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GD One Prick At A Time

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high fasting levels in Blood glucose monitoring diary

Blood sugar levels Featured Posts GD Basics

High fasting levels

5th August 202015th August 2020 Jo Paterson apple cider vinegar, bedtime snacks, dawn phenomenon, high blood sugar levels, high levels, Somogyi effect

High fasting levels or fasting hyperglycemia1, are a huge problem for many ladies. Fasting blood sugar levels (levels taken first

gestational diabetes and heat

Blood sugar levels Seasonal Posts

Gestational diabetes and heat

28th May 202028th May 2020 Jo Paterson heat, hot weather, summer, sun, temperature

Staying safe in hot weather – Gestational diabetes and heat Summer has arrived and so what does that mean for

Testing blood sugar levels - when do you test yours? a comparison of 1hr and 2hr blood glucose testing

Blood sugar levels GD Basics

Blood sugar levels, when do you test yours?

16th June 201916th June 2019 Jo Paterson blood glucose levels, blood glucose monitoring, blood sugar levels, continual glucose monitoring, spike testing, spikes

In this post we are going to discuss blood sugar levels, test times, targets, spikes in blood sugar levels and

Blood sugar levels GD Diet

Foods that naturally lower blood sugar levels

31st October 201620th April 2020 Jo Paterson apple cider vinegar, avocado, basil, berries, blueberries, caffeine, cherries, chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, fenugreek, foods good for blood glucose, foods good for blood sugar, garlic, green tea, kefir, kefir milk, naturally lower blood glucose, nuts, onions, peanut butter, prevent type 2 diabetes, probiotics, raspberry leaf tea, vinegar

Foods that may help naturally lower blood sugar levels This post is to share research and evidence around foods which

blood sugar rollercoaster

Blood sugar levels GD Diet

Are you missing the spike?

31st October 201628th May 2019 Jo Paterson 15 minute testing, additional testing, CGM, continual glucose monitoring, spike testing, spikes, targets, test times, testing every 15 minutes

Could you be missing the spike in your blood sugar levels? A spike in blood sugar levels is the highest

high blood sugar levels

Blood sugar levels

High blood sugar levels

31st October 201621st February 2019 Jo Paterson high blood sugar levels, high readings, hyperglycaemia, hypers

High blood sugar levels with gestational diabetes High blood sugar levels are where your blood sugar levels go over YOUR

how low is too low?

Blood sugar levels

Low levels – how low is too low?

31st October 201621st February 2019 Jo Paterson false hypos, hypoglycaemia, hypos, low levels

Low levels with gestational diabetes – How low is too low? Many women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are not given

32-36 weeks red plastic figure with worried looking face

Blood sugar levels Featured Posts GD Basics

32 – 36 weeks, the toughest time for most

31st October 20169th January 2021 Jo Paterson 32-36 weeks, high blood sugar levels, high readings, insulin resistance worsening, toughest time

32 – 36 weeks the toughest time… My levels have gone crazy?! Between 32 – 36 weeks are what we know

medication for gestational diabetes

Blood sugar levels GD Basics Medication

Medication for gestational diabetes

13th March 201618th February 2019 Jo Paterson high blood sugar levels, high readings, induction, insulin, medication, metformin

Medication for gestational diabetes… “But I wanted to stay diet controlled” The words, “but I wanted…” or “was hoping to

hypos

Blood sugar levels Medication

Hypos

24th September 201514th December 2019 Jo Paterson blood glucose levels, blood sugar levels, hypo kit, hypos, low blood sugar levels

Hypoglycaemia (Hypos) Hypos are the main side effect of insulin treatment. This can happen if your blood sugar levels drop

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For anyone who’s struggling out there at the mom

For anyone who’s struggling out there at the moment. Sometimes we all need a wee reminder of these things. Tag a friend who you think may need to hear this today too 🥰
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#GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #MumsSupportingMums #GestationalDiabetesSupport #GestationalDiabetes #pregnancy #pregnant #PregnancyDiabetes #PregnantDiabetic #HighRiskPregnancy #MumToBe #PregnantMummy #Preggo #Preggers #MamaToBe #InstaPregnancy #BabyOnBoard #PregnantLife #BellyBump #FutureMama #Mother #Mummy #Mama #MummyToBe #BabyOnTheWay #Bump #DiabeticPregnancy #Mom #Mammy #Birth

I just had to share Gemma’s comments after she h

I just had to share Gemma’s comments after she had watched the ‘Gestational Diabetes: One Prick At A Time’ film

