Diabetes While Pregnant
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
High Blood Sugar Symptoms – Naturally, human beings have sugar (also known as glucose) in the blood. Normal levels of blood sugar gives energy for the cells and organs in the body to function. However, having too much is bad.
Blood sugar is naturally produced from the liver and from the muscles in the body, however, most human beings get too much from food and drinks containing carbohydrates. Hyperglycemia is a condition wherein it means that there is way too much sugar in the blood. Having too much blood sugar (or having high blood glucose) means that the body lacks enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels at a normal state.
What is insulin?
Generally, insulin is a hormone that helps the body transform the foods or drinks we consume into energy. Insulin also helps directs blood sugar to be stored in the liver, muscles, and in fat.
Without enough insulin, blood sugar will not be stored or converted to energy, and instead, it will dangerously build-up which will cause serious health problems such as diabetes.
Hyperglycemia
What is hyperglycemia? What causes hyperglycemia?
Right amounts of blood sugar is fuel for the body. However, too much does not equate to more energy… in fact, too much blood sugar causes the opposite of having a boost in energy.
| High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) What is hyperglycemia? What causes hyperglycemia? Right amounts of blood sugar is fuel for the body. However, too much does not equate to more energy… in fact, too much blood sugar causes the opposite of having a boost in energy. |
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
What does it feel like to have high blood sugar?
A number of high blood sugar symptoms can happen, such as:
– Drowsiness especially right after eating
– Have headaches or other aches in the body
– Thirsty or hungry all the time
– Difficulty in concentrating
– Blurry vision
– Feels bloated
– Urinates more often
– Wounds or skin injuries might take more time to heal
Caution: Low insulin and having high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious complication that will need urgent medical attention.
Common symptoms may occur, such as:
– Shortness of breath
– Rapid beating of the heart
– Breath might smell fruity
– Disorientation
– Vomiting
– Dehydration
– Comatose
Blood sugar levels may reach over 250ml/dL. High blood sugar symptoms may be experienced at any time of the day, even in the morning for those who are suffering from diabetes.
What are the effects of high blood sugar in the body?
High blood sugar can lead to various symptoms and complications in the body. The following are examples of high blood sugar symptoms:
1. Frequent Urination – High blood sugar goes into the kidneys and urine which makes you more thirsty even when drinking lots of water.
2. Causes Unexplained Weight Loss – Even when there is high blood sugar in the body, high levels will cause the body’s cells to not get the glucose they actually need for burning fat and muscle.
3. Feeling Numb and Feels Tingling – High blood sugar can cause numbness, burning sensation, or tingling in the parts of the body such as the hands, legs, and even the feet. This complication of diabetes happens because of the diabetic neuropathy that happens after many years of having high blood sugar levels in the body.
High blood sugar symptoms cause harm to the body which will lead to long term complications:
1. May cause Heart Attack or Stroke
2. May cause damage or loss of eyesight.
3 May cause Kidney Problems
4. May cause skin problems such as slow healing of wounds or infections
Prevention of Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
Here are the different ways or strategies to prevent Hyperglycemia:
– Regularly check blood sugar levels, especially when it is advised by the doctor
– Take insulin, again, when advised by the doctor
– Ask for dietary help from licensed dietitians or nutritionists to ask help what your best diet would be.
– Always be mindful and take precautions to avoid any infections or certain diseases
– Get regular exercise. Home exercise or go to the gym, either way.
– Get enough sleep and avoid way too much stress as much as possible by engaging in stress-reducing activities.
Fortunately, at this day and age, testing kits for checking blood sugar levels are readily available in the market and may be purchased and used at home. For a more accurate reading, it is best to check with your doctor.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
When does low blood sugar occur? Some of the factors that increases the risk of low blood sugar includes:
a. Being diagnosed with certain medical conditions
b. Taking certain medicationsExercising too much
c. Skipping meals or eats way too little
d. Taking too much insulin can also be one that causes low blood sugar.
Low blood sugar symptoms are:
– Feels weak
– Feeling hungry
– Feeling nervous or anxious
– Feeling the chills
– Feeling irritable
– Experiencing fast heartbeat
– Palpitations
To help with hypoglycemia, fruit juice or eating something sweet will help with the symptoms. For more information about your health, it’s best to consult with your doctor.
Type 1 Diabetes
As researched by the American Diabetes Association, 5% of the population which already has diabetes suffer from the type 1 diabetes.
When the body lacks insulin, high blood sugar levels occur. Unfortunately, this happens because the immune system somehow attacks the cells in the body that produces insulin/ The cells in the pancreas produces the insulin we need in the body. If the body cannot naturally produce insulin, people, especially those with diabetes, would resort to take insulin through the methods medically available such as taking it via needle, a pen, or insulin pump. Insulin is vital in the body to keep blood sugar levels in the normal condition.
What causes Type 1 Diabetes?
In recent studies, researchers believe that people with a family history of type 1 diabetes is more likely to also be passed on to next generations. However, certain environmental factors such as viruses and infections may also cause the same.
