The week of July 20 is Healthy Pregnancy Week at DietsInReview.com.
Joining us as guest blogger is Jill Knapp. Jill is from Idaho, where she lost 100 pounds after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant. Today, she manages her diabetes with diet and exercise and without medication. Jill’s goal is to keep generating awareness about Type 2 diabetes and encouraging others to “Get Up and Get Moving.” She competed in the Mrs. Idaho pageant, made the top 5 and the reason she competed was to continue spreading her message.
Gestational diabetes affects about 4% or all pregnant women. The cause of gestational diabetes is unknown all though there are some clues.
Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed in to energy.
Now although you cannot prevent gestational diabetes, it would help if you stay at a good weight during pregnancy and if you do end up with gestational diabetes you can follow doctor’s orders for a special meal plan and scheduled physical activity. Your doctor most likely will include daily blood glucose testing and possible insulin injections.
For the mother-to-be, treatment will help lower the risk of having a cesarean section birth that very large babies may require. If you do indeed get a diagnosis of gestational diabetes stick to your treatment plan and have a healthy pregnancy and birth and may also help your baby avoid future poor health.
For most cases gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy. However, there tends to be a link between having gestational diabetes and then ending up eventually with type 2 diabetes. They both involve insulin resistance. Basic lifestyle changes may prevent diabetes after gestational diabetes.
Losing Weight– Are you more than over your ideal weight? Losing even just a few pounds can help you avoid developing type 2 diabetes.
Making healthier food choices– follow simple daily guidelines, like eating a variety of food including fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting fat intake to 30% or less of your daily calories and really watch your portion size. Healthy eating habits can help prevent diabetes and other health problems
Exercising– Getting regular exercises allows your body to use glucose without extra insulin. This can help compact insulin resistance and is what makes exercise helpful to people with diabetes. Starting a good exercise plan now can aid in keeping diabetes at bay.
Remember to eat right, get a good amount of exercise and keep a positive attitude. This will help you have a healthy pregnancy.
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