Pregnancy can be really stressful, especially for those with high blood sugar. Avoiding certain foods, taking the right supplements, and medication, and controlling the blood glucose level. This list can go on and on.
Blood sugar control should be on top of this list. Unfortunately, 1 in 7 women who are pregnant, can develop gestational diabetes.
This condition occurs during pregnancy when the body stops making the necessary amount of insulin to keep the blood sugar in check. As a result, it becomes resistant to insulin. That is why it is crucial to avoid gestational diabetes.
Another important reason why we should avoid this particular condition is the fact that we increase our chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Also, some newborn babies have an increased chance of being born with a heavier weight, complications, and cesarean delivery.
There is also a chance that babies born of moms with gestational diabetes have an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent this condition.
But, for women who will end up with gestational diabetes, proper medical interventions will be necessary. Here is how to prevent gestational diabetes.
5 Ways to Prevent Gestational Diabetes
These tips can help women prevent this particular condition.
1. Make Good Lifestyle Choices and Maintain a Healthy Weight Before Conception
It is important that the woman’s body is healthy before she tries to conceive. Having a healthy weight is crucial for managing her blood sugar levels, especially during pregnancy. This way, she will give her unborn child a healthy start.
2. Stay Active
Being active can prevent too much weight gain. But, the type of exercise during pregnancy can be different. So, it is very important to consult with a professional to know which exercises are best suited for pregnancy.
This way, women can reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Exercising can allow the body to be more sensitive to insulin, which in turn will allow better control of blood sugar levels.
That is why we recommend exercising at least half an hour a few days a week. If a woman can’t hit the gym, she can always go biking, swimming, walking, or even dancing.
3. Eat Healthy Foods
Having a healthy diet is one of the most important things they should do, especially if they want to lose weight.
That is why we recommend they control their portions and consume whole grains, healthy carbs, fruits, legumes, low-fat dairy, etc. In other words, stick to foods that contain healthy fats and lean proteins.
But, they should stay away from sugary drinks, especially if they have diabetes. Sugar can be their greatest enemy.
4. Have Regular Doctor Appointments
Women must regularly visit the doctor, for the sake of their unborn child and themselves. If a woman believes she is at risk of developing gestational diabetes, it is a good idea that she gets screened for it.
If she is diagnosed with it, it is important that she talks with a qualified dietitian or a doctor.
5. After Delivery
If a woman is in danger of developing gestational diabetes, she might also develop type 2 diabetes a few years later.
That is why it is important to have a healthy diet, even after giving birth. Don’t think that after the baby has been born, these tips may not be necessary anymore. On the contrary, they are very important. So, stick to them.
