Healthy Blood Sugar Levels For Pregnant Women
Diabetes that begins during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. This condition affects 5 to 9 percent of all pregnancies in the United States, and it is becoming more common, according to a July 2009 article in "American Family Physician." Pregnancy also aggravates preexisting type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels that are consistently too high during pregnancy can cause problems for both mother and infant. Video of the Day Diabetes during pregnancy increases the likelihood of congenital malformations, or birth defects, in infants, particularly if your blood glucose is poorly controlled for the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. High blood sugars also contribute to excessive fetal growth, which makes labor and delivery difficult and increases the likelihood of infant fractures or nerve injuries. Large infants are more likely to be delivered via cesarean section. Newborns of diabetic mothers are at risk for respiratory distress, jaundice and dangerously low blood calcium or glucose levels. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when your blood sugars exceed specified levels following two glucose tolerance tests. The first test, usually performed between the 24th and 28th week of your pregnancy, involves drinking 50 g of a sugar solution and checking your blood glucose one hour later. If your level is above 130 mg/dL, your doctor will probably order a second glucose tolerance test that measures your blood glucose when you are fasting and then each hour for 2 to 3 hours after the test. A fasting glucose higher than 95 mg/dL, a one-hour level above 180 mg/dL, a two-hour level over 155 mg/dL or a three-hour measurement over 140 mg/dL is diagnostic of gestational diabetes. For pregnant women without diabetes, average fasting glucose levels vary between 69 mg/dL and 75 mg/ Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Pregnancy
Key Messages Pregestational Diabetes All women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes should receive preconception care to optimize glycemic control, assess complications, review medications and begin folate supplementation. Care by an interdisciplinary diabetes healthcare team composed of diabetes nurse educators, dietitians, obstetricians and diabetologists, both prior to conception and during pregnancy, has been shown to minimize maternal and fetal risks in women with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus The diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remain controversial; however, the committee has chosen a preferred approach and an alternate approach. The preferred approach is to begin with a 50 g glucose challenge test and, if appropriate, proceed with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, making the diagnosis of GDM if ≥1 value is abnormal (fasting ≥5.3 mmol/L, 1 hour ≥10.6 mmol/L, 2 hours ≥9.0 mmol/L). The alternate approach is a 1-step approach of a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, making the diagnosis of GDM if ≥1 value is abnormal (fasting ≥5.1 mmol/L, 1 hour ≥10.0 mmol/L, 2 hours ≥8.5 mmol/L). Untreated GDM leads to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity, while treatment is associated with outcomes similar to control populations. Introduction This chapter discusses pregnancy in both pre-existing diabetes (pregestational diabetes) as well as gestational diabetes (GDM; diabetes diagnosed in pregnancy). Some of the management principles are common to both types of diabetes. These recommendations have been created in collaboration with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). Glucose Levels in Pregnancy Elevated glucose levels have adverse effects on the fetus throu Continue reading >>
I Failed The One Hour Glucose Test / Gd Test. Third Pregnancy! What Gives?
