Gestational Diabetes
Can it really be managed with diet and exercise?
Through media, television and word of mouth from families, friends, coworkers and more, many moms may have false information on what gestational diabetes actually is and what it will look like. Any atypical diagnosis in pregnancy can cause increased stress for a mom. It is important for moms to have current and accurate information to better help prevent and manage gestational diabetes as well as secondary outcomes
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
- Also known as GDM
- A form of high blood sugar that usually resolves after delivery
- Body makes too little insulin during pregnancy
How will elevated blood sugars affect my baby and I?
For Me
- Increased risk of GDM with future pregnancies
- Increased risk of developing diabetes
- Increased risk of elevated blood pressure
- Increased risk of delivery complications requiring c-section
For My Baby
- Preterm birth
- Larger birth weight, complicating delivery
- Low blood sugar at birth
- Difficulty breathing at birth
- Increased risk of developing diabetes
Fact or Fiction?
- My mom had gestational diabetes so I will too: Fiction!
- Having family members with GDM can put you at an increased risk for development but it is not a guarantee
- I have gestational diabetes, I have to cut back on sweets: Fact!
- You do not need to eliminate sweets completely but it is recommended to limit intake to keep blood sugars within normal limits
- I have GDM, I have to have insulin now: Fiction!
- Not all moms with GDM require insulin. Most GDM pregnancies can be managed with monitoring sugar levels and adjusting diets. Exercise also helps to regular blood sugar levels
- I have GDM, I will have to poke myself every day: Fact!
- GDM is monitored by checking your blood sugar 4 times daily. The instrument, called a lancet, has a tiny needle that pokes the top layer of the skin on your finger. It causes minimal discomfort and only omits a few small drops of blood.
- I had GDM with my previous pregnancy so I will have it this time too: Fiction!
- GDM in previous pregnancies put you at an increase risk but it is not guarantee. Diet, exercise and starting weight play a large role in GDM.
- I will be able to feel that I have GDM: yes and no!
- Elevated blood sugars may cause you to feel more thirsty, sleepy or hungry. You may notice you need to urinate more often or cuts aren’t healing as fast. You may also notice your vision changes. These are all side effects of elevated blood sugars and typically resolve once levels are managed
Prevention
Many women may believe GDM is inevitable if themselves or family members have had it in the past but this is not the case. Diet and exercise play a large role in preventing gestational diabetes, primary care providers, women’s health providers as well as nutritionists and fitness providers can all help you achieve better lifestyle goals
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Eat healthy foods
- High fiber, low fat, low calorie foods
- Increased fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Limits sweets
- Avoid sedentary lifestyle
- Regular exercise, try to aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid alcohol
Management
GDM is manageable, small choices can lead to big results. Take these steps to better manage your blood sugar levels and aid in maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Check blood sugars regularly during pregnancy – 4 times daily. Let provider know of elevated readings.
- Stay to a meal schedule, eat around the same time every day
- 3 meals and an AM and PM snack
- Breakfast is important – one starch and a protein to help balance hormone and blood sugar levels
- Choose water or 1 cup of milk over juice or soda
- Avoid sweets or added sugars
- Decrease but do not cut carbs as they help to regulate blood sugar levels
- Maintain healthy weight during pregnancy and gain wait only as recommended – do not aim to loose weight
- Exercise daily, 30 minutes or as tolerated
- Short walks after meals will help decreased blood sugar levels naturally
- Take a vitamin D supplement or get plenty of sunshine
- Consider a magnesium supplement or increase magnesium rich foods (leafy greens, nuts, seeds)
Diet for Gestational Diabetes by Verywell
Follow-up Care
After delivery all moms will have a follow up blood glucose test done. GDM puts moms at an increased risk of developing diabetes but with increased exercise, smart food choices and living a healthy lifestyle, this risk greatly decreases.
Media, television and friendly conversations are all easy/accessible ways to get information but they aren’t always the most accurate. Healthcare providers have the most up-to-date information available and your team has your individual history and needs in mind. Keep your providers updated and ask questions when you are confused or unsure. Doctors, nurses and supportive staff will be with you every step of the way from diagnosis, management and follow-up gestational diabetes care!
References
Björk Javanshiri, A., Calling, S., & Modig, S. (2023). Follow-up and screening for type-2 diabetes mellitus in women with previous gestational diabetes in primary care. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 41(1), 98–103. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1080/02813432.2023.2182632
Brady, V., & Goering, L. (2022). Gestational diabetes. American Nurse Today, 17(9), 8–11. https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.neit.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=10&sid=4998aa2d-a639-48c8-bbfe-bade7d14a30f%40redis
Igwesi-Chidobe, C. N., Okechi, P. C., Emmanuel, G. N., & Ozumba, B. C. (2022). Community-based non-pharmacological interventions for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. BMC Women’s Health, 22(1), 1–37. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1186/s12905-022-02038-9
Ren, X., Jin, J., Chen, Y., & Jin, J. (2022). Research on the Effect of Nursing Methods for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on Comprehensive Nursing Intervention. Computational & Mathematical Methods in Medicine, 1–10. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1155/2022/2396658