Many women have a hard time with a diagnosis of GDM. They feel they did something wrong or that they have hurt their baby. They often experience very high levels of stress because of this. It is important to know that stress raises the blood glucose level, which is the last thing a woman with GDM needs. Therefore, it is very important to manage stress during this time.
The woman with GDM is not at fault. GDM occurs when a woman’s body cannot keep up with the high demand for insulin caused by the presence of pregnancy hormones. These hormones work against insulin (they raise the blood glucose level) and therefore, the body needs to make more insulin. Once the baby is born, the pregnancy hormones are gone and the body can once again handle making enough insulin.
If you have GDM, there are several things you can do to manage your blood glucose levels. The first step is to check blood glucose levels – you will need to meet with a diabetes educator and learn where to get the equipment and supplies, and how to use a blood glucose meter. The diabetes educator will provide guidelines for when and how often to check, and where your blood glucose readings need to fall.
Exercise is a very important part of managing GDM. Make sure to clear it with your OB first, and then make exercise a regular part of your day. Healthy choices in the food and beverage department will also help keep blood glucose levels in a safe range. A dietitian is the best person to help you with nutrition education; your diabetes educator also has great information about nutrition.
Besides cigarettes, illegal drugs and alcohol it’s a good idea to avoid fruit juices, regular soda and other sugar drinks. These drinks are packed with sugar and will raise the blood glucose level quickly and drastically. If you had healthy eating habits before you were pregnant, you’re probably doing great now. If you did not have healthy eating habits before, you may need to make a few adjustments for the sake of you and your baby. One tip for managing blood glucose levels is to combine healthy carbohydrate foods with healthy protein/fat. For example, if you’re about to have a piece of fruit, have a handful of nuts or a piece of low-fat cheese. This will help you avoid blood glucose spikes.
Work with your diabetes educator/dietitian to develop a reasonable eating plan. One more thing: it’s especially hard for pregnant women who are craving junk food to follow a strict meal plan, so remember to allow yourself some flexibility. Again, don’t stress! Remember that GDM does not mean you are on a “diet.” You still need plenty of calories to keep your energy level up and to provide for your baby. The trick is to balance what you eat with your exercise and possibly medication, if your body needs it. Stay tuned for more on GDM…