Unfortunately, once diagnose with type 1 diabetes, there is no turning back. Dietary changes, regular exercise, or other healthy lifestyle choices will not undo it. It can happen at any time in our lives even during childhood.
Type 2 Diabetes
In this type, the body produces insulin but the problem is that the body is not able to utilize it. Yes, the pancreas makes insulin but cannot make enough to make sure the blood sugar level is at a stable or normal state. This effect is also known as “insulin resistance.” How should people take care of themselves when they have type 2 diabetes?
Taking insulin, proper medical pills, proper diet and exercise will definitely increase the chances to help manage blood sugar levels.
What causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Certain factors may cause to develop type 2 diabetes, such as the following:
- Certain genetics, especially when having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight and being inactive most of the time
- Certain ethnicities are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes such as the African-American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian-American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander ethnicity
- People who are over the age of 45 years
- People who have a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher
- Those who have low levels of good cholesterol or those who have high levels of triglycerides
Gestational Diabetes
What is gestational diabetes? This occurs when, during pregnancy, the body is experiencing insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. It is most vital to constantly monitor pregnant women’s blood sugar levels, as it can lead to lots of health complications for both the mother and the child. After delivery, this type of diabetes usually goes away.
People who have high blood sugar or experiencing high blood sugar symptoms should visit their doctor. Each person is different and therefore have different reactions and experiences.
Gestational Diabetes Menu
Gestational Diabetes Menu -Creating a gestational diabetes menu can be quite easy, provided you follow the guidelines discussed below.
TAKE ON A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE WHEN LOOKING AT FOOD
This includes looking at foods according to different categories.
For example:
PROTEIN
- Red meat, such as beef, mutton and pork
- Poultry, including duck and turkey
- Legumes/ lentils and nuts
- Beans, including baked, butter, kidney, and soya
- Eggs and cheese
CARBOHYDRATES
- Starches, including bread, cereals, corn, grains, macaroni, noodles, pasta, potatoes, rice, and spaghetti
- Vegetables, such as green beans, lettuce, and sweet potatoes
- Fruit, including apples, kiwis, oranges, peaches, and plums
- Dairy products, such as milk
FATS
- Skin of poultry
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Dairy products, including butter, cheese, and milk
FIBER
- All fruits and vegetables
- Grains
- Nuts
Since it’s simply not possible to include every food that falls in the categories, it’s important to learn how to read labels to prevent any confusion. Then, use this information to plan your gestational diabetes menu.
VALUABLE TIPS
- The appropriate balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein is crucial. You should split carbohydrates into fruit and dairy, starch, and vegetables.
- Determine the food’s value based on the most common ingredient. For example, nuts are a source of fats, fiber, and protein, yet its main source is protein. As a result, if you are in need of protein, nuts are a good option. However, if you are in need of fiber, nuts shouldn’t be your first choice.
- Although avocados are a fruit, your gestational diabetes menu should consider them a fat.
- Anytime you eat carbs, also have protein. Keep in mind that the combo of carbs and proteins will naturally add fat to your diet, meaning it can be easy to get too much. Be sure to limit the amount of fat in your diet.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES MENU SHOPPING LIST
When you are pregnant and struggling with gestational diabetes, it’s always a good idea to do your grocery shopping ahead of time.
To do this, prepare a list of meals a week ahead of time and complete your grocery list accordingly. When at the store, this will help you avoid “bad” foods, such as candy and tortilla chips.
When writing out your lists, divide it into nutrition groups, including dairy, fruits and supplements, proteins, starch, and vegetables. Be sure to note the total grams of carbs and portion sizes you will need.
WHAT TO BUY AND WHAT TO CONSIDER
When grocery shopping, get into the habit of reading labels for the ingredients, portion size, and total carbs and fiber. Here’s what to buy and what to look for.
PROTEINS
- Turkey
- Cottage cheese
- Tofu
- All kinds of nuts
- Fish, preferably ocean caught
- Eggs; keep in mind that 1 large egg replaces 1 oz. of meat.
- Peanut butter, either smooth or chunky. Look for sugarless if possible.
- Opt for skinless chicken or remove the skin at home.
- Choose lean beef, mutton, and pork. If this isn’t available, cut off the fat yourself
- DAIRY
- Yogurt, specifically sugar free, plain
- Low-fat or skim milk
- If you don’t consume milk or yogurt daily, take a calcium supplement, such as Coral Calcium.
VEGETABLES
- Either fresh or frozen will do. Opt for a variety of colors, while keeping in mind that colorful vegetables have more nutrients.
FRUITS
- Choose either fresh or frozen fruit with no added sugar.
- If you purchase canned food, opt for versions without added sugar. Be sure to drain the juice before eating the fruit.
- For convenience, purchase fruit in portioned sizes.
SNACKS
- Each snack should have 15 grams of carbohydrates per portion size.
Good options include:
- Plain cookies
- Vanilla wafers
- Graham crackers
- Ginger snaps
FINAL THOUGHTS
Be aware that the information provided above is meant to be an educational aid only and should not be used in lieu of medical advice by a licensed provider.
