Hello, GDMamas! Are you searching for answers about gestational diabetes, or do you have preexisting diabetes and just found out you're expecting?
You're in the right place!
It's normal to feel overwhelmed, but we're here to help you manage diabetes during pregnancy with ease. We'll unravel the mystery around gestational diabetes risks and share some home-based strategies to reduce them.
FANTASTIC NEWS!
Did you know that well-controlled blood sugar means you may face only minimally increased risks? That's because most risks are directly related to blood sugar levels![1]
1. Master Your Blood Sugar
The first step to tackle gestational diabetes is to regularly check your blood sugar levels. Monitoring your levels at specific times helps maintain normal ranges (Curious about normal blood sugar levels? Check out our online course for all the details!).
Depending on your diabetes type, your healthcare provider may suggest different timings for blood sugar checks. Generally, it includes at least four times a day: fasting and after meals.
2. Embrace a Balanced Diet
To minimize blood sugar spikes, focus on a balanced diet that limits simple carbs.
While the Keto diet is popular, it's NOT recommended during pregnancy[2]. Instead, focus on a balanced diet that includes healthy carbohydrates paired with proteins and healthy fats, such as unsaturated fat. This will help maintain normal blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes.
Want a complete breakdown? Our online course covers it all! Plus, we've got recipes and meal ideas – just click here!
3. Energize with Exercise
Think exercise isn't safe in pregnancy? Think again! Even with high-risk pregnancies, The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine doesn't necessarily endorse routine bedrest or activity restrictions, citing limited evidence and potential negative consequences[3]. However, we always recommend you consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.
Exercise can be anything that gets you moving - dancing, cleaning... or chasing your toddler. Incorporate short bursts of exercise after meals to help reduce blood sugar and aim for longer sessions of at least 20-30 minutes on most days[4].
Staying active during pregnancy might sound like a challenge, but it's more important than ever for managing gestational diabetes and keeping you and your baby healthy. With the green light from your healthcare provider, you can safely enjoy a variety of exercises.
And if you're looking for more guidance, our online course is a great resource to help you stay motivated and confident.
So go ahead, Mama, get moving and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, active pregnancy!
4. Prioritize Healthy Sleep
Do you ever feel like your baby is practicing for the Olympic gymnastics team while you're trying to get some shut-eye? We know the feeling!
But did you know that getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels? Studies even show that inadequate sleep can increase the risk of diabetes and can contribute to higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, and let's be real, you've got enough on your plate with gestational diabetes already[5].
To improve sleep hygiene, establish a bedtime routine, and avoid electronics before bed. Instead, try reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath to relax. Cooler temperatures can help, but lightweight clothing and layers of blankets can also work. If you experience pregnancy hot flashes, try sleeping with a fan.
Getting enough sleep may seem like a tall order when you're already juggling a million things during pregnancy, but it's essential for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. By establishing a soothing bedtime routine and making a few simple tweaks to your sleep environment, you can set yourself up for sweet dreams and better blood sugar control.
So, go ahead, Mama, give yourself permission to get some rest. You and your baby will feel better for it.
5. Medication
We get it – sometimes no matter how hard you try, diet and exercise just can't cut it when it comes to managing gestational diabetes. But no need to stress – that's where medication comes in.
With optimal blood sugar control, injections (insulin) or pills (metformin or glyburide) can be a game-changer for up to 30% of Mamas[1]. Now, we know the idea of taking medication during pregnancy can be daunting, but trust us, it can make all the difference in keeping you and your little one healthy.
And don't worry, we've got you covered with all the info you need to make informed decisions about the safety and benefits of medication during pregnancy. Check out our online course for a deep dive into this topic and much more.
The Bottom Line!
The bottom line is, managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy is not only possible but achievable with the right strategies and support. By mastering your blood sugar levels, embracing a balanced diet, staying active, prioritizing healthy sleep, and considering medication when necessary, you can minimize risks and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Remember, you're not alone on this journey! Our GDMamas community, online course, and daily tips and tricks are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Together, we'll conquer gestational diabetes and welcome healthy, happy babies into the world. Keep shining, Mamas!
We look forward to you joining us next time as we continue to help you navigate gestational diabetes one finger stick at a time!
Don't forget to follow-us on social media for DAILY tips and tricks @gdmamasofficial!
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this blog post is intended for educational and general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. While our team at GDMamas includes healthcare providers, we are not your healthcare provider and the information provided in this post should not be relied upon for individual medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding gestational diabetes or any other medical condition. The information provided in this post should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information provided in this post for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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