Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur at any stage of pregnancy but is most common during the second half of pregnancy. It is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are higher than normal during this period.
Expectant mothers who suffer from gestational diabetes should not worry too much. The chances of having problems with pregnancy are minimized by controlling blood sugar levels. In most cases, this type of diabetes disappears after giving birth.
Studies have shown that physical exercise can help women with gestational diabetes control blood glucose. This is confirmed by a report carried out by the Polytechnic University of Madrid and the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital in Majadahonda.
The results of the study have been published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. This study shows that an adequate preventive regimen is the best remedy to avoid the effects of gestational diabetes. But what exactly is this disease? How can we combat it?
What is gestational diabetes?
This disease is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is due to the placenta generating hormones that can increase the accumulation of glucose in the blood .
In most cases, the pancreas produces enough insulin to handle this situation. However, when the opposite happens, blood sugar levels rise. This is what causes gestational diabetes.
During pregnancy, the placenta, which connects the baby to the blood supply, produces high levels of hormones. Almost all of these hormones impair the action of insulin in your cells, potentially raising your blood sugar level. However, it should be noted that increased blood sugar after meals is normal during pregnancy.
The problem comes when this increase in sugar becomes excessive. As the baby grows, the placenta produces more and more hormones that counteract insulin. If gestational diabetes develops, the blood sugar level can reach a level that poses a danger to the growth and well-being of the baby .
“Health of body and mind is a great blessing, if we are able to bear it.”
-John Henry Cardinal Newman-
How is gestational diabetes treated?
Blood sugar levels can be lowered through dietary changes and exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight and following a proper eating plan can help prevent or minimize the risks of gestational diabetes.
Additionally, some women will also need medication if diet and exercise changes do not lower blood sugar enough.
Below you will find a series of effective tips if you want to reduce gestational diabetes.
1- Maintain a healthy diet
Choose foods high in fiber and low in refined carbohydrates. Focus on fruits, vegetables, meat, and whole grains. Make an effort to include healthy foods to help you achieve your goal. However, this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the taste of your meals or the quality of your nutrition. At the same time, you should be mindful of portion sizes.
A dietitian or doctor can help you create a healthy eating plan. This way, you’ll learn how to control your blood sugar during pregnancy through food. A little research will help you find tasty recipes for people with diabetes.
2- Exercise
Exercising before and during pregnancy can help protect you from developing gestational diabetes. To do this, it is recommended to do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
It is important to consider what type of exercise is best for pregnant women. In general, going for a walk or a run will provide you with many of the same benefits as other, more intense disciplines. However, the risks are much lower.
3 – Take medication
If diet changes and exercise aren’t enough to keep your blood glucose at safe levels, you may need to take medication. Of course, you should only start taking this medication after consulting with your doctor.
Although insulin is often prescribed for other types of diabetes, this is not the case for gestational diabetes. For safety reasons, your doctor will probably tell you to try many other action plans beforehand. However, in extreme cases, insulin may be prescribed.
Women who take insulin will need to monitor their blood glucose levels more often. This is necessary to determine the appropriate doses, and when they need to take it about meals.
4- Controls blood sugar levels
Because pregnancy causes the body’s energy needs to change, blood sugar levels can change very quickly. Therefore, in the most extreme cases, pregnant women should check them about four times a day, as directed by their doctor.
Gestational diabetes is a relatively rare condition. However, it can occur during any pregnancy, so you should be alert if you notice any symptoms. If you think you may be suffering from it, talk to your doctor about what you should do.