Gestational Diabetes!

We’ve heard a lot about diabetes either the Type 1 diabetes which stats at early ages during childhood or Type 2 one which mainly hits us at later stages.

But we are not familiar or aware of the Gestational Diabetes which is the high blood sugar diagnosed during pregnancy!

Why this happens usually?

Pregnancy hormones can block insulin from doing its job (regulating blood sugar levels). When this happens, glucose levels may increase in pregnant women’s blood, especially women who have high blood pressure, have family history of diabetes or were overweight before pregnancy. Symptoms can be mild so we need to have a regular check during this period.

High blood sugar can be harmful for you and your developing baby, so it’s important to try to control it.

NUTRITIONAL LEVEL!!

Your need to follow a healthy diet varied, Low in fat and Moderate in protein.

Following a healthy and planned diet depends on every woman based on her height, weight and physical activity.

Concerning the Carbohydrates part, its intake should be from fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice). In other terms you need to stay far from simple sugar found mainly in white or brown sugar and from all sorts of juices!

You need to concentrate on low glycemic index food which won’t be absorbed quickly in the bloodstream and so don’t lead to high blood sugar levels.

Follow these general Guidelines!!

Eat a variety of food and distribute calories and carbohydrates throughout the day. Make sure both your meals and your snacks are balanced. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you eat 3 moderate size meals separated by 2 small healthy snacks in between!

Don’t skip meals. Be consistent about your food timings. Your blood sugar will remain stable if your food is distributed throughout the day and is consistent from day to day.

Limit your intake of food and beverages that contain simple sugar such as soda, fruit juices, flavored teas and flavored waters, and most desserts! Avoid them!! These food can quickly elevate your blood sugar. Artificial sweeteners can be replaced if you need a sweet flavor!!

Increase your physical activity that is best suitable for you, like walking and swimming because it’s a very good way to keep your blood glucose levels at normal levels.

You need to speak with your diabetes educator, dietitian or practitioner about the lifestyle you are following!