Gestational Diabetes

I was the same when I got diagnosed but it’s been about 5 weeks now and I’m in the swing of it! It’s all about trial and error, it’s ok to have a few high readings so you know what not to do in the future. I’m trying not to restrict too much but just massively cut back on sugary food really and taken some carbs away & replaced with salad etc. I find I can still have crisps and pizza!! But pairing the foods is important. So every meal I have protein fat and carb (ie meat veg and some type of carb). Keep trying out different things you like and see what works 🥰

Also snack wise, lots of full fat Greek yoghurt is good and pairing it with nuts and or fruit has been good. Nature valley protein bars and Nakd bars have been good too, but usually if I break them up and put them into the yoghurt. X

@Leanne the nature valley bars warmed up slightly and with a drizzle of double cream are just 👌

It's trial and error and everyone seems to be so different. I am very sensitive to carbs I'm literally having a quarter of the serving size in some cases as I was told by my diabetic team I was not allowed to cut it out entirely. I have had the same lunch everyday for a week and it's getting boring very quickly. I have found that I can't tolerate them at all in the morning but I can do a small amount in the evening so I go for carb free at breakfast just as much protein as possible and then I'm a little more flexible in the evenings. I have zero time for food shopping so I've been getting green chef boxes to give me some variety

I seem to be living on full English breakfasts (bacon, egg, sausage, either hash brown or 1 slice of wholemeal bread, mushroom and tomato). Or I may have for breakfast 1 slice of wholemeal toast with avocado and bacon on top, Greek yoghurt with grated dark chocolate and some fruit (there’s a 0% everything syrup you can add, I’m sure it’s called Skinny or something, that makes Greek yog taste much sweeter, twiglets (can’t tolerate other crisps that Iv tried), and a boat load of meat. Red meat like beef mince brings sugars way down so I have that in a wholemeal tortilla as a burrito style meal, or spaghetti bolognaise with wholemeal pasta. Caesar salad with croutons, Chicken with any veg, and potatoes (I can tolerate both sweet potatoes and normal but not all can….

@Leanne thank you! See since finding out I haven't even had a packet of crisps, I've been bloody to scared to!! I appreciate your response. I need to not be too hard else it'll drive me mad!

@Alana See I thought all bars like that would be too high in sugar, so I've avoided it, I've got a lot to learn!

@Holley Omg that's what I've been thinking, to get something delivered that specialises in a specific diet. Have you found the boxes have helped you stay on track?

@Jess Wow, thanks, Jess! I wouldn't mind having a full English breakfast 😋. Do you take your sugar level testing after the breakfast and how does it usually read? Thank you so much for your food inputs

@R 🪬 I've not had a problem with any of the recipes. You can have carbs or not it's up to you. Sometimes I add a tiny amount of rice of pasta just to give me something and the recipes are really nice. Just a bit different than endless rounds of salad

@R 🪬 my fasting before breakfast is always fine (around 4.2) then 1 Hour after breakfast is always my hardest meal. It seems I have slow release insulin issues as lunch is easier and dinner is easiest haha. Usually stays within 6.something though as long as I have enough protein for breakfast. I miss toast so I will often have cheese on 1 slice of wholemeal with marmite drizzle on top and then Greek yog with a bit of fruit but not lots (and the 0% syrup I mentioned) which keeps me in range for now. I often have full English stuff for lunch if I’m working from home and have time haha. Or I will add bacon and mushroom to wholemeal pasta with Philadelphia as the sauce and loaaaads of cheese and a side salad 👍 or omelettes! With absolutely anything in x

100% the same. My Consultant was lovely as I’ve stuck to the same meals as learnt what works but the one day my blood sugar shot high. So confusing! She was like hormones play a part aswell stop guilt tripping yourself. Why do we feel so guilty!

Highly recommend the glucose revolution book for great tips on how to manage

Also a walk right after you eat really helps with the glucose spikes! Greek yoghurt with berries and nut butter, eggs with avocado and halloumi and spinach has been a go to for a while with a slice of toasted sourdough and butter

@R 🪬 make sure its the protein ones. It's not all about sugar, it's carbs. Have a look at the gestational diabetes UK website they have some great snack ideas x

It’s just trial and error… I find sometimes I can get away with a takeaway or McDonald’s etc and other times something simple like chicken and veg will make me spike. Try not to restrict yourself too much… I find my breakfast and lunch are always higher than my dinner, I seem to be abele to tolerate more carbs in the evening but I’m never hungry by then 🤦🏻‍♀️

Have you seen the GDUK recipes and meal plans on their website? I’m vegetarian and don’t eat cheese so totally get feeling bored by the same meals and foods. I’ve now tried to do 2 differently weekly planners and rotate them. There’s also the GDUK fb group but there are very strict admin and rules on there…

https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk

@Holley absolutely, I just need variety else I tend to slop away, thank you 😊

@Jess What is annoying is my levels after my fasting before breakfast is higher.. usually around 5.4-5.6.. That's a brilliant idea of the full English, I work from home also so that could be handy. Thank you so much for your input ☺️

@Ishrat Thank you! How long are your walks after eating? I'm going to have avocado on toast soon actually (usually not to keen on avocado!)

@Alana Thank you so much Alana, much appreciated. I will do x

@Shona See I'm usually SO hungry during the evenings. Throughout the day my levels are fine. I'm struggling with how high they are before breakfast, I must not be producing enough insulin over night. It's funny what can make you spike! Thank you xx

@Nicole Thanks Nicole, I'll check that out. Do you find using the 2 different weekly planners more bareable now?

I’d say tolerable - it’s not very exciting and some days I feel fed up - but we keep going! trying to keep it in perspective and not feel too sorry for myself as baby’s health comes first. Some days are easier than others! We got this though 👍🏼