I failed the one hour glucose test / GD test. Third pregnancy! What gives? Subject: I failed the one hour glucose test / GD test. Third pregnancy! What gives? I haven't seen a recent thread on this, so I wanted to get some more recent accounts on doing these tests. Firstly, if you were given abnormal results for the one hour test, what was your level? And did you 'pass' the three hour tests? (Any surprises there?) My first two pregnancies gave me high but still without normal range levels. This time I tested at 141, and I think the cut-off was 130/135. I will have to do the three hour test soon. Any tips on how to survive the three hour test? I can't imagine feeling great without eating anything the morning of the test, especially since I still throw most mornings until I get some food in me (which I understand is shunned for fear of screwing up the test results). Subject: I failed the one hour glucose test / GD test. Third pregnancy! What gives? I am in your same position. I scored 141 on my 1 hour test last week, and will go back in next Thursday for the 3 hour. I think (hope?) my numbers were screwed up because I didn't take the 1 hour until 3:30 pm, so I had eaten all day beforehand. I'm hoping that fasting lowers my numbers enough. I suck at giving blood though. They've had to prick both arms multiple times everytime they need a vial, so I'm not looking forward to doing that 4 times in 3 hours... I am in your same position. I scored 141 on my 1 hour test last week, and will go back in next Thursday for the 3 hour. I think (hope?) my numbers were screwed up because I didn't take the 1 hour until 3:30 pm, so I had eaten all day beforehand. I'm hoping that fasting lowers my numbers enough. I suck at giving blood though. They've had to prick both arms mu Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose Normal Range Pregnancy - Medhelp
Common Questions and Answers about Blood glucose normal range pregnancy Upon waking 821 hour before lunch 842 hours after lunch 771 hour before supper 68 645pm854pm 92940pm 79Just wondering if these seem right my blood glucose never has been over 101 but i feel shaky,anxiety,moody,heart papls,ect 42 yo female thank you Shows that my glucose is normal , but my insulin is high. I've never had issues with this and the nurse told me "there's a first time for everything"...which didn't sit well with me, but that's beside the point. They told me I have to exercise more, eat healthier (which isn't a problem, because my husband is a Type I diabetic, so we eat healthy), and start taking Glucophage (Generic Name: Metformin). Had about 10 viles of blood taken which I gather is normal the first time. They also had be do an hour blood glucose test done which I thought was done later in pregnancy . So today I had to go for a 3 hr test sinces yesterday my number was 141 and they wanted me to be under 135. Anyone that can shed some light on this would be wonderful. 100 is in fact in the normal range you should be fine on your blood sugars. I would check your fasting blood sugar if you are concerned. I have type 2 diabetes and was insulin dependant with both of my pregnancies. I did one at 6 weeks and failed it miserably. They did it that soon because diabetes runs in my family and they wanted to make sure I wasn't already diabetic. I just did my gestational diabetes test and my results were "Glucose within normal range."Turns out the first Dr I went to did the test wrong, didn't have me fast nor did they check my glucose before having me drink that nasty stuff. As a type 1 diabetic for 34 years, I can tell you that different doctors will give different ranges as perfect levels to aim Continue reading >>
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Gestational Diabetes Test: Take One
Update: since publishing this post, I have had two beautiful, healthy baby girls. I share my experience for anyone wondering what happens if they, too, fail their first gestational diabetes glucose screening. At my 28 week appointment during pregnancy #1, it was time for my gestational diabetes test. The test involves drinking a sugary drink with 50g of glucose, then having your blood drawn 1 hour later to check your blood sugar level. Guess what. I failed my gestational diabetes test. Let me tell you the whole story… I was given the glucose drink at my last appointment and told to drink it 45 minutes before my appointment. My doctor told me to eat normally prior to drinking the substance, but don’t have anything afterwards. I had heard from numerous sources (friends, blogs, online, etc) that eating before the 1-hour test usually results in a failed test. But my appointment wasn’t until 2pm, so not eating wasn’t an option for me, and I followed my doctor’s advice to eat normally. The night before the test, I met friends at Cantina 1511. I ate some chips, salsa and guacamole, along with a chopped salad. The morning of the test, I made myself a protein-heavy omelet of 1 egg, 2 egg whites and veggies, hoping I wouldn’t need to eat again before the appointment. I also couldn’t resist my morning cup of decaf and 1 Tbsp of Breve Cream (straight sugar… should I have resisted? Maybe?) I went for a light 20-minute stroll with Koda and decided not to to do a full workout because I hadn’t asked the doc about exercise. By 11:45am, I was starving. I knew I wouldn’t make it until 2:00, so I caved and, like the doctor said, ate normally. Spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, hummus and Annie’s dressing. I know the veggies made it carby, but again, the docto Continue reading >>
