Gestational Diabetes: What To Do When Blood Sugar Is High?

Discovering that your blood sugar is high during pregnancy due to gestational diabetes can be a moment of anxiety. However, it’s crucial to remember that with the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can effectively manage these elevated levels and safeguard the health of both you and your baby. High blood sugar during pregnancy can have immediate and long-term implications, but by understanding how to respond promptly and make necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can significantly mitigate risks. This article will guide you through practical strategies and essential actions to take when faced with high blood sugar levels.

Check Your Blood Sugar Regularly

The Importance of Frequent Monitoring

When you notice high blood sugar, it becomes even more vital to check it regularly. Using a glucometer at home, measure your fasting blood sugar first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything other than water. Then, check it again one or two hours after each meal. For example, if you have breakfast at 8 am, test your blood sugar between 9 and 10 am. Keeping a detailed record of these readings is essential. Write down the time, date, and what you ate for each measurement. This record helps you and your healthcare provider identify patterns. If you see that your blood sugar is consistently high after a certain meal, it may indicate a need to adjust your diet for that time of day.

Understanding Target Ranges

Your healthcare provider will have set specific target ranges for your blood sugar levels. Generally, fasting blood sugar should be around 95 mg/dL or lower, and one-hour post-meal levels should be less than 140 mg/dL. If your readings are above these, it’s a sign that you need to take action. By knowing these numbers, you have a clear goal to aim for. You can quickly tell if your current management strategies are working or if adjustments are necessary. For instance, if your fasting blood sugar is regularly 110 mg/dL, you know you need to reevaluate your evening snack or bedtime routine to see what might be causing the elevation.

Adjust Your Diet

Focus on Complex Carbohydrates

One of the first dietary changes to make when blood sugar is high is to prioritize complex carbohydrates. Swap white bread for whole wheat, choose brown rice over white, and load up on fiber-rich vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and leafy greens. These complex carbs are digested more slowly, releasing glucose into the bloodstream gradually and preventing sharp spikes. For example, a meal could consist of grilled chicken, a large side of roasted Brussels sprouts, and a small portion of whole grain pasta. The fiber in the vegetables and whole grains helps slow down digestion, keeping your blood sugar more stable compared to if you had eaten refined grains.

Control Portion Sizes and Meal Frequency

Portion control is crucial. Instead of large, infrequent meals, eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This helps prevent your body from being overwhelmed with a large amount of glucose at once. For instance, if you usually have three big meals, try having five or six smaller ones. Also, be mindful of portion sizes, especially of carbohydrate-rich foods. A serving of rice or pasta should be about the size of your fist. Avoid going back for seconds, even if you feel hungry, as overeating can quickly send your blood sugar soaring. Additionally, limit sugary drinks and desserts as they can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.

Increase Physical Activity

Choose Safe Exercises

Engaging in regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels. Opt for exercises that are safe during pregnancy, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Walking is simple and accessible. Aim for a 30-minute walk most days of the week. The movement helps your muscles use glucose, thereby reducing the amount in your bloodstream. Swimming is another great option as it provides a full-body workout while being gentle on your joints. Prenatal yoga not only improves flexibility but also helps with relaxation, which can indirectly benefit blood sugar control. For example, certain yoga poses can enhance circulation and muscle tone, aiding in better glucose utilization.

Incorporate Activity into Daily Life

In addition to dedicated exercise sessions, find ways to be active throughout your day. If you have a sedentary job, stand up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. When you go grocery shopping, park farther away from the store entrance to get in some extra steps. These small changes can add up and have a positive impact on your blood sugar. Even simple household chores like sweeping the floor or folding laundry can contribute to burning calories and using up glucose, helping to keep your levels in check.

Stay Hydrated

The Role of Water in Blood Sugar Management

Drinking enough water is often overlooked but is essential when dealing with high blood sugar. Water helps flush out excess glucose through the kidneys. When your blood sugar is elevated, your kidneys work harder to filter it out, and staying hydrated supports this process. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. If you’re sweating more due to exercise or warm weather, increase your intake. For example, if you go for a walk on a hot day, bring a water bottle and take sips regularly. Dehydration can make blood sugar levels even higher, so keeping up with your fluid intake is crucial for maintaining stability.

Avoid Sugary Drinks

While staying hydrated, it’s equally important to avoid sugary drinks. Sodas, fruit juices with added sugars, and sweetened teas can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. These beverages are loaded with simple carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, opt for water, unsweetened herbal teas, or sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime for flavor. If you’re craving something sweet, try diluting a small amount of 100% fruit juice with water to reduce the sugar content. By steering clear of sugary drinks, you prevent unnecessary spikes in your blood glucose levels.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Share Your Readings and Concerns

If your blood sugar remains high despite your efforts to manage it through diet and exercise, it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider. Share your detailed blood sugar records with them, including the times, dates, and corresponding meals. Explain any difficulties you’re having with adhering to your plan or any unusual symptoms you’ve noticed. For example, if you’ve been following your diet strictly but still see high readings, your provider may need to investigate further. They can determine if there are other factors at play, such as an underlying illness or a need for medication adjustment.

Follow Medical Advice Promptly

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as a hemoglobin A1C test to get an average blood sugar level over the past few months, or they may suggest adjusting your current treatment plan. If they prescribe medication, take it exactly as directed. Some women with gestational diabetes may need insulin injections or oral medications to control their blood sugar. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the medications, their potential side effects, and how they will impact your pregnancy. Following medical advice promptly is crucial for effectively managing your condition and ensuring a healthy outcome for you and your baby.

Manage Stress

The Impact of Stress on Blood Sugar

Stress can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol, which can cause your blood sugar to rise. During pregnancy, with the added concerns of gestational diabetes, it’s easy to feel stressed. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or prenatal massage. For example, take 10 minutes each day to sit quietly, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. This simple practice can help lower stress levels, which in turn can have a positive effect on your blood sugar. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your partner, a friend, or a counselor about your concerns.

Prioritize Self-Care

Make self-care a priority. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep can also contribute to elevated blood sugar. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine that helps you relax, like reading a book or taking a warm bath before bed. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s listening to music, painting, or spending time in nature. By taking care of your mental and emotional well-being, you’re better equipped to manage the physical challenges of gestational diabetes and keep your blood sugar under control.

Conclusion

Dealing with high blood sugar during gestational diabetes requires a comprehensive approach. By closely monitoring your levels, adjusting your diet, increasing physical activity, staying hydrated, following medical advice, and managing stress, you can take control of your condition. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with the support of your healthcare team and loved ones, you can ensure a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

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