Gemma used to be part of my Facebook admin team, but she’s one busy lady! Gemma has had six, yes I repeat, SIX 😲gestational diabetes pregnancies and suffers extremely high insulin resistance in her pregnancies, resulting in immediate GD diagnosis and needing high amounts of insulin (in her last pregnancy she needed just over 900 units of insulin A DAY and still struggled with her blood glucose levels!) 😢

It’s amazing to think that this short film from @motherhoodyproject has had such an impact on her 🥰

Honestly, if you have gestational diabetes, are pregnant with diabetes, had GD in previous pregnancies OR you care for women with GDM and diabetes in pregnancy, then please take a look. This is an absolutely moving and fabulous resource for so many people 💞

#GDOnePrickAtATime #GestationalDiabetesOnePrickAtATime #GestationalDiabetes #GD #GDM #GDUK #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GDUK #GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GDPregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #HighRiskPregnancy #GlucoseToleranceTest #GDDiagnosis #DiabetesMidwife #DSN #DiabetesSpecialist #Diabetologist
#Endocrinologist #DMW #Midwife #GP #Midwives #ObstetricConsultant #Obstetrician #Obstetrics

GESTATIONAL DIABETES: ONE PRICK AT A TIME is a sho

GESTATIONAL DIABETES: ONE PRICK AT A TIME is a short film which puts the lived experiences of women who have and are living with GD front and centre. Amplifying their voices, experiences and questions in order to instigate radical conversations and actions concerning the support and care around Gestational Diabetes
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Anna-Maria and Jess aren’t mums and haven’t experienced GD but they are kick-ass artists who care passionately about women’s bodies and health. And who are ready to shake things up!
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Premiered 3rd December 2020, GESTATIONAL DIABETES: ONE PRICK AT A TIME, the film is now live as a source which can be viewed and shared by all @ www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/gd-one-prick-at-a-time/
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GESTATIONAL DIABETES : ONE PRICK AT A TIME was commissioned by Kings College London research fellow and NHS psychiatrist Dr Claire Wilson from a fellowship funded by the MRC, with support from fellow King’s College London researcher Judith Parsons and Jo Paterson of Gestational Diabetes UK. The project is also supported by King’s Culture and the Mental Elf @thementalelf
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Follow the link in my bio @gestational_diabetes_uk to watch the film and the panel discussion following the premier
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#GDOnePrickAtATime
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#GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetes #GD #GDM #GDUK #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GDUK #GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GestationalDiabetesUK #GDPregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #HighRiskPregnancy #GlucoseToleranceTest #GDDiagnosis #DiabetesMidwife #DSN #DiabetesSpecialist #Diabetologist
#Endocrinologist #DMW #Midwife #GP #Midwives #ObstetricConsultant #Obstetrician #Obstetrics @motherhoodyproject

Many ladies are diagnosed with low iron levels dur

Many ladies are diagnosed with low iron levels during pregnancy and are then prescribed iron tablets
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Iron is important in pregnancy to support fetal growth and development, for the expansion of maternal red blood cells and to cover the iron which is lost due to bleeding during birth
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Women from ages 19 to 50 need to intake approximately 15 mg of iron per day, but for a pregnant woman this can increase to 27 mg
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There are many iron-rich foods which can aid anaemia, however some foods will also cause high blood glucose levels such as dried fruits
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If you have been prescribed iron tablets for anaemia you may have also been advised to take these with orange as vitamin c aids absorption, however once again, orange juice is something that can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels and should be avoided with diabetes
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To find out which iron-rich foods are suitable for incorporating into a GD diet and for vitamin c-rich foods/drinks to take alongside iron tablets which won’t spike levels, take a look at this post: www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/iron-tablets/
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#Anaemia #Anemia #AnaemiaInPregnancy #AnemiaInPregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy #LowIronLevels #LowIronLevelsInPregnancy #LowIron #DiabetesInPregnancy #GestationalDiabetes #GDM #GDPregnancy #HighRiskPregnancy #PregnancyProblems #Type2Pregnancy #MODYPregnancy #LADAPregnancy #Type1Pregnancy #IronRichFood #IronRichFoods #FoodsHighInVitaminC #VitaminC #IronTablets #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetesUK #GDUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #FerrousSulfate #FerrousSulfateTablets #Pregnancy

