Dawn Phenomenon
I've been doing really well controlling my blood sugar levels the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I can only say that about the daytime and nighttime levels.
For some reason, I have had a terribly difficult time trying to control my fasting blood sugar levels- I can go to bed at night with a blood sugar level of 120, but wake up with a blood sugar level of 169, even if I had NO carbs for a dinner or snack at nighttime. It is highly frustrating.
I have done everything that the dietician advised me to do. I went along with her diet plan exactly for a while, but after monitoring my sugars constantly, I realized that eating as many carbs as she wanted me to eat, there was no way I could get my blood sugar count down enough...any carbs that go in bring the sugar level up.
I tried reducing the amount of carbs that she gave me, until I almost was eating none at all- and i was constantly eating raw vegetables like carrots, radishes, celery, and snow peas.... and drinking almost a gallon of water per day. But even though by doing this I was able to control my daytime sugars, my fasting morning sugars were still high. And I am exercising 45 minutes to an hour each day on the treadmill. I have also tried chromium supplements, apple cider vinegar, and basically any remedy that I can find online.
So I have decided to get even stricter with my diet. This is going to be hard, but I think I can do it now that I have finally gotten rid of most of my dependence on sugar/carbs. I found a plan on KarenHurd.com which is EXTREMELY strict but I think that I can do it.
If I DON'T figure out how to get these morning sugars under control, the doctor will want me to go on insulin- and I do NOT want to use insulin under any circumstances. I have seen enough of my dad and grandfather taking it, and the problems that can go with it, to know that it is NOT a good alternative. There has to be a better way. I have about 6 days to get it down before the doctor is going to try to get me on insulin. I just hope and pray that this will work.
Here is the plan:
Plan for Healing for Diabetes
For some reason, I have had a terribly difficult time trying to control my fasting blood sugar levels- I can go to bed at night with a blood sugar level of 120, but wake up with a blood sugar level of 169, even if I had NO carbs for a dinner or snack at nighttime. It is highly frustrating.
I have done everything that the dietician advised me to do. I went along with her diet plan exactly for a while, but after monitoring my sugars constantly, I realized that eating as many carbs as she wanted me to eat, there was no way I could get my blood sugar count down enough...any carbs that go in bring the sugar level up.
I tried reducing the amount of carbs that she gave me, until I almost was eating none at all- and i was constantly eating raw vegetables like carrots, radishes, celery, and snow peas.... and drinking almost a gallon of water per day. But even though by doing this I was able to control my daytime sugars, my fasting morning sugars were still high. And I am exercising 45 minutes to an hour each day on the treadmill. I have also tried chromium supplements, apple cider vinegar, and basically any remedy that I can find online.
So I have decided to get even stricter with my diet. This is going to be hard, but I think I can do it now that I have finally gotten rid of most of my dependence on sugar/carbs. I found a plan on KarenHurd.com which is EXTREMELY strict but I think that I can do it.
If I DON'T figure out how to get these morning sugars under control, the doctor will want me to go on insulin- and I do NOT want to use insulin under any circumstances. I have seen enough of my dad and grandfather taking it, and the problems that can go with it, to know that it is NOT a good alternative. There has to be a better way. I have about 6 days to get it down before the doctor is going to try to get me on insulin. I just hope and pray that this will work.
Here is the plan:
Plan for Healing for Diabetes
- Never consume sweets (cookies, candy, cake, pie, donuts, etc.)
- Never consume caffeine—it causes endocrine system stress
- Never consume sweeteners such as honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, pancake syrup, jam, jelly, etc.
- Neverconsume artificial or “natural-artificial” sweeteners such as aspartame(NutraSweet), Sweet N Low, Equal, Steevia, Splenda, saccharin. Thesesubstances cause major endocrine stress.
- Do not use scented products such as perfumes, air fresheners, etc. They are major stressors to the endocrine system.
- Never consume fruit juice.
- Never consume soda of any kind.
- Do not consume fruit.
- Eliminatestarches (corn, potatoes, bread, noodles, cereals, grains) untildiabetes is cured. Note: your carbohydrate sources will be vegetablesand legumes.
- Drink ¾ gallon of water daily.
- Eatone of the five following efficient proteins at each meal. Consume aminimum of 4 ounces: Eggs, lean meat, lean poultry, fish, seafood.
- Eat 5-7 one-half cup servings of vegetables. If a salad greens are being used, a serving is 1 ½ cups.
- Eatthree ½ cup servings of legumes (beans such as pinto, black, navy,kidney, lentils, etc) Spread the servings between the meals in yourday. Continue legumes until triglycerides are until control. Thenreduce intake.
- Get a minimum of nine hours sleep for every 24 hours that pass.
- Condiments are allowed: salad dressings, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc.
Posted by Bethany at 2/21/2010 3:04 PM 
Categories: Gestational Diabetes, Pregnancy
Tags: Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy
Categories: Gestational Diabetes, Pregnancy
Tags: Gestational Diabetes Pregnancy
Bethany, I have a confession I want you to start saying everyday. And NO more hoping and praying!
