Article by Mary Perry

For almost any pregnant woman nothing is a lot more important than the well-being and health of her unborn child. Gestational diabetes is a disease that all soon to be mothers have to be aware of simply because if not treated it can have serious health consequences for both the mom and child. For this reason risk all mothers who are under a doctors or midwives care are routinely screened during their second trimester for gestational diabetes.

The majority of women who have gestational diabetes are not aware their condition because more often than not the normal symptoms associated with diabetes aren’t present. The more overt signs consist of frequent urination, extreme thirst and hunger, and fatigue, all of which may be brought on by high blood sugar levels. Whether they show symptoms or not the Glucose Challenge Test given during the second trimester will rule out whether or not diabetes should be a concern during a woman’s pregnancy.The best method to manage gestational diabetes is through a combination of diet and exercise. This only makes sense because these methods are the most easily accomplished help control high blood sugar levels.

The very first thing that should be done is replacing simple sugars within the diet with complex carbohydrates. This means staying away from high sugar drinks and foods such as soft drinks, fruit juices, candy, and refined bread products. Simple sugars are quickly assimilated into the bloodstream and therefore are a significant cause of sugar surges, which may be hazardous for both mother and child.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, from sources such as fruits (which still must eaten in moderation because of their high sugar content) and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes take longer to digest and provide a sustained source of dietary energy, keeping blood sugar levels at a more normal state. It is also important to balance carbohydrate intake with the proper quantity of protein and fiber. Consuming a healthy, nutritious diet plan is very important for all pregnant women, but much more so for those with gestational diabetes.

The other half of managing diabetes during pregnancy is through exercise. The need for insulin is decreased by exercise since the uptake of glucose by muscle cells is elevated during exercise leading to enhanced blood glucose control. Exercise will even assist to cut back the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides within the body, reducing the risk of particular cardiovascular problems that are connected with diabetes.

Walking, yoga, swimming, and expectant mother aerobics classes are all great ways to get the physical exercise you’ll need. Just 30 mins a day several times per week is a great starting point. It is important to discuss any exercise program with you doctor before you start, but unless of course you will find complications that prevent getting regular exercise staying in shape while pregnant is good for both the mother and baby. Just remember to keep the physical exercise routine low-impact.

Gestational diabetes could be effectively controlled having a combination of diet and exercise. If you are diagnosed with this condition it’s important to work closely with you health care providers to keep it under control, for both the baby’s and your own well being.

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Tagged with: Diabetes • diet • Exercise • Gestational

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