Pursue Healthy Food Habits During Early Pregnancy to Reduce Gestational Diabetes Risk

Pick the Choicest Healthy Foods to Reduce Gestational Diabetes Risk

​Pregnancy is a beautiful period which is cherished for a lifetime in every woman’s life. Every couple look forward to receiving their little bundle of joy with utmost joy and affection into this world. The most critical aspect during this period is none other than good health of both, the expecting mom and the baby. During earlier times, pregnancy was a cakewalk and complications arose only very rarely. But now, many women face tough times during this period, there are a lot more scans and tests involved than before, and some of them become victims to additional health problems such as thyroid, diabetes, blood pressure, and more.
 
Advent of Gestational Diabetes
 
A type of diabetes, gestational diabetes can occur during the pregnancy period in women who don’t have a history of diabetes. The condition happens when the body is not well-equipped to produce insulin in sufficient amounts. It’s no wonder that the body is busy producing many hormones to tackle all the requirements during and after pregnancy. Besides this, there are many other changes happening in the body including weight gain. Such changes forces the body to make less efficient use of insulin resulting in insulin resistance.
 
It’s generally observed that pregnancy induces insulin resistance in every pregnant woman but there are some of them who suffer from insulin resistance even before the start of their pregnancy. Those women who start off with their pregnancy requiring more insulin are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes.
 
Risk Factors for Developing Gestational Diabetes
 
Some prominent risk factors that enhance the individual’s risk of acquiring gestational diabetes include:
 

• Being obese or overweight
• Having earlier history of gestational diabetes
• Having a close family member with type 2 diabetes
• Suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOD
• Suffering from prediabetes
• Inactivity

 
Chances to Lower the Risk of Gestational Diabetes
 
There is no guarantee that gestational diabetes can be avoided completely but we can take a number of steps to minimize the chances of developing it.
 
Enter Pregnancy with a Healthy Weight Range
 
One of the main risk factors for gestational diabetes include being obese or overweight. Research shows that individuals with a BMI score of 25 and above are likelier to succumb to gestational diabetes and those with a BMI of 30 and above are at a three-times increased risk than others. If you have a BMI value of 30 and above, an oral glucose tolerance test will be done at the start of the term before the 16th week of pregnancy. In those with a BMI value of 25 and below, the test is done between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Doing the test is important as exceedingly high glucose levels can lead to transfer of glucose to the body resulting in a condition called as ‘macrosomia.’
 
It is always advisable to lose any excess weight before getting pregnant. Never try to lose weight during the pregnancy term as it is not recommended. Also, weight gain is a normal part of the journey and even obese/overweight women are expected to gain weight. Research shows that obese/overweight women who change their diet during pregnancy are at a decreased risk of gestational diabetes.
 
Choose the Right Foods for Your Meal Plan
 
While the food choices can contribute towards development of gestational diabetes, diet alone isn’t the sole reason for the problem. The hormones in the placenta sometimes block the body from using or making insulin. To avoid putting yourself in a risky situation and to stay healthy during the pregnancy term, it is recommended that you follow a healthy diet plan that doesn’t raise blood sugar levels.
 
There is no specific meal plan for pregnancy but all that’s required is to draft a well-balanced meal plan with the help of a dietitian/nutritionist. Focus mainly on cutting down processed foods and those containing empty calories, replace sweets with fruits, eat plenty of rainbow-colored vegetables, have smaller portion sizes, and increase the intake of fiber and lean proteins.
 
Obesity exists as one of the top factors contributing toward gestational diabetes and sadly, a majority of the pregnant women are either obese/overweight. A recent study conducted at the University of Turku focused on the link between dietary intake and gestational diabetes onset. Results showed that eating a healthy diet during the early stages of pregnancy reduces the risk of gestational diabetes. Also, eating foods that elevate the inflammatory markers in the body increased the risk of the disease. It’s better to keep these markers under control by adding foods such as whole grains, berries, veggies, and fruits.
 
Exercise Regularly
 
There has always been the myth that high-intensity exercises aren’t advisable during pregnancy. This is not true and even if you don’t wish to pursue strenuous workouts, it is always suggested to perform some physical activity regularly. Go for a walk, do yoga, or even swimming to keep the body active and to control weight gain. Before starting on any exercise routine, consult with your gynaecologist and get the approval.
 
Exercising before and during pregnancy minimizes the risk of gestational diabetes, makes the body more sensitive to insulin, and helps you get out of the sedentary lifestyle mode.
 
Conclusion
 
Preventing gestational diabetes isn’t always possible as there are some risk uncontrollable factors that make it likelier for the pregnant woman to develop the condition. In case of obesity, try losing weight before pregnancy to decrease the risk, stay on a healthy weight range before and after conceiving, eat a well-balanced diet, and perform physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day 4-5 times a week, and sleep well.
 
A disciplined lifestyle and better eating routines improve the body’s energy levels and your personal confidence levels. Gestational diabetes isn’t going to ruin your beautiful journey during pregnancy. Do all that’s possible to avoid getting into this condition by following the measures stated above. Even if you are affected by gestational diabetes, it goes away on its own in most people. But, the risk of being affected by diabetes in the future always exists. To stay healthy and put this risk to rest, follow a healthy lifestyle routine.