When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and let me tell you, that can be quite scary. Pregnancy is already a whirlwind of emotions, and throwing blood sugar issues into the mix can feel overwhelming.
There are so many complications that can come with it, and the last thing any expecting mama wants is more stress.
I was incredibly lucky to have amazing medical support while I was in Dubai, and with the right care, I got everything under control. But I get it, I truly do. If you’re in the same boat, you’re not alone.
I still remember that infamous orange drink they make you chug down for the glucose test. If you’ve had it, you know exactly what I’m talking about! It’s like drinking a thick, syrupy soda that’s way too sweet and way too artificial.
But that little test is important, and as much as I dreaded it, I’m grateful it helped catch my pre-diabetes early.
Now, whether you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or you have pre-existing diabetes and are expecting, let’s talk about what you need to know.
Becoming Pregnant With Diabetes
The first thing you should know about diabetes and being pregnant is that not only is gestational diabetes a risk, but if you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and become pregnant, you need to be even more conscious about your diet and lifestyle. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away.
Don’t wait too long, as you need to monitor your blood sugar levels even more closely than you were previously.
Your doctor may be stricter about your diet, ensuring you are eating all low GI foods that won’t increase your blood glucose levels.
Also go over your diabetes medications with your doctor to ensure they are still safe to take while you are pregnant.
About Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes you will only get while you are pregnant. The good news is that it should go away after you have your baby or are no longer pregnant. However, you need to be cautious while pregnant with diabetes and watch your diet very closely.
Gestational diabetes causes more sugar in your blood just like with type 2 diabetes, therefore the risk factors and treatments are also the same.
Medications might not be safe during pregnancy, so you should focus more on your diet, getting enough exercise, and reducing your stress levels while pregnant.
Taking Care of Yourself and Baby
If you are pregnant with any form of diabetes, taking good care of your health and your baby should be top priority.
It can be hard making a big switch in your diet if you get gestational diabetes, but remember this is important for your growing baby and your own health.
Simple changes like switching to fruit instead of sugary foods and beverages, eating whole grains, and eating a more balanced diet can make a big difference.
Plus, following a diabetic diet now can prevent you from getting type 2 diabetes later on, even after you are no longer pregnant.
Make sure you continue having your blood sugar monitored closely by your doctor if you are diagnosed with any form of diabetes when you are pregnant.
Natural Ways to Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
If you prefer to take a natural approach to health like I do, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of ways to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced without relying on medications. Here are a few tips that worked for me:
- Eat small, frequent meals: This keeps your blood sugar stable and prevents those crazy spikes and crashes. Think healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
- Prioritize movement: You don’t have to go hard at the gym, but a gentle walk after meals can work wonders for keeping blood sugar steady. Prenatal yoga and stretching can also help.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Water helps flush out excess sugar in the blood. Add a squeeze of lemon for extra benefits!
- Choose whole, unprocessed foods: Stick to foods that nourish your body naturally. Avoid anything overly processed, refined, or packed with hidden sugars.
- Manage stress levels: High stress can mess with your blood sugar, so find what relaxes you, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or simply taking a moment to slow down.
Dealing with diabetes during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but trust me, you’ve got this. The key is to stay informed, listen to your body, and take small, manageable steps every day.
Whether you’re adjusting your diet, moving more, or just making time to rest, every little thing adds up. And if you ever feel alone in this journey, just know there’s a whole community of mamas who get it. You’re not alone, and with the right support, you and your baby will thrive.
So, let’s keep that blood sugar balanced and focus on what truly matters, growing a happy, healthy little human!
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