Top Tips For Managing Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy is a big change for you in any case, but if you have to manage some conditions that come with it – then a handful of tips can be your best allies…

When you thought of being pregnant you probably told yourself “Now is the time to indulge in my favourite foods without the guilt!” However, what you didn’t bargain for were some health conditions that would avoid you from doing just that, and in fact become a serious condition that needs to be dealt with seriously to avoid any complications. And one such condition is gestational diabetes. As if heartburn and nausea weren’t enough, right? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops typically during your pregnancy, and no it is not that uncommon. As surprising as you might find it almost 2% to 10% of women have been diagnosed with the condition and experts believe the numbers are on the rise with the kind of lifestyles we lead today. However, with the right kind of diet and exercise, you should be able to manage this condition without harming yourself or your growing baby in anyway. So, here we have gathered some tips for you to follow in case you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes to help you ensure that you have a chance at a smooth pregnancy despite the condition:

1. Check your blood sugar regularly: Just like any other diabetes patient, you too will need to keep a tab on your blood sugar levels on a regular basis. You will need to monitor your sugar levels both while fasting and post meal intervals. Its best to take your doctor’s advice on how often you need to monitor your blood sugar, based on what the initial assessment has been.

2. Follow a well-balanced diet: Depending on your level of blood sugar, your doctor may recommend you consult with a nutritionist who can recommend a healthy and well balanced diet which will provide all the nutrition you and your baby need while avoiding spikes in your blood sugar levels. It is generally recommended that you have a diet that is focused more on protein and slightly less on carbohydrates and fats (but not eliminating them altogether) It is also recommended that your meals have a slightly higher fibre content and are low on the glycaemic index, helping you control your blood sugar levels.

3. Exercise regularly: It is anyway a good idea to fit in some kind of daily exercise into your routine, but it is especially important to do so, in case you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Going for a walk, swimming or engaging in some pre-natal yoga are great forms of exercises that you can choose from.

4. Take medications as advised: If your blood sugar levels are particularly high and keep spiking regularly, your doctor may put you on some form of medication or insulin dosage temporarily. It is best to take the medication or insulin shot as advised in order to ensure the blood sugar levels stay well within limits as inconsistent levels can lead to potential harm in your baby’s growth and development and can also create health issues for you.

5. Rest, Relax and don’t stress: Although it may seem overwhelming at first when you are assessed with any kind of condition during your pregnancy, remember stress will only add to the symptoms. So instead of stressing about the condition, we recommend that you work with your doctor to do your best to manage gestational diabetes by following a nutrition and exercise plan that will help you control your sugar levels. Also it is important that you rest and sleep adequately in order to keep your glucose levels in check. 

All these tips are meant to support you in your journey during pregnancy  while you deal with gestational diabetes, however, if you have been diagnosed with the condition, there is nothing better than your doctor’s advice.

Also read more about: How to manage Gestational Diabetes through Diet?

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