gestational diabetes is a condition of blood sugar metabolism that occurs during pregnancy, due to the body not producing enough insulin to control glucose levels. If not well controlled, this condition can cause complications for both mother and fetus such as preeclampsia, premature birth, or a baby born with too much weight.
Dr. Mitul Gupta, Senior Consultant at Cocoon Hospital in India, shared with Healthshots: Hormonal changes during pregnancy make the body less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to compensate, the mother will develop gestational diabetes, especially from the second trimester onwards".
Here are 5 tips from experts to effectively manage gestational diabetes:
Adjust your diet
A healthy diet is the foundation for controlling gestational diabetes. Dr. Gupta recommends that pregnant women should prioritize foods rich in fiber (green vegetables, whole grains, beans, moderate fruits), supplement lean protein (chicken, fish, tofu), use good fats ( avocado, olive oil, nuts) and stay away from sweets and sugary drinks.
A balanced meal of protein, fiber and healthy fats will help stabilize blood sugar naturally, she emphasized.
Eat small and regular meals
Instead of eating 3 large meals, pregnant women should divide them into 56 meals/day. According to recommendations from the University of California San Francisco Health (USA), eating large amounts of food at one time can easily cause blood sugar to spike. Eating less but all helps the body process sugar better and stabilize energy.
Maintain gentle movement
Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity. Walking after meals, doing yoga, or light swimming are good choices. According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), maintaining regular exercise helps control blood sugar effectively during pregnancy.
However, Dr. Gupta notes: Before starting any form of exercise, pregnant women should consult a doctor to ensure safety.
Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
Checking blood sugar index at home with a measuring device or at medical facilities helps detect uncontrolled conditions early. If lifestyle changes are still not effective enough, the doctor may prescribe insulin injections.
Closely monitoring the body's reaction to meals, exercise and rest is extremely important to make appropriate adjustments, said the expert.
Drink enough water every day
Staying hydrated helps your kidneys remove excess sugar through urine. Pregnant women should drink 810 glasses of water/day, avoid fruit juice or sugary drinks because it can easily increase blood sugar.
What is a normal gestational glycemic index?
Dr. Gupta shares that the ideal index is: fasting blood sugar below 92 mg/dL, below 180 mg/dL an hour after eating and below 153 mg/dL after two hours. To screen early, pregnant women should take a glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at the 24th28th week of pregnancy.
gestational diabetes is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for women to make healthier lifestyle changes. With a reasonable diet, moderate exercise and close monitoring, you can completely maintain a healthy pregnancy and welcome your baby safely.
