Ways To Avoid Gestational Diabetes

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Gestational diabetes, is a disorder wherein women with no past history of diabetes exhibit high glucose levels during their pregnancy.It usually develops and gets detected by seventh month of pregnancy but nowadays, many pregnant women have reported with gestational diabetes in their second or third month itself.

Contributing Causes for Gestational Diabetes

Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, bad eating habits, no exercise regime, POCS (polycystic Ovarian syndrome), stress and late pregnancy. Occurrence of gestational diabetes has increased by 40-50% as compared to those five years ago.

Effects of Gestational Diabetes

Worsens with progress of pregnancy but in most cases, settles down after delivery. But, in absence of proper and timely care, could lead to long term serious health problems for the mother and the baby. Diabetes may make women prone to miscarriages. Baby may develop congenital abnormalities with high risk of developing obesity and diabetes in his/her later life.

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes usually have healthy birth weight but later may suffer from hypoglycemia. In the womb baby gets too much glucose from placenta but after birth, it is deprived of that high glucose content and then becomes hypoglycemic.

Ways to Avoid it

Get your sugar levels monitored and maintained within normal range prior to planning a baby. Those women with family history of diabetes, obesity or POCS should get pre-pregnancy counseling before conceiving. Women should maintain their weight, eat healthy diet, do brisk walking or exercise and must have sufficient sleep. Maintaining an active lifestyle will avoid every harmful aspect.

Women with late pregnancy need to be extra careful and should perform complete health checks prior to planning a baby to ensure a healthy state.

Also Read

Tips For Managing Diabetes In Pregnancy
Successful Strategies in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

For pregnant Women

Pregnancy hormones may block insulin from performing its job, and may increase sugar levels. All pregnant women should necessarily get an oral glucose tolerance test done between 24th – 28th weeks of pregnancy. Those with risk factors for gestational diabetes should have it done earlier as advised by the gynecologist.

Avoid sugary foods as much as possible. Use more of natural sugars in form of fresh fruits over juices as whole fruits are rich in fiber content that help in proper assimilation of glucose. Indulge in low fat, high fiber diet and have frequent small meals then regular three full course meals as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels effectively.

Consumption of foods naturally low in glycemic index like whole dals, pulses, and legumes. Sprouts are an excellent means of controlling blood sugar and also rejuvenate the body being rich in anti-oxidants. Eating unrefined foods like poha, dalia, oats that are rich in natural fiber, minerals, vitamins and possess low glycemic index are considered good for managing high blood sugar.

Pistachios for Prevention of Diabetes

Pistachios help reduce body fat and cholesterol, reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. It increases adiponectin, compound that increases insulin sensitivity and inturn reduces chances of contracting diabetes. A handful of pistachios in daily diet could help to prevent diabetes. Pistachios do have a high monounsaturated fat and protein content, so avoid eating more than 70 g a week.

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