Welcome back, Mamas! Today, we're diving into a topic that we're sure many of you have encountered more than once...
Forgetting to check your blood sugar.
It happens to the best! You might be caught up in the daily whirlwind of life, feeling exhausted, or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime with family and friends. And before you know it, you realize you've missed the time for your blood sugar check!
As a Maternal Fetal Medicine Nurse Practitioners, we understand how managing gestational diabetes (GD) can feel overwhelming because it IS overwhelming. You're not just taking care of yourself; there's a little one on board relying on you too. Regular blood sugar monitoring plays a pivotal role in keeping both you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy. But why exactly is this routine so critical?
Understanding and managing the fluctuations in your blood sugar is key to keeping them within a safe range. GD can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which, if left unchecked, might lead to complications. Which is why we're here to provide you with practical tips to help you remember your checks and discuss how to make these checks a habitual part of your daily routine.
So, let's get started, and remember, you're doing an amazing job navigating this journey of motherhood and health!
Our Tips
Keeping track of your blood sugar levels amid the hustle and bustle of daily life can indeed be challenging. Here are some enriched tips to make this vital task a bit easier and more manageable:
Set Multiple Alarms with Custom Labels: Utilize your phone's alarm feature by setting multiple alarms at different times based on your daily schedule. Personalize these alarms with friendly and motivational labels such as “Time to check sugar, mama!” or “Health check moment!”. This personal touch can make the reminder feel more supportive rather than just another task.
Shift to 1-Hour Postprandial Checks: If you often find yourself forgetting the 2-hour post-meal check, shifting to a 1-hour check can be more convenient, especially after dinner. This change can be particularly helpful if you tend to feel sleepy or more relaxed post-dinner and are more likely to forget.
Integrate into Daily Routines with Specific Actions: Identify daily activities that are already a part of your routine and attach your blood sugar checks to them. For instance, after you brush your teeth in the morning, place your glucose meter next to your toothpaste as a visual cue. Or, have your meter handy when you sit down with your morning coffee, making the check a part of your relaxation time.
Utilize a Tracking App: Explore apps that are specifically designed for diabetes management.
Create Engaging Visual Reminders: Place colorful sticky notes in strategic locations around your home and workspace. Try to change the colors and locations of these notes weekly to keep them noticeable. You might write messages like, “You're doing great, time for a sugar check!” to add an encouraging tone.
Involve Your Family with Interactive Challenges: Turn blood sugar checks into a family activity. Maybe create a playful challenge where family members remind you to check your blood sugar, and whoever remembers gets a point. At the end of the week, the person with the most points could choose a family activity or meal.
Mealtime Association with Timed Reminders: Tie your blood sugar checks closely to your meal times. For instance, set a reminder for 5 minutes before you usually start lunch or dinner. This can help you make a habit of checking your sugar right before you eat, integrating it seamlessly into your meal routine.
Personalize Your Portable Glucose Meter Kit: Make your glucose meter kit a part of your personal items. Decorate the kit with stickers or keep it in a special case that resonates with your style. This personal connection can make you more inclined to carry it with you and use it regularly.
Journaling with Detailed Notes: When journaling your blood sugar readings, go beyond just noting down the numbers. Include how you felt at the time, what you ate, and any activities you did. This comprehensive approach can provide valuable insights into how different aspects of your lifestyle are affecting your blood sugar levels.
Create a Varied Reward System: Set achievable weekly goals and reward yourself creatively when you meet them. This could be anything from an hour of uninterrupted self-care time, a special outing, or even indulging in a favorite, gestational diabetes-friendly treat. The key is to keep these rewards varied and exciting.
Remember, these tips are not just about remembering to check your blood sugar; they are about incorporating this important task into your life in a way that feels natural and manageable. Each check is a step towards ensuring the health and well-being of both you and your baby. If you do forget to check, be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge it, understand the circumstances, and focus on your next check. You're doing an amazing job, mama!
Making it a Habit
Transforming blood sugar checks from a task into a habit might seem challenging, but it's entirely achievable with the right approach. Here's our tips on how you can make these checks a natural part of your daily routine:
Understand the Power of Habit Formation
Habits are formed through repetition and consistency. When you check your blood sugar at the same times each day, you're programming your brain to expect and even remind you of this activity. It usually takes about 21 days to form a habit, so give yourself time and be patient.
Link Checks to Established Habits
This is known as 'habit stacking.' If you already have a habit of having a cup of tea every morning, stack your blood sugar check on top of this existing habit. Soon, brewing tea will naturally trigger the reminder to check your blood sugar.
Reflect on Your Progress
Take a moment each week to review your journal or tracking app. Seeing your consistency and the effects on your blood sugar levels can be incredibly motivating. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they seem!
Be Mindful of Your Checks
When checking your blood sugar, don’t rush. Take this moment to be present and mindful. Think of it as a brief pause in your day where you're focusing on your health and your baby’s well-being.
Be Kind to Yourself
Embarking on the journey of managing gestational diabetes, it’s vital to remember that self-compassion is a key ingredient in this process. Gestational diabetes, much like pregnancy itself, comes with its ups and downs.
There will be days when everything goes smoothly and others where it feels like an uphill battle. It's on these more challenging days that being kind to yourself becomes crucial.
When you miss a blood sugar check, it’s easy to fall into a spiral of self-criticism. However, it's important to step back and approach the situation with understanding and kindness. Just like you would comfort a friend, extend the same empathy to yourself. Acknowledge that missing a check doesn’t define your overall effort or commitment. It’s a single moment, not the whole journey.
Take a moment to reflect on what led to the missed check.
Was it a particularly busy day? Were there unexpected interruptions?
Understanding these factors can be insightful and help you strategize for future checks. For instance, if you missed a check because of a busy morning routine, consider setting an extra alarm or placing your glucose meter in a more visible spot.
Planning for the next check is a positive way to move forward. Instead of dwelling on the missed opportunity, focus on how you can ensure the next check is successful.
Remember, every step you take in managing your gestational diabetes, no matter how small, is significant.
Celebrate the checks you do complete and recognize them as victories in your journey. These small celebrations can build a positive momentum, making it easier to stay on track.
Lastly, keep in mind the ultimate goal of your efforts: the health and well-being of you and your baby. This perspective can be a powerful motivator, helping you to navigate the tougher days with more resilience and determination.
Wrapping Up
As we come to the end of our discussion today, we want to leave you with this thought:
You are doing an incredible job.
Navigating gestational diabetes is no small feat, and every step you take towards managing it is a testament to your strength and love for your little one. Remember, it's perfectly normal to have days where everything doesn’t go as planned. Your journey is unique, and every challenge you overcome is a reason to be proud.
So, take a deep breath, give yourself a gentle pat on the back, and know that you are not alone in this. Together, with patience and compassion, we can navigate this journey, one day and one blood sugar check at a time.
Keep going, mama – you’ve got this, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Special Note
As we embrace the holiday season, our next scheduled blog posts will resume on Monday, January 8, 2024. But don't worry, we'll continue to be with you every step of the way! Be sure to follow us on social media for continued daily tips, tricks, and more relatable content to support you through this journey.
Happy holidays, and here's to a joyful and healthy season!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace or substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this blog. GDMamas, LLC assumes no liability for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the information presented.
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