Low carb, sugar free, vegan hot chocolate made wit

Low carb, sugar free, vegan hot chocolate made with @greenandblacks Cocoa, @alpro unsweetened almond milk, sweetener (I used @nkdliving erythritol) and a couple of @nairnsoatcakes Gluten Free biscuit breaks 👌🏻

#JosGDRecipes #MealOnTheWall #VeganHotChocolate #LowCarbHotChocolate #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GDUK #LowCarbVegan #VeganLowCarb #LowCarbNotKeto #GestationalDiabetesFriendly #GestationalDiabetesSnacks #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GestationalDiabetesDrinks #GDFriendly #PregnantDiabetic #DiabetesInPregnancy #Type2Pregnancy #LowCarbPregnancy #NKDLiving #GreenAndBlacks #Alpro #Nairns

Loaded Jacket Potato is a baked jacket potato whic

Loaded Jacket Potato is a baked jacket potato which has had the potato scooped out of the middle, mashed with other ingredients and popped back into the crispy potato skin. The result is a creamy mashed potato which you can pack with your favourite food-pairing ingredients and a wonderfully crisp potato skin which is packed with fibre
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Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and can be difficult to tolerate. Potato, although a vegetable should be thought of as the main carb of a meal
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For some, potatoes will not be tolerated well at all, for others, they may tolerate potatoes better than other starchy carbs such as rice or pasta. Each person is different as to which starchy carbs they tolerate better, and it may also be different in the same person in one pregnancy to another
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If you have tried potatoes a couple of times before and experienced spikes in blood glucose levels, look at what else was eaten alongside the potato to see if you added plenty of protein and natural fats and that you did not add any additional higher carb foods such as baked beans. You may find that a whole jacket potato is too much and you need to reduce the portion down to half a loaded jacket potato instead
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For a loaded potato recipe with a choice of the following fillings:
🧀 Cheese (& ham/Quorn)
🐟 Tuna Melt
🐟 Cream cheese & salmon
🍄 Creamy garlic mushroom
🍗 Coronation chicken
🌶 Chilli
check out this post: www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/loaded-jacket-potato/
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#LoadedPotato #LoadedPotatoes
#GDFoodPairing #NeverEatANakedCarb #8GoldenRules #JosGDRecipes #GDFriendly #GDFood #GDDiet #GestationalDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums
#GestationalDiabetesFood #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GDUKMums #LCHF #LowCarbNotKeto #GDUK #RealFoodForGD #RealFoodForGestationalDiabetes #JustEatRealFood #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes #FamilyFriendlyRecipes #JacketPotato #JacketPotatoFillings #BakedPotato #JosGDRecipes #TodaysMealOnTheWall #MealOnTheWall

Unfortunately constipation can be a common problem

Unfortunately constipation can be a common problem during pregnancy and once again it can be down to those pesky hormones! An increase in the hormone progesterone relaxes the body’s muscles, including the intestines. Relaxed intestines means slower digestion which can lead to constipation 😖💩
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If you are taking iron tablets for anemia (another common pregnancy condition), then these too can cause constipation 😩
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Diet, hydration and exercise also play a huge part in the digestive heath and bowel movements 🍏🥤🏃🏾‍♀️
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But how can you remedy this problem when you have gestational diabetes?
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💧 Ensure you are drinking plenty
🥦 Increase green leafy vegetables
🥣Add flaxseed or chia seeds into your diet
🍋 One cup of hot water & fresh lemon
☕️ One cup of coffee in the mornings – but stay within your caffeine amounts for the day
🚽 Raise your feet onto a stool when going to the toilet
🥄 Laxatives (seek medical advice before using laxatives)
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Things to avoid ⚠️ all these things will cause high blood sugar levels:-
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🍑Prunes, prune juice, dried fruits, figs, apricots, dates, raisins etc.
🧃 Fruit juices
🥣 High fibre breakfast cereals eg. Weetabix, All bran etc
🧉Molasses or sugared water
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To read more, visit www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/constipation/ (link in bio for those on Instagram)
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#Constipation #ConstipationInPregnancy #ConstipationAndDiabetes #CantPoop #PregnancyProblems
#GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GestationalDiabetes #pregnancy #pregnant #PregnancyDiabetes #HighRiskPregnancy #MumToBe #PregnantMummy #Preggo #Preggers #MamaToBe #InstaPregnancy #BabyOnBoard #PregnantLife #FutureMama #Mother #Mummy #Mama #MummyToBe #BabyOnTheWay #DiabeticPregnancy #Mom #Mammy
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I’ve tweaked the basic ground almond pancakes re

