One of the most amazing experiences in life is pregnancy; it is a time of wonder, excitement, and an exciting connection that deepens as a new life is born inside a woman. Pregnancy unfolds with all the love and tenacity needed to nurture a new soul, from the initial glimmer of hope to the heart-pounding excitement of finally meeting your little one.
Nutrition is very important for the health of the mother, as well as for the growth and development of the child. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Rakshita Mehra, nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Noida, claimed, “The foundation for a successful pregnancy, smooth delivery and ideal growth of the baby is laid by proper nutrition during pregnancy.”
Pregnancy causes gestational diabetes (GDM), a type of diabetes that often resolves after childbirth. Rakshitha Mehra explained, “This occurs when the body’s insulin production is insufficient to meet the growing demands of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy. Hormones produced by the placenta help the baby grow, but can also reduce the sensitivity of the mother’s cells to insulin. Some women have high blood sugar because their pancreas can’t make enough extra insulin. In many cases, gestational diabetes has no symptoms.”
However, according to Rakshita Mehra, some women may experience:
- Polydipsia – increased thirst
- Polyuria – frequent urination
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Vision becomes blurred
She added: “For most women, managing gestational diabetes through lifestyle changes is quite effective and can significantly reduce the risks for both mother and baby. To support new mums throughout their journey, let’s explore key strategies for dealing with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, emphasizing the power of love, self-care and resilience.”
1. Basic modifications of nutrition
The key to treating gestational diabetes is a balanced diet. By limiting carbohydrate intake, encouraging healthy fats and proteins, and emphasizing nutrient-dense foods, the goal is to stabilize blood sugar levels. Rakshita Mehra advised –
- Pay attention to complex carbohydrates: Whole grains, legumes, and vegetables are examples of complex carbohydrates that help keep blood sugar levels stable because they are digested slowly. Choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, oats, quinoa and legumes that are low on the glycemic index. These foods help keep blood sugar levels stable by gradually releasing glucose. Since carbohydrates have the biggest impact on blood sugar, it’s important to watch your carbohydrate intake with meals.
- Small, regular meals: Eating small meals every three to four hours will help keep your blood sugar steady and avoid spikes. Eating regularly helps the body process nutrients efficiently, while avoiding large portions of carbohydrates at one meal can prevent blood sugar spikes.
- Choose foods high in dietary fiber and protein: Because fiber slows digestion, it can help regulate blood sugar. Adding high-fiber foods like whole grains, beans, lentils, and vegetables plays an important role during pregnancy. Additionally, fiber facilitates digestion, reducing common pregnancy discomforts such as constipation. Including a source of protein at every meal and snack helps stabilize blood sugar and curb hunger.
- Limit refined and sweet foods: Avoid foods that raise blood sugar quickly, such as white bread, sodas, candy, and other refined carbohydrates.
- Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration boosts metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar.
2. Regular exercise
Rakshitha Mehra said: “Another key pillar of GDM management is exercise, which gives mums the confidence to take control of their health. Increasing exercise lowers blood sugar and increases energy levels, helping the body to use insulin more effectively.’
Safe Exercise Options:
- Walking: A daily light walk can help control blood sugar, especially after meals.
- Yoga during pregnancy: Yoga can help regulate blood sugar, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
Before starting or continuing any exercise, it is very important to check with a health care professional to make sure it is safe and appropriate.
3. Stress management
In addition to the gamut of emotions that come with pregnancy, managing gestational diabetes can make things even more stressful. Rakshita Mehra emphasized, “Stress management is an important part of GDM therapy, as high levels of stress release chemicals that can raise blood sugar levels. Because stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels, managing stress is critical to treating gestational diabetes.”
- Stress reduction strategies: Meditation and Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness helps reduce stress and improve emotional health.
- Breathing techniques: Easy deep breathing techniques can reduce stress hormone levels and promote peace of mind.
- Deep sleep: Because sleep is closely related to blood sugar regulation, rest should come first. Pregnant women can wake up feeling rejuvenated and more prepared for the day’s demands if they follow a regular sleep pattern and practice good sleep hygiene.
4. Regular medical examinations and glucose control
Rakshitha Mehra said: “Regular blood sugar monitoring can provide important information about how diet, exercise and other variables affect blood glucose levels. Blood sugar is usually measured one to two hours after a meal and in the morning (fasting). Along with diet and activity, blood sugar readings can be recorded to help pinpoint spike trends and areas for improvement.”
To monitor the health of the mother and the child, routine examinations are necessary. To help you with meal planning, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, your health care team may include an obstetrician, a nutritionist, and sometimes a diabetes or endocrinologist.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