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Need Urgent Help With Gestational Diabetes Levels ( In 37th Week)
Need urgent help with gestational diabetes levels ( in 37th week) I was diagnosed of gestational diabetes during 29 week. I wasn’t able to see dietician until 32 week ( that’s when I actually started good diet control). Last 4 weeks I did my best effort to control the numbers but they are still high at times. Dietician is suggesting medicine though she says med has few risk\side effects too. I just had a growth scan done where baby is rt now 6lbs 6oz with 36.4 weeks age. If you see my glucose numbers below, at times they still come high. Doc says it will only get worse if everyday all 4 numbers aren’t good. I want a healthy baby with natural delivery and also very less risk of me getting diabetes after delivery. What should be my best bet – try more to control the numbers (not sure if its already late as I am in 37th week) or take medicine ?. Also if someone can also tell me Pros and Cons of either option What best I can do to keep levels low ? - I am walking after meals, taking more protein etc My Glucose Levels are like - 5/8/15 – 92 (Lunch), 123 (Dinner) 5/9/15- 150 (Breakfast),158 (Lunch) 5/10/15- 71 (Fasting),124 (Breakfast),141 (Lunch),132 (Dinner) 5/11/15- 116 (Lunch),96 (Dinner) 5/12/15- 131 (Breakfast),126 (Lunch),99 (Dinner) 5/14/15- 124 (Breakfast),121 (Lunch),135 (Dinner) 5/16/15- 71 (Fasting),110 (Breakfast),151 (Lunch),122 (Dinner) 5/17/15- 141 (Breakfast) My Basic Diet is Breakfast is usually a slice of bread with egg or peanut butter Lunch is usually some vegetable with wheat tortilla, cottage cheese Dinner is usually wheat tortilla with chicken, cottage cheese Snacks is usually few wheat crackers with steamed tofu or nuts I don't have gd and you eat a ton more carbs than I do... you are having bread at every meal. your carbs would be better i Continue reading >>
Diagnosis Of Diabetes
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. Normally, after a meal, the body breaks food down into glucose, which the blood carries to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy. People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. Main types of Diabetes The two main types of diabetes are called type 1 and type 2. A third form of diabetes is called gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults. In this form of diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed the pancreatic cells specialized to make insulin. These insulin-producing cells are called beta cells. Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. As a result, the body needs more insulin to help glucose enter cells to be used for energy. At first, the pancreas keeps up wit Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Level Ranges
Understanding blood glucose level ranges is key to both diabetes diagnosis and diabetes self-management. This page states 'normal' blood sugar ranges and blood sugar ranges for adults and children with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and blood sugar ranges to determine people with diabetes. If a person with diabetes has a meter, test strips and is testing, it's important to know what the blood glucose level means. Recommended blood glucose levels have a degree of interpretation for every individual and you should discuss this with your healthcare team. In addition, women may be set target blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The following ranges are guidelines provided by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) but each individual’s target range should be agreed by their doctor or diabetic consultant. Recommended target blood glucose level ranges The NICE recommended target blood glucose levels are stated below alongside the International Diabetes Federation's target ranges for people without diabetes. NICE recommended target blood glucose level ranges Target Levels by Type Before meals (pre prandial) 2 hours after meals (post prandial) Non-diabetic 4.0 to 5.9 mmol/L under 7.8 mmol/L Type 2 diabetes 4 to 7 mmol/L under 8.5 mmol/L Type 1 diabetes 4 to 7 mmol/L under 9 mmol/L Children w/ type 1 diabetes 4 to 8 mmol/L under 10 mmol/L NB: There are differening opinions about the ideal blood glucose level range. You should discuss your own individual needs with your healthcare team. For people with diabetes, blood sugar level targets are as follows: Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes After meals: under 9 mmol/L for people with type 1 and 8.5mmol/L for people with type 2 As is visible from the NICE targets, children with typ Continue reading >>
Are My Numbers Really That Bad?
Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today to contribute and support the site. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago at 26 weeks. I saw my doctor today and she said that I need to get my numbers under control. Right now the goals for my numbers are: 70-95 before eating AM, 70-120 2 hrs after breakfast, 2 hrs after lunch and 2 hrs after dinner. I just did the math and only 25% of my numbers are outside of the parameters, the highest numbers being 163, 141, 139, & 138 2 hours after meals and 113, 105, 102 & 101 before eating in the morning. The dr. acted as though my numbers were way off and need to be controlled better. I told her that for the most part I'm getting numbers within the desired range and I'm no longer eating the foods that caused the higher numbers to occur. My main question is this, will the occasional high number (1 out of 4) really be detrimental to the baby? When I see a high number I am walking for 10-15 minutes (when I can) and it drops it down within range immediately. The reason I am asking this rather than just trusting my dr. is that when I gave her my chart she asked me what range the dietitian wanted me to be in and I showed it to her on the chart. She seemed to get all flustered and embarrassed that she didn't know it was on there. I just got the impression that she didn't know exactly what she was talking about. Any guidance on this would be GREATLY appreciated! This is my first baby and I've never even been close to diabetic so it's new for me all around. Any meal suggestions that have helped you all keep your numbers under control?. Also, any absolute no no foods (other than cereal, candy, sweets & pizza, which I already k Continue reading >>
How Do You Find Out If You Have Diabetes?
The results of a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test can tell if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes. Your blood glucose (sugar) will be measured and analyzed with standard numbers for each test. Whichever test is used, two or more test results are needed on different days for a diagnosis. The Fasting Plasma Glucose Test is the preferred test for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. You will fast overnight -- don't eat anything for at least eight hours. The next morning your doctor will draw blood from a vein and send your blood sample to a laboratory to test how much glucose (sugar) is in your blood. It is best to have this test done in the morning because afternoon results tend to be lower. Read the latest news about this test. Here's what the test results can mean: A normal glucose level is 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or below. A pre-diabetes level is between 110 mg per dl and 125 mg per dl, sometimes called impaired fasting glucose(IFG). This range is between normal and having diabetes. A diabetic level is 126 mg/dl or higher. An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) may be done by your doctor to test for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. After you don't eat for 8-12 hours, your doctor will test the sugar in your blood. Then you will drink a liquid rich in sugar (glucose) dissolved in water. Over the next few hours, your doctor will test the sugar in your blood again and check your numbers against standard numbers. Here's what the test results can mean: A normal glucose level will be less than 140 mg/dl. A pre-diabetes level is between 141 mg/dl and 199 mg/dl, sometimes called impaired glucose tolerance(IGT). A diabetic level is 200 mg/dl or more. If you are a pregnant woman being tested for gestational diabetes, Continue reading >>
Diagnosis Of Diabetes
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy. People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. Types of Diabetes The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form. People can develop it at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. Gestational diabetes develops in some women during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually Continue reading >>
Don’t Eat The Cucumber And Other Helpful Tips For The Gestational Diabetes Tests
This is not my first rodeo. Three pregnancies in four years and you’d think I could walk through the pre-natal care routine backwards with my eyes closed, but no. No, I made some rookie mistakes last week and I want to share them so that a) you don’t do the same thing b) I remember for the next time, if there is one. Just writing the words “next time” right now makes me want to curl up in the fetal position and find a corner to rock in. But I digress. The one-hour gestational diabetes glucose test: It has a reputation that precedes it, and any formerly pregnant woman anywhere will strike up conversation about that blessed orange drink. First of all, the drink for this test is not as bad as lore makes it out to be. (Isn’t that true of so many things in pregnancy and birth? Hype does not equal reality.) I remember being pleasantly surprised during my first pregnancy to discover that it is carbonated and pretty much tastes like Orange Crush soda. Even for a non-pop drinker, I don’t think it is as much of a shock to the system as we preggos like to yack about. For those who don’t know, you drink the soda, wait for an hour, and then they draw a vile of blood and test your blood sugar level. If it is lower than 140, you pass. Higher, you fail. The one-hour test has no official dietary guidelines except eating nothing between the glucose drink and your blood draw. Most practices and online pregnancy forums will tell you to watch your sugar and carb intake the day of the test, and to stick to a lot of protein. My appointment for the one-hour test was Monday at 2:40 (rookie mistake number one). I had eggs for breakfast, a no-tortilla Chipotle burrito bowl for lunch, and cucumber slices for an afternoon snack before leaving for my midwife’s office (rookie mistake Continue reading >>
