Managing Gestational Diabetes

Today was CF clinic as well as a prenatal check-up.

I found out a water birth is not an option :( this is very sad news because this was how I always envisioned giving birth.

If I can manage my gestational diabetes without insulin I will not have to be induced at 38 weeks! this is my goal and I have taken steps towards achieving that goal.

My levels from the glucose tolerance test (75 g)

Results:                                            
Fasting      4.3                                  
1 hr          13.1*                              
2 hr          8.6

Reference
Fasting    >5.3
1 hr         >10.6
2 hr         >8.9

So again I only failed my 1 hr and passed the 2 hr but supposedly they ALL have to be normal to pass so therefore I am officially diagnosed with gestational diabetes. My OB has set up an appointment for me with an endocrinologist next thursday, CF clinic also wants me to see the Diabetes Education Clinic ASAP. I'm just trying to schedule all these city appointments together so we don't have to spend a fortune on gas.

Managing GD
3 low GI meals and 3 snacks a day, walking 15 after each meal, chia seeds, hemp protein powder, taking blood sugar levels and exercising.

Chia Seed Info:

Chia seeds are said to have:

• 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,
• 5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that
• helps transfer calcium into your bones,
• 2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,
• 3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
• 3 times more iron than spinach
• copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids...

Sugar Absorption
Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular. 

Chia is reported to be beneficial for a vast range of issues, for example:

• weight loss/balance
• thyroid conditions
• hypo-glycaemia
• diabetes
• IBS
• celiac disease
• acid reflux
• lowering cholesterol

Hemp Protein Powder info:

Hemptein® hemp protein is produced by the mechanical milling of hemp seed cake (defatted hemp seed) and is offered in either a 43% or 50% protein content powder. Hemp protein powder is an all-natural source of plant-based protein that is free from gluten and lactose, but rich in nutritional goodness. Hemp protein powder can be added to power drinks, smoothies or yogurt; sprinkled over a variety of foods, fruits or vegetables; used as baking ingredient or added to nutrition bars for a healthy boost of protein. 

Four tablespoons (32 grams) of hemp protein powder provides 130 calories of energy, contains 16 grams of highly digestible, high quality protein, 6 grams of dietary fiber, and more than 25% of the RDI for B vitamins, iron, copper, folate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. 

Hemp protein powder provides a source of iron, folate and B vitamins for expecting women and children. It is a terrific, natural alternative for vegetarian and vegan diets. Hemptein® hemp protein powder is an ideal alternative to the use of anabolic steroids for increasing muscle mass in athletes and body builders or for people who just like to work out or stay in shape. Hemp protein is a source of arginine and lysine which play a key role in stimulating the release of hormones that promote muscle formation. It is a source of glutamine which helps increase protein and glucogen synthesis in the body. It is low in fat, low in cholesterol, low in carbohydrates which help build muscles without gaining fat weight.

 I plan on having chia seeds with every meal and adding the hemp protein powder to my smoothies.