Navigating the Challenges of Gestational Diabetes: Tips for Managing Your Blood Sugar

Gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, affects about 6-9% of all pregnancies in the United States. The condition develops when the body is unable to produce or use insulin properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels.

Managing gestational diabetes can be challenging, but it is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and baby. In this article, we will discuss some tips for managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that typically occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Women who have never had diabetes before can develop gestational diabetes, but it usually goes way after the baby is born.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gestational diabetes can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby if not managed properly. These complications include:

Preeclampsia: a pregnancy complication that causes high blood pressure and damage to organs.

Preterm birth: birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Type 2 diabetes: women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Large birth weight: babies born to women with gestational diabetes may be larger than normal, making delivery difficult and increasing the risk of injury to both the mother and the baby.

Low blood sugar: babies born to women with gestational diabetes may have low blood sugar levels after birth.

Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Managing blood sugar levels is the key to a healthy pregnancy for women with gestational diabetes. Here are some tips for managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy:

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is essential for managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), women with gestational diabetes should aim for:

Three small to moderate-sized meals and two to four snacks per day

A balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates

Avoiding sugary and processed foods

Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, Marci Evans, MS, CEDRD-S, LDN recommends focusing on nutrient-dense foods such as non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. "Fiber, which is found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help slow down the absorption of glucose and help keep blood sugar levels stable," she says.

Monitor blood sugar levels regularly

Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly is crucial for managing gestational diabetes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends testing blood sugar levels four times a day, usually before meals and one hour after meals.

Dr. Jessica Nouhavandi, PharmD, the co-founder and CEO of Honeybee Health, suggests using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to monitor blood sugar levels throughout the day. "A CGM is a wearable device that continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid," she explains. "This allows for real-time monitoring and helps women with gestational diabetes make immediate adjustments to their diet and medication."

Exercise regularly

Exercise can help manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The ADA recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Exercise can help the body use insulin more effectively and lower blood sugar levels.

According to Dr. Nouhavandi, "Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can be beneficial for women with gestational diabetes."

Take medication if necessary

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy. According to ACOG, insulin is the most commonly used medication for gestational diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.