7 Tips for Managing Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy, often in the second or third trimester, due to insufficient insulin production. Approximately 7% of pregnancies are affected, leading to potential complications for both mother and baby if untreated.

During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta can cause insulin resistance, raising blood sugar levels. While gestational diabetes typically resolves after childbirth, managing blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent issues like macrosomia, preterm labor, and preeclampsia. Women with gestational diabetes are also at higher risk of type 2 diabetes later.

Management involves a balanced diet, exercise, and sometimes medication to control blood sugar. Regular prenatal care ensures optimal health for mother and baby.

# Avoid Junk Food

Pregnant women must take special care to avoid all forms of junk food. Most of them are harmful to the baby’s health because they are high in chemicals and artificial elements. So, turn away the junk like burgers, pizzas, and various types of pasta. Stock up on healthy foods like yogurt, tofu, eggs, fish, leafy greens, whole grains, and nuts to balance your diet.

# Eat Healthy Carbohydrates

The body requires carbohydrates in a few different forms. Carbohydrates are often regarded as something that should avoid entirely in the diet. Complex carbohydrates do not cause your blood glucose to fluctuate excessively, and thus they can be consumed if you have gestational diabetes. As a result, you should include green leafy vegetables, oats, lentils, milk, okra, quinoa, and other nutritious foods in your diet.

# Get Plenty of Sleep

Expectant mothers should sleep at least eight hours per night in the summer and nine hours per night in the winter, with naps as needed. Short sleep cycles can raise blood sugar levels and cause cells to lose insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of diabetes. Sleep deprivation can also cause sugar cravings and increase the consumption of sweets and starches. If you have insomnia, consult your doctor about natural remedies and sleep hygiene strategies such as avoiding electronics before bed, sleeping in complete darkness, and avoiding sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

# Manage Stress

Many diseases in humans are caused by stress. Diabetes, especially gestational diabetes, is no exception. Increased cortisol levels in the body can negatively affect both the mother and the child. Stress can also cause the child to be born prematurely, which may be harmful to their health in the future. As a result, stress management is critical when you are pregnant. You can manage stress by practicing meditation or yoga. It is also vital to get a good night’s sleep. You will have serious health problems if you do not get enough sleep at night. If you are having trouble sleeping, you should see a doctor.

# Stay Active

Exercise helps prevent and reverse gestational diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels, making cells more sensitive to insulin, reducing inflammation, and increasing serotonin levels, which help to avoid food cravings. It also lowers the risk of newborn baby obesity, aids in preventing preeclampsia, and improves cardiovascular function, blood pressure, fitness, and self-image. It treats lower back pain, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and insomnia. Moderate-intensity, low-impact activities such as swimming, water aerobics, brisk walking, and cycling are ideal for pregnant women.

# Include Protein Diet

Protein is a vital nutrient that everyone requires. Protein from food aids in the breakdown of carbohydrates that the body can use for improved energy production. It is recommended to include one protein food whenever you consume carbohydrate-containing food. Not only will your digestion improve as a result of this, but so will your metabolism.

# Cinnamon Tea

Incorporating cinnamon tea into your diet is another natural way to treat diabetes. The spice is highly beneficial in managing and stabilizing blood glucose levels. Not only that, but cinnamon is known to lower triglyceride levels and bad cholesterol levels, which aids in the treatment of gestational diabetes. It also aids in increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. When pregnant, you should drink at least one cup of cinnamon tea per day.