Hello, Mamas!
Today, we’re peeling back the curtain on a topic that might be a little confusing at first: your morning fasting glucose levels.
If you’re managing gestational diabetes, you’re likely familiar with the routine — wake up, check your levels, and use that number as a benchmark for your day.
But what if I told you that the number on your glucose meter in the morning might not tell the entire story of what happened while you were sleeping?
Fasting values are often seen as the most challenging to manage in gestational diabetes because they can be influenced by a variety of factors. Some of these factors are outside of your control, such as hormonal variations that naturally occur during pregnancy. However, many factors are within your control and can be optimized to improve your fasting glucose levels.
So if you're looking to learn about these modifiable factors to help reduce your fasting values without immediately resorting to medication, we have the perfect resource for you!
As Maternal-Fetal Medicine Nurse Practitioners who help hundreds of mamas manage their gestational diabetes each year, we've poured our expert knowledge and experience into a comprehensive Fixing Fasting Values Guide.
Now, back to our main topic...
The Hidden Peaks of Nighttime Glucose
When you test your fasting blood sugar after waking up, you're getting a snapshot of a single value from your nighttime glucose management.
While a reading of 95-98 mg/dL is only slightly above the general fasting target of less than 95 mg/dL, it can be misleading.
It's easy to think, “That’s not so bad,” but here’s where it gets interesting…
These numbers don't necessarily mean that your blood sugar levels were stable all night. In fact, they could have been much higher at various points.
Due to hormonal changes that naturally occur during sleep, your blood sugar levels can experience peaks at various points through the night. These hormonal surges can elevate glucose well above your morning readings, with levels potentially tapering off by the time you wake up. This pattern can lead to a misleadingly mild elevation in the morning, masking higher values that occurred earlier.
Why It Matters
You might wonder why this matters. Well, even if your blood sugar drops to 96 or 98 by morning, if it spent several hours at a higher level, this can still increase pregnancy risks.
Prolonged exposure to high glucose can affect your baby, increasing risks such as excessive birth weight, which can lead to complications during delivery, or future metabolic issues like diabetes or obesity and maintain stable blood sugar for baby after birth.
Understanding the full pattern of glucose levels is crucial for managing gestational diabetes effectively. It’s not just about controlling your diet or medication — it’s about understanding how your body responds throughout the night.
This explains why the cutoff for fasting glucose is set at less than 95 mg/dL. This threshold is based on extensive research linking higher fasting levels to increased risks for both mamas and their baby.
Wrapping Up
So, what can you do with this information? First, it's crucial to discuss any concerns about nighttime glucose levels with your healthcare provider. They might suggest monitoring your levels at different times, adjusting your diet in the evening, or even considering medication adjustments.
Remember, Mamas, every piece of information you gather on this journey is a tool in your toolbox, helping you manage your gestational diabetes more effectively and ensuring a healthier pregnancy. You're doing an incredible job looking after yourself and your little one!
Until next time, Mamas! You've got this, and we're here to help every step of the way!
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.
Comments