Start saying this at least once a day: Thank you Lord, I am healed. Diabetes must go in the name of Jesus. By your word I am healed, you bore my sickness, you died on a cross for diabetes. Therefore, diabetes can not dwell in my body. Body you MUST line up w/the Word of God.
Be careful of ketchup and salad dressings, both contain high fructose corn syrup. read the labels. I know organic salad dressings do not have HFCS in them. And of course if you make your own you'll be ok.
Hmmm. I never knew stevia was an artificial sweetener!
You can do it Bethany!!!
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Stevia is not an artificial sweetner and it can't be sold in the US as a sweetner - it is a dietary supplement. The only way it can be sold as an artificial sweetner is if it with something else like Sun Crystals (which I recommend). I'm not sure why Stevia was listed as such on this list.
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Oh ok, thanks Sarah! My daughter's name is Sara!
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Hope it works for you, Bethany. When I was pregnant with my daughter, the ONLY thing that kept my B/S normal was insulin.
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Hi again Bethany. Wow! I will say that it seems highly strict, a body needs carbs to make the energy our cells need to thrive. So reading that list kind of puts me on high alert that some things will be lacking from the diet plan. Also Stevia is a natural product and has been found to be safe for consumption unlike aspartame and Splenda. Also diabetes cannot be cured. While people with diabetes can tightly control their diabetes through diet and exercise and can go off medication as soon as they go back to their old ways then the diabetes will return. Also if caffiene is off the list then one should avoid mustard since a lot of mustards are made using caffiene. I have to admit I would be leery of trying this diet. I've never seen anything bad coming from people using insulin or other medications to control their diabetes, however I have seen terrible consquences of those who don't use it when it's needed or use it so they can eat whatever they want. This is just my opinion and I'm definitely not a dietician just someone who has dealt with gestational diabetes, insulin, oral medications, Type 2 diabetes.
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Supplementing insulin is not normal. I've known a lot of people who have used and use insulin who had/have health issues. My grandfather did, and he died from complications due to diabetes. People go blind, have poor circulation, lose limbs etc.
Do what you have to do Bethany for your health and the baby's health.
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While it may not be normal it can be a life saver, take for instance Type 1 (AKA juvenile diabetes) or for Type 2 or GD whose numbers cannot be controlled by diet, exercise or orals meds or all of the above. I used insulin during my third pregnancy and while it wasn't fun it was what was needed to control my numbers. People go blind, poor circulation, loose limbs who DON'T use insulin all these things are eventual side effects of uncontrolled diabetes. If numbers aren't controlled (talking more specifially about Type 1) then the effects of diabetes will show up sooner. Thankfully God gave doctors knowledge about medication that can help us and until there is a cure this is the best that can be offered for those who diet and exercise don't work.
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Dear Bethany,
I'm so sorry you're having to go through this! I am praying everything gets worked out in the time frame you've been given. I wanted to comment because I study a lot of health things, & while I think a lot of the recommendations are good, I'd stay completely off carbs (even beans as they metabolize into sugar) & stay away from those condiments that were deemed "okay". We found out awhile ago that my hubby has candida overgrowth & he has gone on a very simliar diet (I know it's a hard diet!)
I wanted to direct you to the website we are using for my hubby's problem because I really trust it & he has been helped immensely by the info there. It also has information to treat diabetes by diet & not insulin. Here is the link to a lot of diabetes info on the site:
http://www.healingnaturallybybee.com/articles/diab2.php#a11
You can also do a search on the site & it may have even more info. I saw that there is an article "Diabetics Should Follow These Simple Recommendations" which explains what you should eat & avoid (plus lots more info).
Please let me know if you have any questions as I've been dealing with this type of diet for awhile!
I hope you get better soon!
Emily
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P.S. Bethany
I read that some people were concerned about you not having enough carbs, & wanted to make sure you saw this info from the website I posted for you:
'Go on a low-carb diet. Carbs are defined as all foods that are not classified as protein or fat. That includes eliminating all sugars (including fruits), grains, nuts, starches and high-carb foods, i.e. cereal, bread, pastries, donuts, cakes, cookies, pasta, carrots, potatoes, beets, etc. - see this food list, which is for candida sufferers, but this diet is also very important for diabetics.
Did you know that you can be perfectly healthy not eating carbs of any kind? That is because 58% of protein and 10% of "good" fats turns into glucose inside the body providing all the body requires for maintaining blood sugar levels.'
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Hi, Bethany. I read your blog on Google Reader and have only commented a few times, but I just wanted to chime in. I've had gestational diabetes for all three pregnancies, but I get it right at the beginning of the pregnancy, so I'm treated as a full-fledged diabetic.
I had a doctor who treated it VERY aggressively -- i.e. my blood sugars had to be under 130 within 1 hour after eating and my fasting sugars had to be below 85. I WAS on insulin, and it is difficult, exhausting, etc., but it was all that controlled the diabetes after a certain point. And I didn't need it after delivery. If you must take it, you'll get through. You can do all things through Christ, after all...
