Missing Cakes. Learning more about gestational diabetes

  
I’ve now been official diabetic (of the gestational variety) for 3 weeks now and I’m really starting to miss cakes.  It doesn’t really help its Ramadan and coming from a massive family and friends circle of bakers we are being given desserts like the delicious looking cupcakes above, very bery regularly.

I’m not sure I ever realised the different challenges the different types of diabetes brings.  Having some people in the family with Type 2 I’ve always known the basics; glucose levels must be within a certain range and it can be controlled by diet, tablets or insulin.   Type 1 is a lot more difficult and has its own challenges, peaks and troughs and it’s a much longer journey to master. 

What I’ve learnt about gestational diabetes in the last few weeks is that the thresholds are slightly stricter as the baby is taking nutrients from you.  So blood test monitoring has to be done before food and an hour after food, first thing in the morning and last thing at night.  I have 5 daily ones to do and it’s fair to say its still very much trial and error.  What can work fine food wise one day doesn’t always the next and some days a “bad” breakfast can set up the whole day to be annoyingly high.

I’ve learnt keeping portions small and filling up with “good” snacks works much better than 3 big meals.  It does mean I am consuming pretty basic food and I feel a bit sorry for this baby getting mundane tastes as a result whilst Z was treated to gourmet feasts around the clock.   But then the alternative is to throw total caution to the wind and eat whatever the hell I like. Thats not an option when it’s likely to make the baby suffer so we go on with the boring good foods for a little while longer.   

The advice from other sufferers has been a bit of a lifeline.  Hearing about the journey of others and their tips has really helped shaped my new diet and whilst you really do have to remember that everyone is different, you sometimes discover something else you can add to your safe foods list. 

I’ve learnt most fruits are actually ok as long as you don’t go overboard.  I went overboard with watermelon this week. Must definitely not do that again.  Carbs can tip you over the edge, especially when you’re trying to guesstimate how much your shop bought lunch weighs just by looking at it.   I didn’t appreciate the strong connection of carbs with diabetes.   Surprisingly, chips, pasta and rice seem to be ok for me.  Bread is the killer. Which means toast is on ration. 

I’ve discovered over the last couple of weeks that my glucose tolerance is much better in the evening and I can even have ONE glorious bite of cake.   So I continue to plug the husband with treats and gratefully accept all the cupcakes that come through our door.  I’m also mentally making a list of all the foods that I’m going to consume once the baby has arrived and I’m tested postnatally.  I may possibly dive head first into a whole freezer of chocolate feast ice lollies.  

(Week 2 of Project 52)

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46 thoughts on “Missing Cakes. Learning more about gestational diabetes”

  1. Your doing so well and have so much to learn in such a short time. Diabetes is such a complex creature and never seems to do what you think it will do. Keep up your hard work and look forward to cake :0) xxx

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  2. I feel for you I really do because I know how much food I ate during all of my pregnancies and it must be hard being so careful. You are doing a brilliant job though by the sounds of things and yes I think you should seriously spoil your self once the baby has been born.
    Nikki Thomas recently posted…Granny’s BirthdayMy Profile

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  4. Glad to see you’re adjusting well now and learning what you can and can’t get away with. Things are so much tougher with GD but I think it’s important to allow yourself the occasional treat as long as you’re staying within safe limits. Complete denial doesn’t necessarily do anyone any favours. Keep going – you’re doing great!
    Tim recently posted…My Sunday Photo: How much is that dolly in the window?My Profile

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  9. It’s not for too long, you can do it! Though it must be killer when you’re being plied with cupcakes – could you freeze some to eat after the baby arrives?
    Carie recently posted…Elma in JulyMy Profile

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    1. Thank you Laura. I technically have to wait for two months after the baby is born but I’ll feel less stricter on myself i think and hopefully my thresholds will be a bit more lenient.
      Notmyyearoff recently posted…CelebrationsMy Profile

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  16. Ooh yum, a Feast. I can understand that craving for post natal eating.

    Must be so hard having to restrict your food types. I’d never thought about the carb impact on diabetes – interesting to know. Guess it’s because of the hidden sugars? Hope you find some more variety and interest in the rest of your pregnancy.
    Emma T recently posted…The perfect blog photo. Does it really exist?My Profile

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