I Failed The Glucola
Last week, I left you hanging about the results of my glucola. One of my readers emailed me: “Damn cliff hanger!! I want to know your results. Lol. This is why I binge watch tv shows after the whole season is out. The suspense is killing me.” Who knew a glucose tolerance test could be described as “suspenseful?!” (other than me, of course…) I was certainly curious to get the results of my test. When the lab technician said they could run the analysis in office, I decided to stick around for a few extra minutes. (Plus, I just had to finish the riveting article I was reading in Alaska Sporting Magazine…) I was sure I had passed, so when the lab tech said: “You should have studied better.” I knew he was joking. But he wasn’t. I got a 141. Passing is <140. I was kind of shocked. I failed the glucola. Now what? Now, the 1-hour, 50 gram glucola is NOT diagnostic of gestational diabetes on its own. It is a screening test to identify those at “high risk” and determine who should get further testing. He said my next step was to come back again for the 3-hour test. Of course, since I specialize in gestational diabetes, I knew all that. I had already discussed testing options with my doctor and had decided that regardless of the results of the 1-hour, 50g screening that I would check my blood sugar at home with a glucometer for 2 weeks just for my own knowledge. In fact, I already had my prescription for blood sugar testing supplies in hand before I drank the glucola. Still, I walked out of the office feeling like a failure. How could I not feel that way? The official medical terminology is “passing” or “failing.” I cursed under my breath as I made my way to the car. A million thoughts raced through my head: Should I have opted out of the dumb test an Continue reading >>
Pregnancy Hyperglycemia And Risk Of Prenatal And Postpartum Depressive Symptoms
Pregnancy Hyperglycemia and Risk of Prenatal and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms We are experimenting with display styles that make it easier to read articles in PMC. The ePub format uses eBook readers, which have several "ease of reading" features already built in. The ePub format is best viewed in the iBooks reader. You may notice problems with the display of certain parts of an article in other eReaders. Generating an ePub file may take a long time, please be patient. Pregnancy Hyperglycemia and Risk of Prenatal and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Tianyi Huang, Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman, [...], and Tamarra James-Todd Glucose dysregulation in pregnancy may affect maternal depressive symptoms during the prenatal and postpartum periods via both physiologic and psychological pathways. During mid-pregnancy, a combination of 50-gram 1-h non-fasting glucose challenge test (GCT) and 100-gram 3-h fasting oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to determine pregnancy glycemic status among women participating in Project Viva: normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated hyperglycemia (IHG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), we assessed depressive symptoms at mid-pregnancy and again at 6 months postpartum. We used logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors, to estimate the risk of elevated prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 13 on 0–30 scale) in relation to GCT glucose levels and GDM status in separate models. 9.6% of women showed prenatal and 8.4% postpartum depressive symptoms. Women with higher GCT glucose levels were at greater odds of elevated prenatal depressive symptoms (multivariable-adjusted OR per SD increase in gl Continue reading >>
When To Test Blood Sugar In Type 2
One of the topics that comes up a lot in the email I get from visitors to my What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes web site is the question of when is the best time to test your blood sugar. A lot of doctors still tell people with Type 2 to test first thing in the morning and before meals. That was what I was told at diagnosis in 1998. People who test using this schedule may tell you their blood sugar is usually 120 mg/dl, which sounds pretty good, except that since this is a fasting number it usually hides the information that the person's blood sugar maybe going to 250 mg/dl or higher after every meal. Research has shown that for people with Type 2 diabetes--especially those who have been diagnosed recently and still retain some beta cell function--it is the high spikes after meals that contribute most heavily to raising the A1c and causing complications. If you only test your fasting blood sugar, you will not know anything about how high your blood sugar is spiking after meals, so you won't know which foods are toxic to you because they cause dangerous spikes. If you are like most people with Type 2 your access to the very expensive blood sugar testing strips is limited. You may have to pay for strips yourself or your insurance may pay for a single box each month. That means that you need to use each strip as efficiently as possible. Here are some strategies that you can use to get the information out of your blood tests that will let you drop your A1c back into the healthy zone. Keep a written log that matches what you eat with the test result you get. Even though your meter may keep a list of your readings, these readings are meaningless unless you know what food you ate that resulted in each particular reading. If you write down what portion size of which food y Continue reading >>
