Hypoglycemia and Anemia during pregnancy?

Question

I am 28 weeks pregnant, and I just found out yesterday that I (most likely) have gestational diabetes, AND anemia. We're trying to correct both of these with diet. I'm overweight, but haven't gained a lot during this pregnancy. (a total of four pounds). Does anyone know how to mesh the diets for both of these conditions? One says no fat, the other says you DO need fat...I'm thourougly confused...

I've tried iron supplements with previous pregnancies, but they make me belch..and it tastes like a skunk smells...TMI, I know...but it's horrible...and the taste doesn't go away.

I'm 5 ft 10, weighed 237 at conception, 224 at 10 wk appt, weigh 228 now.

Answer 1

here's some information that I found, hope it helps you.

This person may be one of thousands who have hypoglycemia. This is the medical term for the condition commonly known as “low blood sugar.” However, the symptoms are so varied that it can be mistaken for many other ailments. And, at the same time, many other ailments can be mistaken for it.

Just what is hypoglycemia, and how can it be identified with more certainty? What causes it? And what can be done to cope with it?

Body Needs Sugar

The body needs a proper amount of sugar for good health. Sugar provides energy for the cells of the body. When the sugar level in the blood is too low, as a result of one of many conditions, then an emergency arises for the body, and it reacts accordingly.

The central nervous system—the brain and the spinal cord—is most seriously affected by too little sugar in the blood. Without this “fuel,” the brain cannot function; without that, there is no life.

But what kind of sugar is it that the body requires? The blood sugar referred to is called glucose. This is not the same as ordinary table sugar, and it is only about half as sweet. Where does the body get glucose so that the bloodstream can transport it to the body’s cells? The body gets glucose from carbohydrates, one of the three main classes of foods essential for life, the others being proteins and fats.

Some carbohydrates are simple sugars that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream when eaten. One example of this is a mildly sweet sugar that is present in corn syrup. Regular table sugar also is a carbohydrate, but needs to be digested (broken down) by the body so that glucose is manufactured from it.

The body also manufactures glucose from many other carbohydrates found in such foods as rice, oatmeal, lima beans, white and whole wheat bread and prunes. These foods all contain a high percentage of carbohydrates. Others that also have significant amounts of carbohydrates include corn, potatoes, bananas, apples, oranges and grapefruits.

you should really be careful with the anemia, listen to this.......

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or crib death, has long puzzled doctors. For no apparent reason, seemingly normal babies will die, usually while sleeping. A physician who has investigated the matter for eight years says that the fatal affliction has been linked to severe anemia and cigarette smoking by the mothers during pregnancy. Dr. Richard L. Naeye, chairman of the department of pathology at the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, stated that “a condition of severe anemia during pregnancy predisposes the fetus to SIDS,” and that a pregnant woman who smokes also predisposes her newborn child to the affliction. He noted that crib-death victims were once thought to be completely normal children, but it is now known that there are chronic abnormalities in the brain stem area that controls breathing and other vital functions. The finding that smoking is a factor, Naeye said, “has raised the question of the role of inadequate oxygen delivery to the infant before birth. The areas damaged by SIDS have a much higher need for oxygen.”

Making Your Pregnancy Safer

Some sources of folic acid and iron are liver, legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fortified cereals. For absorbing iron-rich foods, it may help to combine them with sources of vitamin C, such as fresh fruits.

Answer 2

Hypoglycemia During Pregnancy

Answer 3

According to my nutrition text book your diet should consist of 50% of carbohydrates (breads, pasta, and fruit and vegetables), 30% of fat (momunsaturated preferrably), and 20% protein (meat and such). This is according to your total calorie intake. All meat has a lot of iron in it so it is good for your anemia. Fruit is really a good source of sugar and it will benefit your baby. It depends on what your starting weight was at the time of conception. I lost 12 pounds total during my first pregnancy and still had a 7 lb 13 oz baby. I was also a little overweight at the time. Some women may also lose weight due to the baby needing so much from the mother. Be sure if this is the reason to increase your cabohydrate intake and fat intake but only the good kind. Look up high density lipoproteins (HDL's) for a list of the good kind. Also, make sure you eat plenty of folic acid. Folic acid helps you build protein, DNA, RNA, and heme which is part of the oxygen carrying component of your blood. It is extremely important for women that are pregnant to eat 600mcg a day. This will prevent complications with your baby. All fortified grains have it in there.

Answer 4

I'd suggest taking molasses, if you can stomach it, for the anemia. L-glutamine would help stabilize your blood sugar (I don't know how it would affect the baby though). Have you thought of trying supplements of essential fatty acids?

Also, eat a big breakfast, eat a small amount of healthy foods few hours, and make sure you're getting enough protein. Ideally there should be healthy fat, protein, and healthy carbohydrates in every meal and snack you consume.

I'd suggest avoiding partially hydrogenated oil and stick to vegetables, fruits, and whole grains for your carbohydrates (as opposed to white flour or processed sugar).

Answer 5

I have hypoglycemia and anemia as well as other medical problems. But what I do is chart my food intake-at least during pregnancy- I also add iron supplements for the anemia.

here is a good list of iron foods..... http://www.healthcastle.com/iron.shtml But avoid liver!

With the fat intake problem .. talk to your doctor about the pregnancy tablets with iron supplements. This will limit the fat intake.

Good luck and congrats.

Answer 6

With the newer types of insulin these days, diabetic diets aren't necessarily as restrictive as they used to be. Read here https://tr.im/ZA9Ml
As with any medicine or diet change, you should discuss it with your doctor. Fruits, both fresh and dried, have a natural sugar in them that will raise blood sugar levels, so be careful about eating too much. Not sure about the nuts. Moderation is always the key. I've been diabetic for 18 years and just recently changed insulin types. I love it because it gives me more freedom in when and what I eat.

Answer 7

I know that your doctor can prescribe iron pills for anemia... as for the gestational diabetes... That's where the diet comes in... Good luck...

Answer 8

I think the best thing to do is talk to your doctor and get referred to a dietitian who you would be able to consult with. You might also be able to call the hospital to see if they have anyone on staff who could help you. I know here in my province (Alberta) there are a lot of specialists available through the hospitals!
Cheers!

Answer 9

You will need both for your daily intake i wood condition just as good as the other person. Granta

Answer 10

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