diabetes? I had abs until I was pregnant, and continued with a healthy lifestyle every day - I cook healthy foods and exercise every day.
Meeting with my gestational diabetes counselor
I was quickly scheduled to meet with a gestational diabetes counselor the next day. Upon meeting with her, she quickly eased my worries - gestational diabetes is controlled by the placenta - which is made of the baby's DNA. They don't always know why certain mothers develop gestational diabetes. But what they do know is how to provide guidance on managing the diagnosis to keep the mom and baby safe.
We went over diet and exercise, and set my carb and protein goals for each day. I was expecting to hear that I would need to cut out nearly all carbs - I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was not the case at all! I actually worried I wouldn't be able to hit the carb suggestion for each meal - 45 g of carbs.
Each meal, I have a goal to stay between 25-35 grams of carbs, and 25-30 grams of protein. If I feel like I need extra energy, I can add extra carbs to each meal, up to 45 grams of carbs per meal.
She then pulled out a glucose monitor and a lancing device - she was walking me through measuring my blood sugars 4 times a day. I was TERRIFIED of the lancing device - but, with all the love for my growing baby boy, I dedicated myself in that moment to do whatever it would take to keep him healthy and strong.
Finding joy in my gestational diabetes journey
Although I was quite disappointed to learn of my gestational diabetes diagnosis at first, I have come to terms with it, and have dedicated myself to learning as much as I can along the way to enjoy the last 12 weeks of my pregnancy and keep my baby safe.
Through research, I am learning more about this condition - I am also constantly exploring new ideas for low-carb, high-protein snacks and recipes to fuel my body. Exercise continues to be my happy medicine, and a way to help maintain healthy insulin levels within my body. I pray that what I learn about my journey with gestational diabetes can help ease the burden for someone else who felt equally as disappointed by their diagnosis.
What causes gestational diabetes mellitus?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from using insulin effectively. Glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells.
Although the cause of GDM is not known, there are some theories as to why the condition occurs.
The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, and also produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy. Some of these hormones (estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen) can have a blocking effect on insulin. This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
As the placenta grows, more of these hormones are produced, and the risk of insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally, the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when the production of insulin is not enough to overcome the effect of the placental hormones, gestational diabetes results.
I am not a medical professional, and suggest each woman diagnosed with gestational diabetes works with a qualified nutritionist to meet her goals. My goal is simply to share my journey and what is working for me as I live with gestational diabetes.
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