How to Manage Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears with the birth of the baby. It can be diagnosed at anytime during a pregnancy but it is most often diagnosed following a routine screening between weeks 24 to 28 of a pregnancy. If gestational diabetes is properly managed then there is minimal risk to the mother and baby. This article will provide tips for successfully managing gestational diabetes.
Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose meter
- Test strips for meter
- Lancets for meter
- Healthy food
- Journal
- Doctor
Instructions
After you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you should meet with a doctor, nurse or diabetes educator to review your diet, medications that you need to take (if any) and how to test your blood glucose level at home. When you wake up each morning you should test your fasting blood glucose level. Different doctors have different requirements for this number but the majority of physicians want your fasting number to be under 95, under 100 or under 105. Your doctor will tell you what your target number should be. Eat breakfast. You will be told how many grams of carbohydrates you can have at breakfast. Some good choices for breakfast may include: scrambled eggs, omelets with cheese and vegetables, whole wheat toast or a multi-grain waffle. After breakfast test your blood glucose level again. Your doctor will tell you how long after breakfast you should test (usually at 1 hour or 2 hours after eating) and what your blood glucose level should be. Record the number in a journal next to what you ate for breakfast. That way you will know what foods keep you within your target blood glucose range and what foods do not. Eat a mid-morning snack that includes protein and does not exceed your recommended carbohydrate intake. Cheese or carrots and hummus might be good options. Have lunch. Some good choices might include salad with chicken, hamburger with no bread, or grilled cheese on whole wheat bread. Repeat Step 4 and record your after lunch blood glucose level next to what you ate for lunch. Have a mid-afternoon snack. Some good choices might include air-popped popcorn, a small piece of fruit or some nuts. Eat dinner. Some good food choices might include grilled meats, non-starchy vegetables prepared any way you like them and a serving of brown rice, pasta or potatoes. Repeat Step 4 and record your after dinner blood glucose level next to what you ate for dinner. Have a before bed snack such as cheese, popcorn, a low carb yogurt or a sugar-free popsicle. Review your blood glucose numbers with your doctor or nurse regularly. If you are consistently getting numbers outside of your target range, then call your doctor. You may need insulin or an oral medication to help control your blood glucose levels. Your doctor will advise you on the need for either type of medication and will instruct you on how and when to take the medication. Do not be discouraged if you need medication. Even if you follow the diet exactly as the doctor explains it to you, you may still need medication.
