How to effectively control gestational diabetes

If you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, learn how to effectively manage blood sugar levels and keep diabetes from controlling you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lots of Support
• Patience
• Glucose Monitor
• Log Book

1. Help is just a phone call away. Never under-estimate the power of emotional support. I cannot stress this enough -- it is crucial. Any pregnancy can benefit from a good support system, but now is not the time to be shy about asking for help. If you are fortunate enough to have friends and family living near you, ask for help. Of course, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate everything they have done for you, even if it's just a phone call to check in once in awhile, every little bit helps.
2. Go to your library. Educate yourself as much as possible. Your local library can be a great resource, but be careful materials are up-to-date. There are several online resources as well. Read up on as much information as you can. Knowledge is power.
3. Review your log book. Get in contact with your dietician and/or diabetes center to set up an appointment. Bring a notebook and if you can, a log book of everything you have eaten. This will be particularly useful for the dietician who can use it as a guide for designing your specific meal plan.
4. Keep to your meal plan. Keep to the meal plan. This can be much more difficult than it sounds. After all, you are pregnant and have cravings, for goodness sake! The key here is to remember that in almost all cases gestational diabetes is a temporary condition. Also, remember you are doing this for the sake of your baby!
5. Go for a walk. If you are able to, and you have the okay from your doctor, exercise can help lower blood sugar tremendously. Even if your heart rate is only slighter higher, it can make a huge impact on your numbers for the rest of the day. Take walks (with someone else), do some light housework, or try prenatal yoga. Find whatever works for you, and then keep doing it.
6. Try to de-stress. Recognize what stress is doing to your body. During pregnancy it is very easy to worry about everything, but realize that stress can make sugar levels soar. Do your best to keep the stress away, and make a conscious effort to relax as much as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Monitor, monitor, monitor.
• Bring your log sheets with you when you visit your OB/GYN. as well as a log of everything you've eaten.
• Sometimes WHEN you eat is just as important as WHAT you eat. You may find you handle some foods better in the evening than in the morning. Pregnancy hormones tend to be highest in the morning, and can hinder the insulin from working properly. Talk to your dietician.