How to Cope with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in 3 to 6 percent of all pregnant women. During pregnancy weight gain and hormonal changes makes it difficult for the body to produce insulin or enough of it to utilize the sugar produced through the consumption certain types of foods. As a result, the glucose stays in the blood instead of moving into the cells, which results in above normal blood sugar levels. This is usually diagnosed between 24 to 28 weeks gestation. The symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, rapid weight gain and so on. It's important to understand that it's the woman that has diabetes and not the baby. However, the baby does receive excess sugar through the placenta and thus has to work harder to make more insulin to lower the high blood sugar. Having GDM could cause brain damage to the baby or dramatically increase the baby's birth weight (otherwise known as macrosomia), which can make delivery quite difficult. If this were to result, then c-section could be a possibility.

Once the baby has been delivered, he or she will be closely monitored on account that the baby will continue to produce insulin at high levels. He or she may also be jaundiced, therefore will need special care. At times the baby is fed glucose, or might have frequent blood tests and the like.

After delivery it is highly likely that the woman won't have diabetes and the blood sugar will return to normal, if a healthy diet is maintained. In some cases the woman may require insulin injections or medication; however it can go away by exercising and eating right.

1. Consult with your doctor or dietician and create a meal plan that is right for you. More importantly, try to stick to it.
2. Keep a daily record of everything you eat.
3. Stay fit and active; go for walks or do some form of daily exercise.
4. Avoid skipping meals, and have fixed meal times, because it is healthier for the digestive system. On account that it is less overworked, just like everything else, it is healthy for your stomach to have breaks instead of snacking all day long.
5. It is also important to watch portion sizes. The portions eaten should not be more than the palm of your hand or the measurement should be around the size of your palm. Try to eat more veggies and fewer carbohydrates. Fruits are good for you, however keep in mine they are high in natural sugars, therefore it is important to watch your fruit portion. You should not eat more than half of a fruit during your scheduled meal times. More so, avoid eating fruit(s), (especially if you are a fruit lover), every meal.
6. I would like to expand on what is considered 'healthy carbohydrates.' Healthy carbohydrates means avoiding foods that are high in simple sugars like, cakes, doughnuts, candies, canned fruits that are preserved in syrup, honey and the like. Make a positive effort to eat whole wheat foods, like grains, bread, and pasta.
7. Eat foods that are fat free or low in its fat content. Try to reduce your consumption of fried foods (it is better to bake or steam your food, especially meat products like fish, steak and chicken). If you do love eating fried foods, gradually wean yourself off it and/or reduce your portion sizes; eat less of it. Additionally, you can challenge yourself by maybe eating one vegetarian dish or meatless dish weekly!
8. Mix it up a little! Introduce a variety of different foods to your diet. Try new foods, maybe even different veggies, fruits and produce from different cultures!
9. More importantly, if you are unsure about anything, consult with a doctor or dietician. Always make sure that you put 'you' first!