“The risk of having a baby with birth defects
is directly correlated with how
poorly the blood sugar
was controlled during pregnancy”
Steve Holtby
Self-care after a diagnosis of
gestational diabetes means keeping your blood sugar under control. This can be
done through a variety of things; for example – nutrition, exercise, lifestyle
changes, insulin & other medicines, and constant support from your health
care provider. Alongside, by keeping a thorough and continuous check on your
blood sugar.
Through this article, let’s apprise you on 10 self-care behaviors that you can easily adopt to control gestational diabetes;
- Consult a
nutrition expert to curate a healthy diet plan for yourself
- Drink enough
water to keep your urine pale yellow
- Don’t consume
sweet drinks
- Get plenty of
sleep
- Stay active,
consider a low-impact activity like walking
- Undertake
moderate exercises, as guided by your care provider
- Don’t miss your
follow-up visits and diabetes screenings
- Do not use
products that contain nicotine or tobacco
- Manage stress and
minimize worries
- Get tested for diabetes after pregnancy
While you do all the above, it is
also imperative to timely monitor your blood glucose, as prescribed by your
care provider. Let’s see how;
- Wash
your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Prick
the side of your finger (not the tip) with the lancet.
- Use a
different finger each time.
- Gently
rub the finger until a small drop of blood appears.
- Follow
instructions that come with your meter for inserting the test strip,
applying blood to the strip, and getting the result.
- Write
down your result.
Blood glucose goals are:
- 95
mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) when fasting.
- 140
mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) 1 hour after a meal.
- 120
mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) 2 hours after a meal.
More in Medical conditions
Preeclampsia
4 Min Read
What is Physiological Anemia
1 Min Read
Itchy Skin Pruritus
1 Min Read
Nausea in Pregnancy
1 Min Read
When Amniotic fluid levels are low
1 Min Read
Why is it Important to Manage Gestational Diabetes
1 Min Read
Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum
1 Min Read
When Amniotic fluid levels are high
1 Min Read
Managing Anemia in Pregnancy
1 Min Read
PIH and Preeclampsia
1 Min Read
Management of Pregnancy induced Hypertension and Preeclampsia
1 Min Read
Is all Anemia Related to Iron
1 Min Read
Gestational Diabetes Implications for the Baby
1 Min Read
Considerations for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
1 Min Read
Management of Pregnancy induced Hypertension and Preeclampsia When intervention is needed
1 Min Read
What is Low lying Placenta
1 Min Read
Management of ICP Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
1 Min Read
Risks and Management of Preeclampsia
4 Min Read
Clinical and Evident Symptoms of Physiological Anemia
6 Min Read
Complications of Physiological Anemia
6 Min Read
Self-care to support iron intake through iron supplements
6 Min Read
Self-care to support iron intake through iron-rich diets
6 Min Read
All About Obstetric Cholestasis
5 Min Read
Obstetric Cholestasis; Implications For Pregnancy & Birth
5 Min Read
Obstetric Cholestasis; Measures Of Relief
4 Min Read
Home Remedies for Hyperemesis Gravidarum
6 Min Read
How Much is Too Much in Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
6 Min Read
Learn About Hyperemesis Gravidarum in Pregnancy
6 Min Read
All About GDM And Implications On The Baby
5 Min Read
Medical Management & Implication For Birth
4 Min Read
Steps After Diagnosis
4 Min Read
Gestational Diabetes; What The Results May Say & Further Testing
4 Min Read
Breech Birth What You Need to Know About This Common Delivery Method
6 Min Read
Breech What You Need To Know About This Serious Pregnancy Complication
5 Min Read
Should You Choose A Vaginally Delivery Or C-Section In Breech Presentation?
5 Min Read
The Danger of Breech Births What You Need to Know
4 Min Read
