Hi, my name is Heather, and I have GD.

Hi, my name is Heather, and I have GD. 

No, GD does not stand for "Gnarly Biceps", although that would be pretty helpful with the baby coming soon. :) Rather, GD stands for Gestational Diabetes, a condition that appears in nearly 10% of pregnant women. And, I happen to be one of those women.

My diagnosis

At around 30 weeks pregnant, I went in for a routine Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), typically given to pregnant women between 24-28 weeks. This test helps determine the blood sugar levels of the individual and see how tolerant her body is to a highly concentrated (75gm), orange-soda-looking, glucose substance. The individual's blood is drawn prior to consuming the concentrated glucose drink (Fasting), as well as one hour (1 Hr) and 2 hours (2 Hr) after consumption. The test wasn't too bad, despite having to sit around the lab for 2 hours, but I was not expecting the diagnosis when the results came in...

On my birthday, I went in for a follow up doctor's appointment and received QUITE a birthday surprise; my glucose level was 154 on my 2 hour blood sample, which was one little point higher than the standard range. Unfortunately, even one point higher than the standard was TOO high--high enough to diagnose someone as having Gestational Diabetes--so my journey began!

My reaction

I must admit that my diagnosis was unexpected. My entire pregnancy so far has come without a single hitch; no morning sickness, back pain, hard time sleeping, or other typical pregnancy symptoms. I've been so blessed these past 33 weeks, that this diagnosis came as a shocker and I was not emotionally prepared to deal with it.

I cried.
I was angry.
I did not want to have to make the necessary changes in my diet.

I went through denial.
I blamed myself and my "sweet tooth" for putting me in this situation.
I read up on GD as much as I could, and that just seemed to make it worse.

I freaked out when trying to figure out what to eat.
I didn't want to have to prick myself 4 times a day to test my blood sugar.
And, like any good-sensed pregnant woman, I bawled like a baby.

It wasn't the most "happy" of birthdays ever, but after calming down and figuring out a "game plan", things turned from worse to better. And, since that dreaded meeting with the doctor 3 weeks ago, my life dealing with GD is going great!

What's my life like now?

My weekly Glucose Levels and Food Record

Yes, I have to test my blood sugar levels 4 times a day!
Yes, I have had to make adjustments to my diet and keep track of everything I eat!
Yes, I have to meet with a nutritionist on a semi-weekly basis!

But....
I've also learned how to make some REALLY TASTY FOOD
(Be sure to check out any future #GDRecipes posts, cuz' I'm planning on sharing some of my great recipe discoveries right here on the blog! Here's the first of many: Homemade Marinara Sauce)
I've also learned some will power in avoiding highly processed, sugary foods.
I've also stopped gaining weight as rapidly as I was the past 33 weeks.

A word (or two) for those with GD

My Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit

So, for anyone dealing with the shocker of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I'd just like to say that you will be okay! Things aren't as bad as they might sound at first. You will need to make changes in your life, but only good things can come from the adjustments you will make; you will find yourself feeling healthier, having more energy, and even feeling fuller, faster! You may find that it's easier to maintain your weight gain, and may have an easier time getting the baby weight off post-delivery. Plus, the benefits will transfer to your baby, too. As you keep up with your diet, exercise, and recording your blood sugar levels, you will be able to keep tabs on your Gestational Diabetes; that means that your baby's pancreas won't get overworked developing insulin that it doesn't need, leading to your baby storing fat and gaining weight unnecessarily.

So, don't fear the diagnosis. Dive head first into trying new foods and pricking your finger several times a day: it's not so scary, after all. For someone who has hated needles ever since I came out of the womb, I've already pricked myself 40 times and I've survived. :) But, if you have any questions at all, feel free to comment below; I'll do my best to respond!

For more information on Gestational Diabetes (what is is and what it means for your baby) check out the American Diabetes Association website.

33 weeks and still going strong!

At 33 weeks pregnant, I look forward to my little Wesley coming in just 7 weeks! Even with this new lifestyle to deal with--pricking my finger several times a day, eating differently, and avoiding the frozen novelties aisle at the grocery store--I'm staying optimistic and beginning to better see the silver lining of having GD. So, stay tuned as I continue down this road, learning new things and applying them into my life!

Thanks for reading!

A few almonds & TONS of chocolate!

If anyone deserves an award for "worst blogger ever", it would definitely be me! After several years of not updating the blog, I'm feeling like I need to catch up on a few things. 

This blog was initially intended as a place for keeping track of the Young Family goings-on, both the "chocolate" (the great and sweet stuff) and the "almonds" (the unexpected craziness and trials that come up in life). So, here are just a few examples of our Life with Almonds these past 2 years...

The most CHOCOLATY parts of the last two years include:

1) Becoming an aunt to 3 wonderful nieces! 

2) Seeing my brother start off on his mission to Morristown, New Jersey

3) Adventuring in Dallas, TX for a job with Southwest Airlines 

4) Getting pregnant (Expecting a boy in August 2014)

5) Graduating from BYU

6) Visiting Italy, enjoying the sites and gelato

7) Moving out to CA for a job with Google

And of course, the ALMONDS amidst the chocolate were hard to munch through, but we survived: 

1) Matthew went into surgery to have a malignant tumor removed--he's been cancer-free for a year now, though!
2) Wendy (our car) got banged up in a rear-ending accident (we got some insurance money and finally bought ourselves a new, used car to replace her)
3) We are spending an arm and a leg on our apartment here in California (but at least the neighborhood and surrounding community is AWESOME!)

Well, now that I've got the blog all up to date....see you in another two years! :)

Just kidding. I'll try to keep on top of it this time.

For now, just enjoy life (both the chocolate AND the almonds).


With love--Heather