Tips for Controlling Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects about 135,000 pregnant women each year. Controlling gestational diabetes during pregnancy is critical for the health of the mom and the baby. While most women will control their blood glucose levels with diet and exercise, about 15% will need insulin shots. Gestational diabetes sounds like a very scary condition to many, but it is a very controllable condition that will minimally affect your baby.

Follow Your Doctor or Midwife’s Instructions

The most important tip for controlling gestational diabetes during pregnancy and having a healthy baby is to follow all your practitioner’s instructions. This means sticking to a diabetic diet, getting the recommended amount of exercise, and taking your medication.

Of course, when you are pregnant it is hard to avoid cravings that aren’t part of your diet. Controlling gestational diabetes during pregnancy can be as simple as taking a walk when you are craving food that you know is not good for your health.

And then there are the dreaded insulin shots. Truthfully, insulin shots are pain free. The needles are so small, and when injected into the pinched skin of your thigh, you don’t feel a thing. It’s just that initial hesitation of giving yourself a shot that is gone after you do it a couple times.

Write Things Down to Make Controlling Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy Easier

If you are having trouble sticking to your diet or getting your exercise in, consider starting a journal. Seeing everything on paper does something to the mind, holds people accountable, and really shows you what you are or are not doing.

For some people it helps them feel like they have accomplished something as they check off items when they reach their goals. A great tip for writing things down is to write down your food items and exercise routine into a to-do list format and mark them when completed.

When you write down your daily food intake it will be easier for you to stick to the diabetic diet. Better yet, plan your meals a head. Write down all your meals and snacks at the start of the week, or even at the start of the day. Make sure you get the right amount of protein, carbs, fats, and vitamins and minerals. Then all you have to do is refer to your meal plan to see what to eat, and only eat what is on your meal plan.

Avoid Impossible Situations or Indulge in Moderation

If you are having trouble sticking to your diet plan or specifically avoiding sweets, don’t place yourself in the situation where you can easily access them. Ask your spouse to do the food shopping and not to buy sweets. Excuse yourself from events that revolve around forbidden foods.

If there is an important event or gathering that you cannot avoid and your craving is overwhelming? Go ahead and indulge in moderation. Take a bite or two of that chocolate cake, as long as you know you can stop after a bite. If it’s the dead heat of the summer and you need ice cream, eat just a little.

With willpower and some planning, you will find that controlling gestational diabetes during pregnancy is not that hard, especially when you know that your health and the health of your little one is at stake.

Thanks for reading. If you liked what you read, tap that heart button. You can also leave me a tip to show support, if you like.

Did you know that writing is my career? I write full-time. It's how I support myself. If you're looking for a writer for your business, you can contact me through my website: daniellemcgaw.ca

You can also show independent writers like me support by sharing our work. Just share it to whatever social media platform you use most often.