Posted: April 30th, 2022

How to Manage Diabetes During Pregnancy

How to Manage Diabetes During Pregnancy

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body uses glucose, the main source of energy for your cells. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is carried by your blood to different parts of your body. When you have diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter your cells where it can be used for energy.

There are different types of diabetes, such as type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough of it. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester.

Gestational diabetes affects about 6% to 9% of pregnant women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can cause complications for both you and your baby, such as high blood pressure, preterm birth, large birth weight, low blood sugar, and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Therefore, it is important to manage your blood glucose levels during pregnancy to prevent these problems and have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Here are some tips on how to manage diabetes during pregnancy:

1. **Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.** Your health care provider will tell you how often and when to check your blood glucose levels using a device called a glucometer. This device uses a small drop of blood from your finger to measure your blood glucose level. You will need to record your results and share them with your health care provider at each visit. The target blood glucose levels for most women with gestational diabetes are:

– Before meals, at bedtime, and overnight: 95 mg/dL or less
– One hour after eating: 140 mg/dL or less
– Two hours after eating: 120 mg/dL or less

These targets may vary depending on your individual situation, so ask your health care provider what targets are right for you.

2. **Follow a healthy eating plan.** Your health care provider or a dietitian will help you create a healthy eating plan that suits your needs and preferences. The plan will include what foods to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat. The general principles of a healthy eating plan for gestational diabetes are:

– Eat balanced meals that include carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
– Choose complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils.
– Avoid simple carbohydrates that are high in sugar, such as candy, soda, juice, and desserts.
– Limit saturated fats and trans fats that are found in animal products, fried foods, baked goods, and processed foods.
– Choose unsaturated fats that are found in plant oils, nuts, seeds, avocado, and fish.
– Eat small portions and spread them throughout the day.
– Do not skip meals or snacks.
– Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

3. **Be physically active.** Physical activity can help you control your blood glucose levels by improving your insulin sensitivity and lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It can also relieve stress, strengthen your muscles and bones, and improve your mood and sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, unless your health care provider advises otherwise. Some examples of moderate physical activity are:

– Walking
– Swimming
– Cycling
– Dancing
– Yoga
– Pilates

Before starting any physical activity program, talk to your health care provider about what activities are safe and suitable for you during pregnancy. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activity. Listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath.

4. **Manage your weight gain.** Gaining too much or too little weight during pregnancy can affect your blood glucose levels and increase the risk of complications for you and your baby. Your health care provider will tell you how much weight you should gain during pregnancy based on your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI). The recommended weight gain ranges for women with gestational diabetes are:

– If you were underweight before pregnancy (BMI less than 18.5), you should gain 28 to 40 pounds.
– If you were normal weight before pregnancy (BMI 18.5 to 24.9), you should gain 25 to 35 pounds.
– If you were overweight before pregnancy (BMI 25 to 29.9), you should gain 15 to 25 pounds.
– If you were obese before pregnancy (BMI 30 or more), you should gain 11 to 20 pounds.

To manage your weight gain, follow your healthy eating plan and be physically active. Do not try to lose weight during pregnancy, as this can harm your baby. If you have any concerns about your weight gain, talk to your health care provider.

5. **Take medication if needed.** Some women with gestational diabetes may need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels. The most common medication for gestational diabetes is insulin, which is a hormone that helps glucose enter your cells. Insulin is given by injection under the skin using a syringe, pen, or pump. Your health care provider will teach you how to inject insulin and adjust the dose according to your blood glucose levels and other factors. You will need to take insulin before meals and/or at bedtime, depending on your individual needs.

Some women with gestational diabetes may be able to take oral medications instead of insulin. These medications work by lowering the amount of glucose produced by your liver or by increasing the sensitivity of your cells to insulin. However, not all oral medications are safe and effective for gestational diabetes, so your health care provider will decide which one is best for you.

Whether you take insulin or oral medication, you will need to monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and follow your healthy eating plan and physical activity program. You will also need to check for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as sweating, shaking, dizziness, hunger, headache, confusion, or weakness. If you have low blood sugar, you will need to treat it quickly by eating or drinking something that contains sugar, such as glucose tablets, juice, or candy. Then check your blood glucose level again and repeat the treatment if needed.

Managing diabetes during pregnancy can be challenging, but it is possible with the help of your health care team and your own efforts. By following these tips, you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Works Cited

CDC. “Diabetes During Pregnancy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 June 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/diabetes-during-pregnancy.htm.

NIDDK. “Managing & Treating Gestational Diabetes.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, June 2018, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational/management-treatment.

Verywell Family. “5 Tips for Managing Gestational Diabetes.” Verywell Family, 14 June 2021, https://www.verywellfamily.com/tight-pregnancy-blood-sugar-levels-tips-1087655.

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