Gestational diabetes blood sugar level
Testing your blood
glucose multiple times a day will help you decide if your current diet and
exercise plan is keeping your blood sugar level within a good range to protect
both you and your baby.
Testing Your Blood - Gestationaldiabetes blood sugar level
Testing your blood
glucose levels involves pricking your finger with a lancet device (small sharp
needle), placing a drop of blood on a test strip, using a blood glucose meter
to get results, recording the results into a log book, then disposing the
lancet and strips properly. You will need to bring in your log book to share
with your doctor to check your glucose levels and see if any changes to the
treatment needs to be made.
Your doctor will show
you how to use the glucose meter and will tell you where to get one. You might
get lucky and be able to borrow one from your hospital, as many have loaner
meter programs for women with gestational diabetes.
When to Test?- Gestational diabetes blood sugar level
Test before eating
breakfast – plasma reading needs to read below 105
2 Hours after meals – plasma reading should read below 130
|
Time of Test |
Target Blood Sugar
Reading |
|
Before breakfast |
plasma below 105;
whole blood below 95 |
|
2 Hours After Meals |
plasma below 130;
whole blood below 120 |
Will you need to take insulin? Gestational diabetes blood sugar level
Based on your bloodglucose results, your doctor will tell you if you need to take insulin
injections during pregnancy to control your blood glucose.
When taking insulin,
a “low blood glucose reaction” or hypoglycemia may occur if you are not eating
enough food, skip a meal, exercise more than usual or do not eat at the right
time during the day.
Gestational diabetes blood sugar level Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Sudden hunger
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Feeling shaky
Hypoglycemia is a
serious problem and should be treated immediately. If you think you are having
a low blood glucose reaction, check your glucose level and if it is less than
60 mg/dL then you must eat a sugar-containing food such as fruit juice, hard
candy or honey. Wait 15 minutes and check your blood glucose level again and if
it’s still below 60 mg/dL, eat more high sugar foods.
Gestational diabetes blood sugar level Changing Your Diet
One of the most
important tools to controlling diabetes during pregnancy is through food
choices. Trying to experience eating healthy meals and snack will help you
stabilize your blood sugar and make changes to your overall eating habits. A
registered dietician will be able to provide you a more personalized meal plan
and develop a personal action plan based on your weight, height, physical
activity, and the needs of the growing baby and your level of glucose
intolerance. Your personal food preferences will also be taken into
account.
Here are some general guidelines to stabilizing your blood sugar naturally when you have gestational diabetes:
- Eat a variety of foods and
distribute calories and carbohydrates evenly throughout the day. (So,
don’t dig into ice cream at night or get any late night fixes which
involve a starchy or high carbohydrate food).
- Don’t skip meals. Create
a diet plan. Be consistent about when you eat and the amount of food
you eat at each one. Your blood sugar will remain more stable if you
distribute your food evenly.
- Carbohydrates should consist of
about 40 to 45% of your total calories.
- Eat a healthy and good breakfast.
You will need to limit carbohydrates in the morning since your blood
sugars may not be stable. Try to avoid breads, cereal, fruit and milk. If
you are going to eat one of these items, each a small portion and also eat
some protein, like eggs with your meal.
- If you are experiencing morning
sickness, eat 1 to 2 servings of crackers, pretzels or cereal before
getting out of bed. Eat small meals through the deal.
- Eat high-fiber foods such as
fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods will be broken down easily but
the fiber will help slow the amount of sugar entering your blood.
Choose foods high in fiber, such as cereals, pasta, fruits, rice and
vegetables.
- Fats should be less than 40
percent of calories with less than 10% coming from saturated fats
- Make sure to get enough vitamins
and minerals in your daily diet. Keep taking your prenatal vitamins
- Limit your intake of foods and
beverages that contain simple sugars, like what is found in desserts or
fruit juice. These foods can elevate your blood sugar quickly.
- Milk is high in lactose, a type
of simple sugar, so if you drink more than a couple glasses a day, you
will need to limit the amount you drink. You will need to find an
alternative source of calcium. Try using plain soy milk (make sure to
double-check the nutrition facts as some have higher carbs than others)
How Much Can I Exercise? Gestational diabetes blood sugar level
Regular exercise
should be safe, mild and at least 3 times a week. Each pregnant woman should
consult their doctor on their specific needs before starting an exercise
program.
Watching the Weight Gestational diabetes blood sugar level
Gaining the right amount
of weight is crucial for those with gestational diabetes. It isn’t necessary to
“eat for two” during pregnancy, as you generally only need to consume an extra
200 to 300 more calories per day. Ask you doctor on how much weight you should
gain during your pregnancy.
As a guideline, you
should gain about two to four pounds during your first 3 months of pregnancy
and about 1 pound per week for the rest of the pregnancy.
Here is where the
weight goes:
Baby = 8 pounds
Placenta = 2 to 3 pounds
Amniotic fluid = 2 to 3 pounds
Breast Tissue = 2 to 3 pounds
Blood Supply = 4 pounds
Fat stores for delivery and breastfeeding = 5 to 9 pounds
Uterus increase = 2 to 5 pounds
——————————
Total is 25 to 35 pounds
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