Anyone that has Gestational diabetes know what levels are considered low blood sugar I check it 4 days a day first in the morning and then 2 hours after eating ? Ik anything 120 and over is considered high but what levels are considered to low ?
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Blood Sugar Basics for Gestational Diabetes
Blood Sugar Basics for Gestational Diabetes
Understanding and managing your blood sugar is crucial when dealing with gestational diabetes.
It's not just about keeping numbers in check; it's about ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Let's dive into the basics of monitoring and controlling gestational diabetes.
The Importance of Blood Sugar Control
Keeping your blood sugar levels within a target range reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery.
It also helps ensure your baby grows at a normal rate and prevents conditions like high birth weight and premature delivery.
How to Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is typically done through:
- Home Monitoring: Using a blood glucose meter, you'll prick your finger to get a small drop of blood. Your healthcare team will guide you on how often you should test.
- Regular Check-Ups: Your doctor may also perform blood sugar tests during your prenatal visits.
When to Test
Your healthcare provider will give specific recommendations, but common times to test include:
- Fasting (first thing in the morning before eating)
- One or two hours after meals
- Before bedtime
Understanding Your Results
- Fasting Blood Sugar: Generally, targets are between 95 mg/dL or lower.
- Postprandial (after meals): Targets are typically under 120-140 mg/dL one to two hours after eating.
These targets can vary, so it's essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by your healthcare team.
Managing Blood Sugar Through Diet
- Carbohydrates: Learn about carbohydrate counting and choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars.
- Meal Planning: Spread your carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day to avoid blood sugar spikes.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to prevent overeating.
Managing Blood Sugar Through Exercise
- Regular Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
- Post-Meal Exercise: Consider a short walk after meals to help lower blood sugar levels.
- Safety First: Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
If You Need Medication
Sometimes diet and exercise aren't enough to control blood sugar. If that's the case, your doctor might prescribe:
- Insulin: The most common medication for managing gestational diabetes.
- Oral Medications: Occasionally, certain oral medications are used.
Keeping a Diary
A blood sugar diary can be an invaluable tool. Record:
- Blood Sugar Readings: Note the time, date, and results of your tests.
- Food Intake: Keep track of what and when you eat.
- Physical Activity: Record your exercise type, duration, and how you felt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I monitor my blood sugar?
- What should I do if my blood sugar is too high or too low?
- Is it safe to use insulin during pregnancy?
- Can gestational diabetes be completely controlled with lifestyle changes?
By keeping a close eye on your blood sugar and working with your healthcare team, you can effectively manage gestational diabetes.
It's all about taking those small, daily steps towards a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby. Stay empowered and informed, and remember, you're not alone in this journey!
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Taylor
14 Dec 2023
Anyone have gestational diabetes? I haven’t been diagnosed yet because I wasn’t able to do the glucose drink so I’ve been pricking myself 4 times a day and it’s really high like waking up fasting blood sugar is like 175. Pretty sure I have it. What do they do for you?
Tyra
No luck I don’t and it’s crazy because it runs in my family but never had it and still don’t in my 3rd trimester 29 weeks and 5 days mine is 95 or 93
27 Mar 2024
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Crystal
Watch your sugar intake every thing you eat change diet but my glucose test is not tell next appointment I’m sure you will get yours where both 24 weeks and next appointment is 4 weeks
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Shantel
11 Oct 2023
Went for my glucose test and I failed, my blood sugar elevated to 160. I have to return for the 3 hour test. I’m afraid I have gestational diabetes. I’m always tired, like I never feel like I get enough sleep, and baby has been measuring bigger since 21 weeks. I need some guidance, because if I can control it on my own I’d love to.
Erin Presnall
Hey I'm type 1. But did two pregnancy. You got this momma just stay away from suger and stay low carb❤️ it's only a short time❤️ you got this
27 Mar 2024
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Jazzy
10 Mar 2023
Anyone else had to do the 3 hour glucose test after finding out that your numbers were a little over the range? How was it. My doctor said my blood sugar was high but not high for gestational diabetes? It was 148?
Candy
3 hour? I done the 2hr glucose test
27 Mar 2024
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Bubs
Yes I had to do the 3 hour one .. it sucked .. felt like I was in there forever..
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elise
26 Feb 2023
I am almost positive I have gestational diabetes today my sugar dropped so bad my mom who was a diabetic took my blood sugar in her portable thingy she had and it was LOW… we got it back up and feel so much better but ughhh she is helping me eat like a diabetic now
Amber
❤️🩹🧸
27 Mar 2024
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Jordan
3 Jan 2023
Anyone else diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Everytime i take my blood sugar its always normal is this happeneing to anyone else?
Misty
Yes but sometimes it is high depending on what I eat. I have started watching carbs and sugar but I give in now and then and it's high.
27 Mar 2024
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Misty
But it's normal most of the time
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Jessi
30 Nov 2022
Found out I have gestational diabetes. This is the first time in all my pregnancies. So it’s all new to me. I have to literally check my blood sugar 4 times a day.
vanessa rose
I had it to and to be honest it wasn’t easy, but I think since I was eating so healthy and having a schedule of feedings it showed in my baby. He weighed almost 9 pounds! So it’s a pro and a con! In the hospital at birth they will check his or her sugar a few times just a heads up!
27 Mar 2024
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Jess🪷
Smh I’m sorry to hear that I have to get my test done soon
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Mercedes💕
1 Sep 2022
I’m so happy I don’t have gestational diabetes my 1 hour was 178 sugar level and for my 3 hour it’s 88 I’m happy because that’s all I was worried about was it being high again just now gotta get my blood drawn every hour for 3 hours which I hate needles but whatever my sugar levels are down and means I passed what the nurse jus told me 🤗🤗
Somaira🇵🇷
Congratulations!!! ❤️🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024
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Kyla
Congratulations 🥰
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Veronica
10 Jun 2022
Anyone else with Gestational Diabetes? Finally took my first blood draw.....ran into a few Error messages , and finally got a reading of 80 on the 5th or 6th try 😥 Finally ate and now have to wait an hour to see where my sugar is at after my lunch 😩
Amanda
I have it and doing great so far no meds just pricking my finger
27 Mar 2024
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Veronica
I was at 180 an hr after having some rce with beans and a peach for my lunch 😭
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Stormy
16 May 2022
So someone just mentioned to me that cinnamon capsules could be good to reduce n control blood sugar for gestational diabetes. Anyone heard about this n any thoughts? I'll consult my Dr of course, just wanted to see what time other ladies might have heard it know about it
Pascale
Never heard that but i have GD and I've been exercising and on a very low carb diet. Really sucks but gotta do it.
27 Mar 2024
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Sam
Yes... I had a pt that was diabetic and he use to put cinnamon on his cereal.
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