What To Do If Your Sugar Is High During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, maintaining a stable blood sugar level is of utmost significance as it directly impacts the health of both the mother and the unborn baby. However, it’s not uncommon for some pregnant women to experience elevated blood sugar, which can be a cause for concern if not managed properly. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, especially the hormones secreted by the placenta, can interfere with the normal function of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. This interference often leads to insulin resistance, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Additionally, factors like pre-existing obesity, a family history of diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle prior to pregnancy can exacerbate the situation.

Failure to address high blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to a multitude of complications. For the mother, it increases the risk of developing gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and even type 2 diabetes later in life. For the baby, it may result in excessive growth (macrosomia), birth injuries due to the large size, and problems with blood sugar regulation immediately after birth. Understanding what steps to take when faced with high blood sugar during pregnancy is essential to ensure a smooth pregnancy journey and a healthy outcome for both mother and child. In the following sections, we’ll explore in detail the actions that can be taken to manage this condition effectively.

Recognize the Symptoms Promptly

The first step in dealing with high blood sugar during pregnancy is being vigilant about the symptoms. Fatigue is often one of the early signs. Pregnant women may feel extremely tired, more so than the typical tiredness associated with pregnancy. This is because the body is working overtime to process the excess sugar in the bloodstream, expending additional energy in the process. Excessive thirst is another common symptom. As blood sugar levels climb, the kidneys try to flush out the extra sugar by producing more urine, which then leads to dehydration and a persistent feeling of thirst.

Frequent urination follows, disrupting sleep patterns as women find themselves waking up multiple times during the night to use the bathroom. Blurred vision can also occur. The high blood sugar affects the fluid balance in the eyes, causing changes in the shape of the lens, which makes it difficult to see clearly, whether reading a book or looking at objects in the distance. Moreover, yeast infections are more prevalent among those with elevated blood sugar during pregnancy. The sugary environment in the body provides a favorable breeding ground for yeast, resulting in uncomfortable itching and irritation, especially in the vaginal area. If any of these symptoms are noticed, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider without delay for further evaluation.

Seek Professional Medical Diagnosis

Once symptoms are detected or if there are risk factors present, seeking a proper medical diagnosis is the next vital step. Healthcare providers typically conduct specific tests to accurately determine blood sugar status. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a widely used diagnostic tool during pregnancy. Before this test, pregnant women are required to fast for around 8 to 14 hours to establish a baseline blood sugar level. Then, a blood sample is taken to measure the fasting glucose. After that, they drink a special glucose solution containing a set amount of sugar, and over the next one to two hours, additional blood samples are drawn at regular intervals to monitor how the body processes the sugar.

If the blood sugar levels exceed the normal range at any of these time points, it may indicate gestational diabetes or other forms of high blood sugar during pregnancy. In some cases, a random blood sugar test can also be performed, especially if symptoms are severe or a woman has a history that makes her more susceptible, like having a family member with diabetes. This test doesn’t demand fasting and can provide a snapshot of the current blood sugar level, helping the doctor decide if further testing, such as the OGTT, is necessary. A precise diagnosis lays the groundwork for effective management and treatment planning.

Adopt a Balanced and Controlled Diet

Diet plays a central role in managing high blood sugar during pregnancy. A dietitian often works hand in hand with pregnant women to design a personalized meal plan. The focus should be on consuming complex carbohydrates instead of simple ones. Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread are excellent choices as they are digested slowly, releasing sugar into the bloodstream at a steady rate, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar. Plenty of vegetables, especially leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli and cucumbers, should be incorporated. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals while having a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

Fruits with a lower glycemic index, like berries, apples, and oranges, can be included in moderation. Protein sources are equally important. Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish provide essential amino acids for the mother and baby’s growth while helping to keep one feeling full and stabilizing blood sugar. Legumes like lentils and beans, along with nuts and seeds, are great plant-based protein options. Additionally, portion control is key. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help maintain stable blood sugar levels rather than having large, infrequent meals that can overwhelm the body’s ability to process sugar.

