Understanding Gestational Diabetes
Your Sweetest Challenge Yet
You may have heard stories about the Glucose Challenge Test - the electric orange Glucoa drink pregnant women are asked to consume around 24-28 weeks, then sit in an office and have their blood sugar levels tested over a couple hours. Poviders look at these results to ensure your body is processing sugar normally. If you pass the test, you won't be asked to do it again. If you don't have the expected response - i.e. your body is not able to regulate the 50 gram dose of sugar in the orange drink (keep reading for some natural alternatives to this), your provider will be discussing gestational diabetes management with you.
Discovering you have gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone, and with the right care, you can have a very healthy pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. While it may sound scary, it often resolves after childbirth with proper management. By staying informed, working closely with your healthcare team, and making some lifestyle adjustments, you can protect both yourself and your baby. This diagnosis does not need to take over your life. Making consistent, manageable changes will make all the difference for a happy, healthy outcome for you & baby.
The Statistics: You Are Not Alone
The current rate of gestational diabetes in the United States has been steadily increasing. As of 2021, the prevalence was reported at 8.3% of pregnancies, up from 6.0% in 2016. This condition varies by maternal age, with older mothers experiencing a higher incidence—about 15.6% for those aged 40 and above, compared to just 2.7% for mothers under 20. Racial and ethnic differences also play a role, with certain groups, such as Asian Indian and Puerto Rican women, showing a higher risk for gestational diabetes and its associated complications
Gestational Diabetes: The Basics
Gestational diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels that affect both mother and baby. It can bring a heightened risk of excessive birth weight (Macrosomia), preterm birth, blood sugar regulation challenges for baby after delivery, and developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child, making education and lifestyle adjustments crucial.
Early Detection and Management
Just as you would gather resources and support for pregnancy, addressing gestational diabetes requires prompt and proactive measures. If you are diagnosed, working closely with your healthcare provider to manage your blood sugar through diet, exercise, monitoring, and possibly medication is essential. While many providers rely on the oral glucose test (the orange syrup-y drink), you can ask instead to use a continuous glucose monitor to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels on a daily basis. If you'd like a natural, dye-free alternative to the orange syrup, look into the Fresh Test. You can also talk to your provider about substituting the orange drink for juice, jelly beans, or another food or beverage of your choice.
Nutrition: Your First Line of Defense
Diet plays a pivotal role in managing gestational diabetes. A balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Simple, processed carbohydrates and sugars, which cause spikes in blood sugar, should be minimized. Aim for whole food carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits, beans, potatoes, or whole grains combined in balanced meals (think protein + healthy fats + colorful veggies + carbohydrates). Consulting a Dietitian can provide you with personalized recommendations that cater not only to your dietary needs and preferences but also to those of your developing baby.
In addition to emphasizing higher fiber intake, specific nutrients are also tied to prevention and management of gestational diabetes:
- Vitamin D supplementation can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, especially for high-risk pregnant women in the first and second trimesters.
- Low chromium levels are associated with gestational diabetes, and chromium supplementation may help improve glucose and insulin levels.
- Folate supplements may help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes
You can find all these vitamins and minerals in therapeutic doses in I Am Nurtured's Prenatal vitamin
Staying Active: Effective Exercise
Exercise is another cornerstone of managing gestational diabetes. You might have heard from your doctor that any activities you were safely engaging in before pregnancy are typically safe during pregnancy. Activities like walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming can help lower blood sugar levels by improving your body’s use of insulin. Consider taking a walk after meals as a simple way to support your body in using the blood sugar available after eating. Always discuss any new exercise routines with your healthcare provider or an expert in prenatal exercise programming to ensure they are safe for your stage of pregnancy.
Postpartum Considerations: Beyond Birth
While gestational diabetes typically resolves after delivery, it's important to continue monitoring your health. Postpartum testing is crucial to ensure that blood sugar levels have returned to normal, with regular follow-ups as recommended by your healthcare provider. You can also practice self-monitoring by wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for a period of time. CGMs are covered by insurance and typically prescribed by your doctor. This vigilance helps prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in the future.
Support Systems: Find Your People
Remember, you're not meant to navigate the challenges of gestational diabetes alone. Health professionals, from endocrinologists to certified diabetes educators and dietitians, are there to support you. Consider finding online communities of other mothers who are successfully managing gestational diabetes, sharing strategies, and supporting each other through the challenges. Regular appointments and possibly joining support groups can provide you with the necessary tools and encouragement you need to feel motivated and successful in integrating any changes into your lifestyle.
Preparing for All Possibilities
By being well-informed and prepared for conditions like gestational diabetes, you can ensure a healthier and happier transition into motherhood. Our commitment to providing resources and support extends beyond just the joyous moments, embracing all facets of maternal health. Whether you're dealing with the sweet highs or the unforeseen lows, remember, help is just a phone call or e-mail away. Don't wait; reaching out is the first step toward taking control of your health and enjoying the precious early moments with your baby. If you need resources local to you, we're happy to help! Reach out to us at hello@iamnurtured.com.
