Diabetes is when your body doesn't process glucose properly. Glucose is one of the products of breaking down the food that you eat. In healthy bodies when your blood glucose rises after eating, your pancreas releases the hormone insulin. This instructs your muscles and liver to store glucose, so its ready to be used as fuel in between meals. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn't produce insulin. If you have type 2 or gestational diabetes, your pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or your body isn't responding correctly. So what does this mean for your pregnancy?
You and those close to you are probably aware of the crazy hormone changes which occur during pregnancy! As a result of instructing your body to grow a beautiful new baby, these hormones cause your body to process the food you eat a little bit differently.Your body is more sluggish at converting blood glucose into stored fuel. This is so your baby has enough glucose available to grow and develop properly! Its pretty incredible what your body does to make a new life!
Its really important for you and your baby that you manage your diabetes really well during your pregnancy, because you need to make sure that your blood glucose is as stable as possible.There are some issues which can affect you and your baby if you don't keep on top of your blood glucose levels. Your baby might grow too big, placing you at risk of requiring a caesarean section or induced labour. Your baby might be born with congenital abnormalities, require extra care after delivery, or to be resuscitated. Long term, your baby is at risk of developing diabetes, and the associated complications. These all sound scary and frightening, but I assure you, there are many people who are able to help and support you through this time. I encourage you to keep up your doctor and dietitian appointments, and to seek the advice of a diabetes educator if you are feeling overwhelmed. I'll briefly list some of the recommendations which you will likely be given, but I'm going to say again, please make a plan that suits you and make sure you are well supported during this exciting and potentially nerve racking time!
Firstly, if you are on insulin or other drugs, it is imperative that you continue taking them as instructed. You might be encouraged to maintain or begin an exercise programme. This is fabulous for your wellbeing, and an easy way to assist your blood glucose to remain stable. Its important that you limit the amount of refined carbohydrates that you eat. These are foods like white bread, fizzy drink, lollies and cakes. You've probably heard about low GI carbohydrates- these are foods like legumes, whole grains and oats. Low GI carbohydrates are processed more slowly by your body, and help to minimise sharp spikes in blood glucose after eating. As well as ensuring you spread your carbohydrates out during the day, and consume some at each meal, its important for you and your baby that you are consuming plenty of veges, fruit, lean meats, reduced fat dairy, nuts, seeds and 3 serves of fish a week. Your dietitian can help you plan some meal ideas including foods that you love, and helpful advice to help keep morning sickness at bay, and also to manage pregnancy cravings.
I hope this helps to understand the importance of good management of your diabetes, and that you feel able to follow the recommendations given to you by your healthcare team. We all want the best for you and your baby! Having the support you need to action this advice can help to give your baby the best possible start to life.
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