Just got a call from a nurse from my OB's office that my Hemoglobin A1C levels are high and I will be treated as a patient with gestational diabetes. My result was 5.7 out of a standard range of 4.8 - 5.9.
Wow, I have to pick up a meter and meet with a nurse next week.
Any tips?!
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I don't really know much about that terminology but it seems strange to me that they would go right to treating you has having GD without additional testing since your number was in the normal range.
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@MamaMoose: That is what my husband says, he says I need to ask a lot of questions at the meeting!
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I agree, i would ask more questions and maybe request additional tests. Seems pretty drastic to me, but then again im no doc.
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I thought my doc went over the top with my gestational diabetes stuff, so I switched to one that agreed with me that I didn't have it
My numbers were low except for my fasting # which was borderline, and my old doc used crazy-low numbers to define it, and my new doc uses normal numbers. These 2 articles were also super-helpful:
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gdhgoer.html
http://www.ivillage.com/gestational-diabetes-common-sense-approach/6-a-129188 -
@kstr: Thanks! I will check these out!
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@autumnlove: As somebody who is a diabetic, not just GD, it seems odd that they would stress at that point. 5.7 is on the higher end of normal, but not outrageously high. 6.0 is considered the baseline for diabetic. They may be concerned that you are so close and will want you to monitor your fastings and a few postprandial readings (after meals) as well as add in some diet changes and more exercise.
As a prego with diabetes, if you have any questions, please let me know. I've gotten pretty good about food choices, balancing sugars, etc. Bear in mind that while sugar is what most people are "afraid" of in regards to GD, it's actually carbs that will get you. Switch to whole grain and limit carbs because carbs turn to sugar in your system. Also, anything ending in "-ose" is a form of sugar. This includes fructose (sugar from fruit), lactose (milk sugar), and glucose (sugar sugar). Be careful of sugar alcohols as a substitute as those can also raise your sugar levels and also lead to diarrhea. Moderation is key.
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@MaisyMay: I am so freaked out right now! I thought I was in decent shape (5'2" and 127)but since having my first LO, I haven't been exercising on a consistent basis! I am hoping I can get my levels lower with more exercise and better eating.
They told me I need to pick up a glucose monitor at the pharmacy for my nurse visit next Friday. They will walk me through the steps of testing, etc.
I will definitely message you if I have any questions! Thanks Maisymay!
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@autumnlove: Testing isn't a big deal. I test 4 times a day, and yeah, sometimes it does hurt, but most of the time it's okay. If you want to lower levels after eating, go for a 15-30 minute walk. It makes a huge difference.
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I had to do a similar thing, I didn't fail the three hour glucose test, but my doc didn't like something (I don't remember what, this was in January). So, she said I needed to come in AGAIN for a three hour glucose test, one week later. I said NO WAY! My levels were normal and I couldn't take the time off of work, so I just said I would monitor my blood sugar.
It wasn't too bad. I had to take my blood sugar four times a day, and keep a food diary. You just need to stay away from carbs (bread and sugar), but that still leaves some tasty food (I rediscovered my love for peanut butter!). I bought a glucose monitor from Target, it was the Up and Up brand. I wanted something CHEAP, because I was so mad I had to do it at all. But, that worked fine. And, this has nothing to do with how in shape you are, I thought the same thing.
Good luck! -
@autumnlove: hello love!!! I saw your posts on my GD series... I'm so sorry you failed your test! But I am here to say, have no fear... really, it is NOT that bad. Testing is NO big deal (especially if you realize your meter has a scale... I was testing myself on the highest number, which hurt like a b!tch!! until I realized I could turn it down!!!) and it becomes kind of a game of "what can I eat without spiking?". I like to drink chocolate protein shakes before meals that I thought would make me spike, and/or take a long walk afterwards. The walk would ALWAYS bring my levels way down. I was very borderline, but I know these two tips would definitely help anyone. Plus, the fellow GD and diabetics on the HB boards helped SO much. Reach out! We are here for you!!!! If I can last through something as food-related as this, ANYONE can, trust me
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@mrs. wagon: thanks! I'm nervous since it is soo early in my pregnancy..7ish weeks! I hope I can maintain stellar eating and exercise habits for the next 30 something weeks!
Choco protein shakes sound kinda good!
My numbers were low except for my fasting # which was borderline, and my old doc used crazy-low numbers to define it, and my new doc uses normal numbers. 
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