Incorporate Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is another crucial aspect of managing high blood sugar during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are highly recommended. Walking is simple and accessible, whether it’s around the neighborhood or on a treadmill. It helps the body use insulin more effectively, allowing cells to take up sugar from the bloodstream, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Swimming is a low-impact exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, providing a full-body workout while being gentle on the joints, which is especially beneficial as the body changes during pregnancy.

Prenatal yoga focuses on stretching, balance, and relaxation, improving flexibility and reducing stress, which can also have a positive impact on blood sugar regulation. Pregnant women are generally advised to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise routine to ensure it’s safe based on the individual’s pregnancy stage, any existing medical conditions, and overall health. They can provide personalized recommendations and guidelines to make the exercise regimen both effective and safe.

Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Regularly

Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels at home is essential for women with high blood sugar during pregnancy. Using a glucometer, which is a small, portable device, they can measure their blood sugar at specific times. Typically, fasting blood sugar in the morning is checked, as well as one to two hours after meals. Keeping a record of these readings allows both the mother and the healthcare provider to track trends and see how well the diet, exercise, and any other management strategies are working. If the blood sugar levels are consistently higher than the target range, adjustments to the diet, exercise plan, or even treatment options can be made promptly.

It’s important to note that the target blood sugar ranges during pregnancy may vary slightly depending on the healthcare provider and individual circumstances. But generally, fasting blood sugar should be around 95 mg/dL or lower, and one to two hours after meals, it should be below 140 mg/dL. Understanding how to use the glucometer correctly, including proper finger prick techniques and reading the results accurately, is vital to get reliable data for effective management.

Follow Appropriate Treatment Options

In some cases, despite diet and exercise modifications, blood sugar levels may remain elevated, and medication may be necessary. Insulin is the most common form of treatment during pregnancy for high blood sugar. It is safe for the baby as it does not cross the placenta in harmful amounts, and it effectively controls blood sugar by mimicking the body’s natural insulin function. Healthcare providers carefully calculate the appropriate dosage based on the woman’s blood sugar levels, weight, and other factors.

Some oral medications are also being studied and used in certain situations, but they are used with caution during pregnancy due to potential effects on the fetus. The decision to start medication is always a collaborative one between the patient and the healthcare team, weighing the risks and benefits. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, adjust the dosage if needed, and ensure the overall well-being of the mother and baby.

Plan for Postpartum Health

Even as the focus during pregnancy is on managing high blood sugar levels, it’s important to think about postpartum care. After giving birth, women with a history of high blood sugar during pregnancy should have a follow-up glucose tolerance test, usually around six to twelve weeks postpartum. This helps determine if the blood sugar has returned to normal or if there are lingering issues that could indicate a predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle continues to be crucial. Breastfeeding, if possible, offers numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. It can aid in weight loss and potentially improve insulin sensitivity in the mother. Sticking to a balanced diet, similar to what was recommended during pregnancy, with an emphasis on whole foods, lean proteins, and fiber, helps keep the body’s metabolism in good shape. Gradually increasing physical activity as the body recovers from childbirth, such as going for walks with the baby or joining postpartum fitness classes, also contributes to long-term health and helps reduce the risk of future diabetes.

Conclusion

Dealing with high blood sugar during pregnancy demands a comprehensive and proactive approach. Recognizing the symptoms, seeking accurate diagnosis, making dietary and lifestyle changes, closely monitoring blood sugar levels, following appropriate treatment options when needed, and planning for postpartum health are all integral parts of the management process. With the right care and attention, pregnant women can navigate this challenge successfully, reducing the risks to themselves and their unborn babies and setting the stage for a healthy postpartum period and future. The collaboration between the pregnant woman, her family, and the healthcare team is essential to ensure that every step is taken to achieve the best possible outcome during this critical time.