I’ve tweaked the basic ground almond pancakes recipe. It was a recipe I made years ago in my 2nd pregnancy and I’ve since developed my baking knowledge somewhat to know how to improve taste & texture

Go try out this updated version and enjoy a weekend brunch!

https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/basic-ground-almond-pancakes/

#AlmondPancakes #LowCarbPancakes #JosGDRecipes #TodaysMealOnTheWall #MealOnTheWall #Brunch #LowCarbBreakfast #LowCarbBrunch #BasicGroundAlmondPancakes #BlueberryAndAlmondPancakes #SugarFreePancakes #GlutenFreePancakes #GestationalDiabetes #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #Type2Pregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy

Here’s a virtual hug for anyone who needs one 🤗 Stay Strong Mamas! Happy Saturday
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#HappySaturday #GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GestationalDiabetes #pregnancy #pregnant #PregnancyDiabetes #HighRiskPregnancy #MumToBe #PregnantMummy #Preggo #Preggers #MamaToBe #InstaPregnancy #BabyOnBoard #PregnantLife #BellyBump #FutureMama #Mother #Mummy #Mama #MummyToBe #BabyOnTheWay #Bump #DiabeticPregnancy #Mom #Mammy #Hug #Hugs #SaturdayHug

Many women suffer from both heartburn (acid reflux

Many women suffer from both heartburn (acid reflux) and indigestion during pregnancy and it tends to become more common as the pregnancy progresses. In fact, by the third trimester, nearly three-quarters of pregnant women can suffer from heartburn 🔥 💔 😖
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Unfortunately heartburn and indigestion are a common problem during pregnancy but what things are suitable to take during pregnancy which won’t effect your blood sugar levels when you have diabetes?
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Gaviscon and Sugar Free Rennies are both safe for use in pregnancy and will not raise blood sugar levels
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However, if these do not work then your GP may prescribe Omeprazole
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All these meds are suitable for use during pregnancy with gestational diabetes
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To read more, visit www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/heartburn-and-indigestion/ (link in bio for those on Instagram)
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#Heartburn #Indigestion #AcidReflux #GERD #PregnancyProblems
#GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GestationalDiabetes #pregnancy #pregnant #PregnancyDiabetes #HighRiskPregnancy #MumToBe #PregnantMummy #Preggo #Preggers #MamaToBe #InstaPregnancy #BabyOnBoard #PregnantLife #FutureMama #Mother #Mummy #Mama #MummyToBe #BabyOnTheWay #DiabeticPregnancy #Mom #Mammy

Milk and dairy milk alternatives... This table com

Milk and dairy milk alternatives...
This table compares 100ml of each type milk. All the milks listed are fresh (chilled) milks, with dairy alternatives being Alpro UNSWEETENED versions of the milk with the exception of the rice milk which is long life.
Bear in mind that 4g of carbs is the equivalent to 1 tsp of sugar
A splash of milk in tea or coffee should not impact blood sugar levels, but if you drink very milky tea or coffee, or when drinking larger amounts of milk, then you need to remember that most milks contains carbs.
If you need to have non dairy milks for other dietary reasons, then unsweetened almond, soya and coconut milks have nil or very little carbs. Steer clear of oat or rice milks which are high in carbs.
If you can have dairy milks, then go for Gold Top such as Graham's, or whole full fat milk (blue top) which have more natural fats and good amounts of protein (you also have the benefit of more calcium in gold top milk!) The additional fat in these milks will slow down the absorption of sugar and therefore your levels will not spike as high.
Many ladies say that they crave milk to drink in pregnancy. To see how milk impacts your blood sugar levels then try doing a 'milk test'. Have a glass of milk and then test your blood sugar levels after 1 hour to see the impact.
For more details about milk, drinks and gestational diabetes then please pop over to my drinks page https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/drinks/

#GDUKMums #GD #GDM #GestationalDiabetes #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #SugarInMilk #CarbsInMilk #HowMuchSugar #LCHF #RealFoodForGD #GoLowCarb #BetterBloodSugarLevels #RealFoodForGestationalDiabetes #MooJuice #Milk #GoldTopMilk #AlproMilk #DairyFree @alpro @grahamsthefamilydairy

#TodaysMealOnTheWall is Fishcakes... Most superma

#TodaysMealOnTheWall is Fishcakes...

Most supermarkets sell big chilled fish cakes like these with various fillings. Typically they have around 20-25g carbs per fish cake but as they contain potato and have a breadcrumb coating it can really be pushing things to add an additional complex carb to the plate. And can mean that’s it’s tricky to identify which element is causing any issues if you do end up with a spike in blood glucose levels.

