I was just wondering how other ladies have managed to control their BG pre pregnancy so they're on target for pregnancy hence the food question 😉
Hi Bashful, welcome to the forum.
I typed up a long response to your question last night but for some reason it wasnt submitted so I'm trying again.....
🙂
I started my pre pregnancy planning in Nov 2012, and was given the green light in May 2013, but I hadnt been started on the 5 mg folic acid so was told to start that first, and then go off the pill in July which is what I did. I have now realized how helpful the whole pre pregnancy planning phase actually was - at times it seemed like a bit of a drag but I really believe that that part is crucial. I went on the dafne course where I learnt how to carb count, work out ratios, do adjustments and yes even improvise and guestimate things if I was eating out at a restaurant!. I understand from your post that you have been on dafne - but are you actually using the principles ? ie working out carb content of what ever you're eating, weighing it, noting it down, working out how much insulin you need based on your ratios and doing corrections if needed?. I basically did that pretty much non stop for the entire pre preg planning period and it really built up my confidence in managing my D so when I did fall pregnant I wasnt freaking out. Well I was to a certain extent but I think it would have been worse if I hadnt built up my confidence. I went to clinic every 2 months to get my hba1c tested and was in regular email contact with my dietician (ie sending her my updates and asking questions). I noted from your post that you have a great support team at your hospital - which is really great - do you have a dietician or a DSN who you can work closely with?.
In terms of food (in my experience) I dont really feel there is a check list for "what you should eat and not eat". Obviously you want to eat healthily, and a low GI diet is much better for your sugars than eating refined carbs which spike your sugars. HOWEVER, I still believe that its more important to understand how your body metabolizes the different foods, which is one of the things you learn to understand on dafne and through practicing.
in terms of targets, not sure what you have been told but I was told
Fasting - less than 5.5
Pre lunch and pre dinner - 4.5 - 7.5
Before bed - 6.5 - 8.0
One hour after each meal less than 7.5
I was shocked when I saw these targets and the dietician said "we want you to aim for the lower end of the dafne targets as you're going through pre preg planning" I nearly fell off my chair (seriously!) but it IS actually do- able if you take the time to learn what works for YOU, because everyone is different!.
In terms of tools etc - do you have the Dafne carbohydrate portion list book ? If you dont have it you can order it online from their website - it basically lists different types of carbs, portions and carb amounts so you can work things out. I also have little measuring cups that I use and electronic weighing scales so I can work out the portions and the weight of things. I also have the carbs and cals app on my phone and the 'my fitness pal' app which is great if you want to look up store bought stuff.
I am now just over 15 weeks so not even half way through my pregnancy but can honestly say that it can be done - I was bit overwhelmed last nov but if you take the time to learn the fundamentals you will get there.
Good luck ! x
Ive had fab support from the hospital however I would really love to speak to other diabetics and hear your stories so I thought I would join this forum. 
