BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Diabetes Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes...Venting Here!

I am 34 weeks pregnant with a little girl. I found out about a month ago that I have gestational diabetes and probably had Type 2 diabetes (undiagnosed of course) before I was pregnant. I feel Jeannette's pain when it comes to trying to find something to eat that doesn't send my blood sugar soaring. The problem I am having is portion sizes. I know they want you to be full off of a 3 oz. piece of chicken and 4 small broccoli sprouts but COME ON! Who eats this [censored] while you are pregnant? Who eats it when you are not pregnant??? They do not realize that being overweight is what got us here in the first place and although we have diabetes now, it does not change the size of our stomachs. I've tried everything to change my diet but I'm so freaking hungry that I would eat dirt right about now if it would fill me up. I am also on insulin shots 3+ times a day and checking my levels at least 5 times a day. In case you did not know...insulin makes you even hungrier than you were before. This has got to be the most frustrating disease and for those of you that have just been diagnosed, have you noticed that everyone trying to help you is a health nut??? They assume I was snacking on oats and grass before I got this disease and should keep on eating those things. I was eating chocolate like there was no tomorrow and large steaks with butter on them....and I was loving it! But I know my habits have to change but it's so frustrating that people assume this will happen overnight. There is no diet set in stone for diabetics with Type 2...it's like they really don't know what happens to a diabetic when they eat a certain food. After all, all of our bodies are different and they are effected differently from each food. I wish there were just some person or diet out there that would give me a "what to eat" and "how much to eat" and "when to eat it" manual...but there isn't. Another annoying factor that is thrown on me is my doctors (both PCP, diabetes, and OB) love to scare the [censored] out of me and say "well, you MUST keep your sugars below 120 after you eat or you might lose baby". I'm already frustrated enough...now I'm going to lose my baby when I have a reading of 121??? Another fact (in case you didn't know), high stress will cause your levels to rise (it is also not good for the baby). I just want to have a healthy baby and take care of myself...without feeling guilty for enjoying a piece of bread. Does anyone else feel this way???

I totally understand your frustration and fear. Being pregnant is scary enough and then to have a serious health issue on top of that is awful. Vent and vent some more if it helps, then take care of yourself and your baby.

After delivery, I suggest you look into South Beach or Atkins as both have had success with lowering blood sugar since they limit carbs which is what makes your blood sugar go up. And, cutting out refined carbohydrates like sugar, white bread, potatoes and rice and anything made with flour can lower your blood sugar pretty quickly.

Now, I'd stick with a good plan. Have your doctors referred you to a registered dietician? Sometimes they can help you find meal plans you like.

This link has a sample meal plan:

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Hmmmm, I never was told that if I didnt keep sugars under control that I would lose my baby. I was told however that high glucose levels would result in a large baby.

In 1989 I had a 10lbs,15oz baby. I had been checked for diabetes when they normally check for that. I must have passed for no one ever said anything. This baby was born with broken clavicals and my pelvic bone was cracked in the process. His first apgar was a 3. I thought he was dead. You dont want to have a big baby. The third trimester is when the baby puts on weight. It is extremely important that you watch your levels at this time. Having gestational diabetes also increases the risk of your baby developing diabetes later in life. My son is now 18, 6'3 about 210 lbs, and just enlisted into the Army.

In 1993, I was diagnosed at 7 weeks preg with gestational diabetes. I began insulin, followed the diet, lost 60 lbs while preg and had a healthy normal weight baby. Three yrs after that I was diagnosed type 2. I began back on insulin just this past week. I too, am starving all of the time, lol. It is so hard not to just eat anything that you want and eat any time that you want. I dont know how I did it during my last preg. It seemed so easy.

Please try to keep your numbers down. You dont have that much longer to go. Pushing out a big baby isnt a lot of fun. If the baby gets too big you might have to have a C-section. I couldnt at that time due to a medical condtion.

I wish you and your baby well.

Hi there. Just wanted to say to take things one day at a time. Do the best you can each day and eventually things will improve. Enjoy your slice of bread- but make it one not two or three. That is easier said than done but you'll manage. Just remember to take care of yourself.