Gestational Diabetes: Prevention & Management During Pregnancy
- Cristina R. de La Mar, M.S., L.Ac., Doula
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
What does a Gestational Diabetes diagnosis really mean, how can you reduce your overall risk and, most importantly - what can you do to keep both you and baby as healthy as possible throughout.
The good thing is strategies for prevention, and for management are much the same! Gestational Diabetes affects approximately one in 10 pregnancies and increases the risk of pregnancy and birth complication. Here are a few key "must-know" facts to consider in order to stay your healthiest throughout.
What is Gestational Diabetes, Really? Traditional "Diabetes" is a condition that develops when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, a hormone that assists in delivering glucose (aka sugar) from your bloodstream and into your cells and organs for energy.
Gestational Diabetes affects about 1 in 10 pregnant women. Unlike traditional Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes is specifically brought on by physiological hormone changes that occur during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can reduce, or block, the effectiveness of the Mother's own insulin, which inhibits her ability to regulate her blood sugar properly - causing "insulin resistance." Coupled with other risk factors – like being overweight, having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or a family history of Type 2 Diabetes – this predisposition to insulin resistance can progress to the point of full on Gestational Diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes can pose health risks for both mom and baby, including the risk of a high birth weight, jaundice, breathing problems for baby and increased chances of high blood pressure and preeclampsia (a very serious condition) for Mom.
Yet, for many women, especially those already on a well-balanced diet and exercise plan, Gestational Diabetes is often temporary, and generally resolves once the baby is born and pregnancy hormones regulate.
What to Expect From Your Glucose Challenge Test About 24 to 28 weeks into your pregnancy, your physician will perform a simple blood test to get a picture of how your body reacts to insulin.
If high blood sugar levels are detected, your physician will recommend further evaluation. They will them perform a similar, additional test in which your blood sugar is evaluated every hour, for three hours after drinking the sugary solution. Based on the results, your doctor will determine if you have Gestational Diabetes.
Five Ways to Stay Healthy With Gestational Diabetes: Maintaining a healthy pregnancy gives you and baby the best start toward a healthy future together. Working to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout is one way to do this. However - sometimes, regardless of how well you eat, sleep, exercise, etc - Gestational Diabetes will still occur. This is certainly a diagnosis to contend with, take seriously and seek medical care for - but it's important to know that you can still have a healthy pregnancy, even so.
(1) Prioritize Fiber & Proteins: Swap out refined carbohydrates that are starchy and sweet - such as white bread, candy and soda - for fiber-filled, whole food alternatives like fibrous vegetables, cooked greens and plenty of proteins.
Proteins anchor your body's glucose, making it easier to keep low. High fiber foods and veggies do the same, and are an excellent nutritional source for you and the baby. When you do have your intake of starchy and sugar-containing foods - try to have small portions, pair them with fiber and protein, and space them out throughout the day to keep your blood sugar steady.
(2) Eat small meals throughout the day: Rather than having three large meals per day, opt to eat 4 - 5 smaller meals or snacks every two to four hours. This prevents glucose spikes that larger meals may cause - and during pregnancy (especially during the third trimester) it's much easier to digest smaller meals, so generally you will feel better, digest well and keep more even glucose.
(3) Stay active throughout pregnancy: If you regularly exercised prior to being pregnant, talk to your doctor about sticking with your routine, with modifications as needed. Exercise is a great way to maintain excellent circulation (great for you and baby!), relieve stress and support nice even glucose levels. Consider regular walking, yoga, cycling, recumbent or reclining bicycles, treadmill walking at an incline - they all count. Even a short 10 minute walk after every meal can make a significant impact.
(4) Track your Blood Sugar Levels: Typically, blood sugar levels should be measured at minimum after each meal. Yet, it's not uncommon for a doctor to advise also testing before meals and first thing in the morning as well. Tracking your blood sugar will give you a much better understanding of what how your everyday eating, sleeping and exercise impacts your blood glucose. Information is key! You can use what you learn to monitor and control your blood glucose by making adjustments as needed. Most people find this greatly reassuring, and that it adds to your ability to manage how you feel and stay the healthiest possible.
(5) Inform your Primary Care Doctor as Well: It's important to know that Women with Gestational Diabetes have a higher chance (up to 60 %) of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life. For this reason, it's very important to share your diagnosis with your Primary Care Doctor - as they will hopefully be the ones monitoring your health beyond postpartum and into the future. This way your Primary Care Doctor can support you better and help keep an eye out for any blood sugar trends that come up.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
While there is no full-proof way to avoid Gestational Diabetes - integrating some (or all) of these suggestions will lead you along a preventative path and support optimal pregnancy health for both you and the baby. Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine is uniquely positioned to support you to stay healthy, recover quickly and ultimately thrive throughout your pregnancy. We are always happy to answer questions - don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
(917) 210-1063
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