19 October 2022Gestational diabetes affects around 15% to 20% of pregnant women in Singapore. If left untreated, it can cause complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), macrosomia (large baby), and even miscarriage.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body's insulin production is not or cannot correctly utilise existing insulin resulting in higher glucose levels circulating in the bloodstream. The condition usually resolves after the baby's delivery.
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
There are no specific symptoms associated with gestational diabetes. The only way to detect it is through blood tests, which is why pregnant mums-to-be should get tested for gestational diabetes between 24 weeks to 28 weeks after conception.
In some cases, pregnant women may show the following gestational diabetes symptoms:
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Frequent urination
- Increased fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight gain
Severe gestational diabetes cases can result in high blood sugar levels, low blood pressure, premature delivery, miscarriage, and congenital disabilities. If you have been having these symptoms, consult with your doctor as soon as possible to adequately address your condition. Regular checkups with your doctors are essential to detect gestational diabetes early.
How to Prevent Gestational Diabetes
There are 2 main types of gestational diabetes: Type A1 and Type A2. Women who had diabetes prior to their pregnancy can be further classified into other subtypes, and are recommended to talk to their doctor about managing their diabetes throughout pregnancy.
Women with Type A1 test abnormal on oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) but have normal blood glucose levels during fasting or after meals, whereas women with Type A2 have abnormal blood glucose levels at all times. The former can be more easily managed with changes to diet or lifestyle, whereas the latter typically requires additional medication or treatment.
Not to worry, mummies-to-be! Here are some simple steps to help prevent or manage gestational diabetes:
1. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
Knowing your blood sugar level can help prevent complications of gestational diabetes for you and your baby. Regularly testing your blood sugar levels helps you effectively be in control by adjusting your diet or lifestyle accordingly. You should do the test up to four times daily:
- First thing in the morning before breakfast (fasting glucose)
- One or two hours after breakfast
- One or two hours after lunch
- One or two hours after dinner
It is helpful to track your blood sugar levels using a journal, including information about what you ate, your activities, and the amount of sleep you got to help determine how your food and actions affect your blood sugar levels.
2. Stay Active
Pregnancy may restrict you from doing strenuous exercise; however, simple physical activities such as walking, swimming, or low-impact aerobics can help your body regulate blood sugar levels better. If you are planning on doing other forms of physical activities, it is best to consult with your doctor before starting them.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Your doctor will inform you how much weight you need to gain during your pregnancy, depending on your pre-pregnancy weight. Your doctor will also make diet recommendations based on your lifestyle needs. You may be asked to avoid particular food and drinks that significantly contribute to gestational diabetes, or you may be advised to plan meals to help you maintain a healthy pregnancy weight. Following your doctor’s advice is essential to reduce the risks of gestational diabetes for you and your baby.
4. Make Healthier Diet Choices
Making healthier food choices is also a way to prevent or control gestational diabetes. It may be challenging to follow, especially when experiencing pregnancy cravings such as wanting to eat something sweet. However, you can find alternative foods to help satiate your cravings without causing a spike in your blood sugar levels. Instead of eating regular cookies, you can switch to lactation cookies for a healthier option. Our low-sugar cookies not only taste great but can help promote better breast milk flow for your baby.
5. Take Medication if Necessary
Sometimes, you need more than significant dietary and lifestyle changes to control your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your gestational diabetes, if necessary. Following your doctor’s instructions closely is essential to control your blood sugar levels successfully and ensure a safe pregnancy for both you and your baby.
Helping Mums-to-be Cope with Gestational Diabetes
Marian’s Lactation Boost provides food for lactating mothers and soon-to-be-mums that can help increase breast milk supply. Read more about our other guide on foods that are suitable for lactating mothers too! Our lactation products are safe for mums with gestational diabetes to consume as they are low in sugar but still packed with the flavours and nutrients that pregnant and nursing mums need. You can try our lactation cookies, lactation muffins and brownies, and other products without worry as they will not increase your risk of gestational diabetes.
Order online today or find out more in our FAQs!
