The Skinny on Gestational Diabetes

Say what? If you're confused, read this post.

Last week I had my nutritionist appointment to learn about what I can, and can not eat, with gestational diabetes. I also learned how to use a glucose monitor, oh what fun. The nutritionist was very informative and had lots of packets and handouts for me. The one I was most interested in was the break down of the day- how many grams of carbs I can eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with three snacks dispersed throughout the day. 

Anyone who is diagnosed with gestational diabetes will be given a chart like this. Your plan can differ, based on the results of your glucose test. I'm allowed 45 grams of carbs for each main meal. Veggies are always a free for all, except for corn and peas, which is also counted as a carb. Who knew? Fruit can be a bit more tricky and I have a booklet with almost everything you can imagine listed, telling me exactly how much one serving is. 

By the end of that appointment, which lasted about an hour, I was exhausted. Emotionally and mentally drained. I get wiped out after being given so much information. Does that happen to you? It was so overwhelming, even though I had already read and knew most of what the nutritionist was telling me, it was so different to hear it first hand. 

I have to check my blood sugar four times a day- in the morning when I wake up (fasting), two hours after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have a log book to keep track of my numbers. I've got the hang of it now and it's already become a part of my daily routine. Sure, it's annoying, and I have to keep an eye on the clock to make sure I don't miss the time. So far I've only done it at home, it freaks me out to think of doing it in a public place, even though I'm sure I'll have to eventually. 

My numbers have been good so far, at least, I think so? I have a chart that tells me where I should be and what I should not pass. Going out to eat is tricky, seeing as I have no idea how many grams are in one meal. But we don't go out often, so that's probably not going to be much of a problem. I have another doctor's appointment this week to look over my log book and I'm hoping to hear some good news!

This wasn't a very fun post, so if you stuck with me to read, thank you. I'm writing this all down more for memory sake than anything else, and if there is anyone else out there, pregnant, confused, and sad to learn they've been diagnosed too. It's not the end of the world! Challenging at first, yes, as anything new is. Once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad. Fingers crossed I get some good news at my appointment this week, I could use it!