Three Steps You Can Take to Prevent Gestational Diabetes

Most people have heard of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but there is another kind of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes and occurs when the mother’s body is either not making enough insulin or is not using the insulin efficiently. This causes higher levels of sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream. The best way to lower your risk of developing this is to reduce your risk of having high blood glucose, which you can begin doing even before you are pregnant. Below are three steps you can take to prevent gestational diabetes.

1. Create a personalized pregnancy plan. If you are thinking about trying to get pregnant, it is important to speak with your doctor ahead of time to prepare yourself. This is not only helpful for your physical, emotional, and mental health, but also a great step because you can determine what steps you need to take to keep your weight within a normal range. Discuss what a healthy weight for your body type would be during pregnancy so can more easily maintain it.
2. Test your blood sugar early. You can request that your doctor takes your blood sugar to see what your level is and whether it is on target for your body. It is possible to get your blood sugar tested as early as three months before you get pregnant to see if it is within the range that is best for you. Continue to have it tested throughout your pregnancy so you can ensure it remains where it needs to be and address any issues early.
3. Commit to diet and exercise. Having a healthy food plan will keep your blood sugar on target and make sure that your baby is getting the right nutrition he or she needs to grow. Working with a dietician or nutritional counselor can help you get on track if you are not sure where to begin. Exercise is also important; speak with your doctor to develop a safe exercise program that you can utilize throughout your pregnancy.

It is important to remember that you cannot completely prevent gestational diabetes, but the more healthy habits you incorporate into your lifestyle, the lower the risk will be. Don’t forget that Baptist offers a variety of classes and events for weight loss, exercise, nutrition, and healthy living.