I know you know this, but do be careful with that diet -- it's not written for a pregnant woman. I KNOW one can be healthy without carbs, just make sure you are eating enough other foods. And stay alert to changes in your general state and the movement of the baby. The placenta can begin to deteriorate when blood sugars remain high. If you feel wonky, don't wait to call your doc!
I have a suggestion about the nighttime blood sugar levels -- try waking up in the middle of the night and eating some protein i.e. when you are up to go pee, grab a piece of cheese. It may help your body regulate your blood sugars.
Also -- you might want to ask your doctor about taking Gymnema Syvestre. It is used in eastern cultures to control blood sugar. They have a number of "diabetes support" supplements on the market that may be of assistance. The gymnema makes a HUGE difference in my blood sugars, though I know others for whom it makes not much difference. When pregnant, I take it before bed. There's an article referencing it here.
I'm praying for you, Bethany! Hang in there, proceed with prayer and know that you are held in the loving hands of God!
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Hi Bethany - Seems like you have a good plan. I wanted to say that carrots are sources of hidden sugar. If you were eating a lot of them, that could be part of the issue. I'm no expert, though! I'm sure you'll figure this out.
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You know what scares me about low carb diets? My dad was an AVID low carb guy. He lost lots of weight with it. I mean he wouldn't eat any carb. It was evil to him and then he suffered a massive stroke. He almost died. I read that Luther Vandross was the same way. He lost a lot of weight avoiding carbs. He went on a strict low carb diet. He died shortly after from a massive stroke. My dad you know, just died of pancreatic cancer. I obviously have no evidence there is a link but I am suspicious. I think the alternative to carbs, is higher fat such as in meat, cheese, etc. My dad ate steaks and bacon, and all that like it was nothing. I believe that whatever you do, you must trust God to get you through it. Even if it is insulin. It is a lifesaving med. And even lifesaving meds can have side effects. It stinks, but it's true. I believe in it, if it comes to that. I admire your strength and your ability to get through this. I don't know if I could. That sounds so hard. As long as you know and trust your doctor, believe he wants the best for you. I know I already care about my future patients and I haven't met them yet! haha Going to nursing school has taught me a lot and I see the other side. I learn as much about caring, understanding and listening to the patient as I do the technical stuff. I can't wait until your little one is born and you can put this behind you!
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Thank you so much to everyone who has offered advice and links- I am just trying my best to try different things and see what works and what doesn't. I've tried experimenting with many different methods.
I don't think this diet can be considered no carb, because it does tell me to eat three helpings of beans a day...and they are full of carbs- but those carbs are complex and not simple carbs so they're supposed to be better. There is so much I don't know, but all I have done lately is research and experiment and see what helps. I want to give this a few days and see how it affects my sugar levels. i'm especially interested in seeing how it affects my morning levels, and if it helps those, then I would be so grateful.
Even though it allows ketchup and mustard, I'm going to try to avoid them as much as possible. Although I might use them every now and then.
It really means a lot that you all have taken time to offer advice and encouragement. Don't worry, I will never do anything to starve this baby. I'm eating throughout the day, whenever I am hungry. I eat plenty of fats and try to keep my meals as balanced as possible.
Maybe one day I will be able to come up with the perfect solution and will not have to worry about this anymore. lol
The thought of making my body become dependent on an outside source of insulin does have me very worried, I'll admit.
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Bethany, it sounds like you will be eating a lot of very healthy food!
I think Dr. Bernstein talks about dealing with the "Dawn" issue in his book "Dr. Berstein's Diabetes Solution." You library will likely have it. You should try the snacking in the night on cheese, great idea.
Love to you!
Debra
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That sounds strict but you certainly have awesome motivation to stick to it! I'm still so thrilled for your pregnancy as I know how you've longed for this baby. I did a yeast elimination diet that wasn't unlike this when my daughter was tiny and we were both having a terrible time with yeast. It was indeed difficult to maintain, but you're such a wonderful cook I know you'll come up with great ways to prepare what you can eat. Many blessings as you journey toward birth!
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Dearest Bethany,
I truly admire dedication to doing the best for you and your baby. My dietitian suggested that a small snack before bedtime will prevent a spike in morning blood sugar levels. For instance, a graham cracker and peanut butter. God Bless You!
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Aw man. Stick at it!
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Hi Bethany. I just wanted to let you know that carrots have more sugar (carbs) then you might think. If you are trying to limit your carbs, be careful of those little buggers!
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I am soo glad that you have found all this information on diabetes. I have been dealing with trying to keep my levels under control with out meds and it just hasnt been working. I am going to do my best to follow Karens plan. I dont always have to time or ablility to do the research that I want to do. Thanks again. Also any info that you find that you think is helpful...send my way please!
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Life is like a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.- unknown /http://airbrushactioncom/airbrush-getaway-workshops/vegas-february-20-24-2012
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