Diabetes While Pregnant
A pregnant women’s body is a whirlwind of hormones, glucose, and blood with a baby developing in the eye of the storm. It is also
an amazing example of difficult biological engineering.
Diabetes is a well-known medical problem during pregnancy affecting 3.3% of all live births.
Regardless of what type of diabetes you have, there are steps that you and your doctor can take to have a good and healthy pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes is a certain type of diabetes that occurs the first time a woman is pregnant.
Gestational diabetes happens when there is a change in the way a woman reacts to the hormone insulin in her body during her pregnancy.
The change in the hormone insulin can cause high blood sugar, which is also known as blood glucose.
18 percent of women during pregnancy suffer from gestational diabetes. It is imperative to diagnose gestational diabetes as soon as possible so you can get the treatment you need and avoid health complications for you and your baby.
Risks factors: Gestational Diabetes
The risk factors that are most likely associated with an increased chance of developing Gestational Diabetes are:
- Having gestational diabetes during your past pregnancies.
- If you are overweight or obese.
- Being older than 25 years old.
- Having a family member that has diabetes (especially within your immediate family).
- If you had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
- If you have glucose in your urine.
- Being Hispanic, Asian or African-American.
- Being prediabetic which is also known as impaired glucose tolerance.
When you are at a high risk for gestational diabetes, your doctor will most likely check your blood glucose level on your next prenatal visit.
The American Diabetes Association suggests screening for all women for Gestational diabetes during their first prenatal visit for women who have risk factors.
If your blood sugar shows a normal reading, your blood sugar levels will be checked again during the 24th to 28th weeks of your pregnancy.
All pregnant women should be screened for Gestational diabetes during that time.
Gestational diabetes can cause women to sometimes deliver a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, which will increase the need for a cesarean section.
Hypertension and preeclampsia often occur more commonly in women with gestational diabetes.
On the other hand, managing and treating your gestational diabetes can have an impact on reducing the likelihood of having these complications.
Treating Gestational Diabetes
Usually, gestational diabetes is treated and maintained through monitoring your glucose on a daily basis and by changing your diet and taking blood control supplements to help manage your blood glucose levels and keep it within a normal range.
Gestational Diabetes Diet
The high blood sugar also known as glucose that starts during pregnancy is called as gestational diabetes. Though this disease is difficult 
to cure or manage yet, with the help of a well-balanced diet, you will be able to manage it with ease.
This post is organized to offer you information on the recommended gestational diabetes diet made for women that are not presently taking insulin.
To reduce your chance of gestational diabetes, one of the things you need to do is to be mindful of your diet by reading the label of the food you want to eat at any point in time. You will be able to make a perfect food choice when you take the time to read your food label before going ahead to consume the food. Also, you should discuss with your health provider to ensure you are getting a balanced diet in your daily meal if you are a vegetarian.
Some Gestation Diabetes Diet You Need to Know
It is important for you to know the right diet to eat when you want to manage your gestational diabetes as a pregnant woman. There are some foods you need not to each to avoid an increase in your blood sugar and there are also some foods you can freely eat to make sure you get the result you need.
Generally, it is important for you to eat enough vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and lean product in the normal proportion. It is also 
important for you to take whole grains in moderation and some of them include bread, rice, pasta, cereal and even starchy vegetable like peas and corns.
More so, you should only eat less sugary foods like soft drinks, pastries, and even fruit juice. On no account should you skip meals or snacks when you are battling with the effect of gestational diabetes as that can worsen the situation.
How to Ensure Moderate Carbohydrate Intake to Ensure Blood Sugar Control
If you are trying to manage gestation diabetes, it is important for less than half your calorie intake to come from carbohydrate.
Carbohydrates are mostly gotten from starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice, cereal, cookies, soda, corn, fruit juice, peas, yogurt and others, but the best carbohydrate you need in your meal is the whole-grain carbohydrate with high-fiber.
Also, it is important for you to enjoy lots of vegetables when you want to ensure easy blood sugar control.
Things You Need To Know About Starchy Veggies, Grains, and Beans in Your Gestation Diabetes Diet
In the case of starch vegetables, beans and grains you should eat up to six or even more servings daily each of the servings contains the following:
- One slice bread
- Half cup of cooked pasta or rice
- One ounce ready-to-eat cereal
- One English muffin
More so, you should also go for foods that are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and healthy carbohydrate. Some of these foods include Barley, Oat and other whole-grain, wild or brown rice, beans, whole-wheat pasta, and others.
The Diary and Milk Intake in Your Blood Sugar Control
If you want to ensure proper blood sugar control you must know about dairy and milk intake. You must only take four serving of nonfat or low-fat dairy product daily. Each of the servings should include:
- 1 cup of yogurt or milk
- 1 ½ ounces of natural cheese
- 2 ounces of processed cheese
For the protein intake from dry beans, nuts, fish, and meat, you should only eat about 2 to 3 servings a day. Each of the servings should include:
- 2-3 ounces of cooked fish, meat, or poultry
- ½ cup of cooked beans
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp of peanut butter
Indeed, fish and poultry are the two healthy protein choices for your gestational diabetes diet.
