Have you ever eaten a meal—whether it was a bit of a splurge or your usual go-to safe meal—that sent your blood sugar skyrocketing unexpectedly?
It happens!
Sometimes, even with careful planning, your blood sugars can spike.
The good news is, when this happens, there are simple steps you can take to bring those levels back down. So today, we’re talking about three easy and effective strategies that can help you lower rapid blood sugar spikes and stay on track.
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As a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Nurse Practitioner and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), Sarah and I understand the challenges you face managing gestational diabetes and are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Our mission is to help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels and make informed choices for your health and your baby’s well-being.
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Now back to it...
1. Stay Hydrated with Plenty of Water
Drinking water may seem basic, but it’s an incredibly important tool for managing your blood sugars. When blood sugar levels rise, your body naturally tries to remove the extra sugar through your urine, and staying hydrated helps your kidneys do their job.
Without enough water, your body might struggle to keep those blood sugar levels in check, which can lead to higher readings.
When you’re dehydrated, the concentration of glucose in your bloodstream is higher because there’s less fluid to dilute it. Drinking extra water, especially during a sudden blood sugar spike, can help keep things in balance by helping your body flush out that extra sugar more effectively.
If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber for a little flavor boost — without added sugars!
2. Get Moving!
When your blood sugar spikes after a meal, getting your body moving can help bring it back down. Physical activity (even a brisk walk) encourages your muscles to use up the excess glucose in your bloodstream more effectively.
This can help lower blood sugar faster than waiting for your natural or supplemented insulin to do all the work.
After a meal, especially one with carbohydrates, your blood sugar naturally rises as your body digests the food. Normally, insulin helps move that glucose into your cells for energy, but with gestational diabetes, pregnancy hormones reduce your body’s ability to respond to insulin.
This can lead to higher blood sugar spikes.
However, when you move, your muscles take in glucose for energy on their own—without needing as much insulin—helping to lower blood sugar more quickly.
If you notice a rapid blood sugar spike, try taking a 20-30 minute brisk walk right away. Even a short, easy walk can help, but if you’re able to engage in something a bit more vigorous (as long as your comfortable and don't have any contraindications), you may see even better results.
Every bit of movement makes a difference!
3. Adjust Carbs at Your Next Meal
If your blood sugar is still higher than your target after a meal, it might be time to adjust your carbs for the next one. Carbs are the main nutrient that raises blood sugar, so when your levels stay elevated, reducing your carb intake at the next meal can help bring them back down.
Consider focusing on getting more protein and fiber instead since they digest more slowly and help keep blood sugars stable.
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose faster than proteins or fats, leading to a quicker rise in blood sugar after meals. By pairing carbs with protein and fiber, you can slow down digestion and reduce the chance of blood sugar spikes.
This is especially helpful when your blood sugars have been running a little high.
Stay Prepared
It’s important to know ahead of time when you should reach out to your healthcare provider if your blood sugars are running high. Y
our provider can help you figure out what your personal blood sugar goals should be and when to notify them if things stay elevated despite your best efforts.
This is especially important if you’re noticing consistently high numbers after meals. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure what to do—they’re there to support you!
Consider keeping a log of your blood sugar readings, along with notes on your meals and activity. This will give your healthcare provider more information to help guide you in adjusting your plan as needed.
You've Got This!
Managing gestational diabetes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on these three simple things like drinking more water, moving after meals, and adjusting your carbs you can take control of your blood sugar levels in a way that feels manageable.
Small, consistent efforts can have a big impact on both your health and your baby’s.
Until next week, Mamas!
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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