An additional issue is that whilst protein & natural fats help to pair the carbs in a meal (reducing the spike in glucose levels from the carbs), fish tends not to pair things as well as other proteins.

This means that if you want to enjoy some fish cakes like this, it’s wise to just have the fish cakes alongside a big salad or lots of green veg

Here I have a big mixed green salad (salad leaves, chives, baby cucumber, celery) with avocado, shredded cabbage & carrot with a homemade vinaigrette dressing, mozzarella balls, sundried tomatoes and ricotta stuffed sweet peppers
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#MealOnTheWall #GestationalDiabetes #GDUKMums #JosGDRecipes #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GestationalDiabetesFood #GestationalDiabetesMeals #Type2Pregnancy #MODYPregnancy #LADAPregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #Fishcakes #GDFoodPairing #8GoldenRules #NeverEatANakedCarb #LowCarb #LowCarbPregnancy #LowCarbNotKeto

Fasting levels are the HARDEST ones to control He

Fasting levels are the HARDEST ones to control

Here are a few things that are worth trying:
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It is a slight misconception that NOTHING impacts fasting levels and that it’s purely down to hormones, as there ARE a few things that can contribute to raised fasting levels:-
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🍏What you ate earlier in the evening
⏰When you last ate
💧Hydration levels
😴How well you sleep
☀️The ‘Dawn Phenomenon’
📈The ‘Somogyi Effect’
😫 Stress
🤒 Illness

Swipe to see all the infographics 👉🏻 there’s also a glimpse of my own high fasting levels and the rapid increases in insulin doses that I needed to make in my third GD pregnancy 😖
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However, it’s important to understand that fasting levels are the HARDEST levels to manage and you should not feel upset or disheartened if you cannot lower fasting levels enough and require meds and/or insulin to help lower them. Many of us (including myself) just need that extra help and THAT’S OK 👌🏻
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For more information please see the link in bio @gestational_diabetes_uk and find the ‘fasting levels’ link to read my full post
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#FastingLevels #HighFastingLevels #dawnphenomenon #somogyieffect
#GDUK #GDUKMums #TeamGDUK #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GestationalDiabetes #Diabetes #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GDPregnancy #DiabeticPregnancy #DiabetesInPregnancy #HighRiskPregnancy #GlucoseToleranceTest #GDDiagnosis #BloodGlucose #BloodSugar #BloodGlucoseLevels #BloodSugarLevels #BGLevels #FastingGlucose #AppleCiderVinegar #BedtimeSnack #MyoInositol #highproteinsnack

Tuna Niçoise salad 🥗 🐟 🥚 What are you ha

Tuna Niçoise salad 🥗 🐟 🥚 What are you having for lunch?

#JosGDRecipes #TodaysMealOnTheWall #MealOnTheWall #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetes #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GestationalDiabetesFood #GestationalDiabetesDiet #GestationalDiabetesLunch #GestationalDiabetesMeals #GDFoodPairing #8GoldenRules #DiabeticPregnancy #TunaNicoise #TunaNiçoise #TunaNicoiseSalad #TunaNiçoiseSalad

Monday Motivation! Let’s hope the only stabbing

Monday Motivation! Let’s hope the only stabbing you’re doing is your own poor pinkies ✋🏽 🩸

Happy Monday everyone!

#MondayMotivation #YouGotThis #WeCanDoThis #GestationalDiabetesSucks #GestationalDiabetes #GDUKMums #GestationalDiabetesUK #GestationalDiabetesUKMums #GestationalDiabetesSupport

Image credit to @sweatpantsandcoffee 🤎 ☕️

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GD Basics

GD & Other Illness GD Basics

Whooping cough and flu vaccinations

22nd September 202022nd September 2020 Jo Paterson

Whooping cough1 and flu2 vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy, but what impact will this have with gestational diabetes? Pertussis or

Blood sugar levels Featured Posts GD Basics

High fasting levels

5th August 202015th August 2020 Jo Paterson

Blood sugar levels GD Basics

Blood sugar levels, when do you test yours?

16th June 201916th June 2019 Jo Paterson

Birth GD Basics

Gestational diabetes birth

27th March 20198th April 2019 Jo Paterson

GD Basics GD Diet

Shopping List

4th May 201820th February 2019 Jo Paterson

GD Basics GD Diet

What is food pairing?

18th December 20162nd March 2019 Jo Paterson

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