Lifestyle Changes with Gestational Diabetes



One of my biggest fears with Gestational Diabetes was that I would have to change my entire lifestyle.  That my life would now revolve around this new diagnosis.  And in some ways it does, but in other ways, I make the diagnosis go around my life.  It helps that I lead a somewhat fit and rather healthy eating lifestyle before.  That’s not the case for everyone, but small changes can make a huge difference no matter your lifestyle before. 


For me one of the most important tools I have is my smartphone.  I’m sure most people can agree.  It makes managing GD so much easier.  Tips for using your smartphone for GD Management.  Set a timer, I have a 2 hour on my phone that lives at the top of the timer list.  As soon as I sit down to eat, I hit start on my timer.  This way as long as I can hear my phone, I don’t need to worry about the 2 hour time for testing.  My phone will remind me when to test again.  I also recommend setting up tracking on your phone so you can track your numbers easily.  I use google spreadsheets, but I’ve also heard good things about the mysugr app.  


Exercise is another big important step in managing your blood sugar levels.  It is recommended to go for a 20-minute walk after your meals to lower the glucose spike and glucose levels.  I don’t know about you, but it currently gets dark here around 6 pm.  I don’t want to go for a walk in the dark and cold.  Luckily, the important part is that you are using your muscles so they are using the glucose for energy as it enters your bloodstream. This means any form of exercise works. For me, this is often the elliptical I got from Facebook Marketplace or a workout video. I've been loving workout videos from Body Fit by Amy on YouTube. Her videos are from 5-30 minutes and most of them are bodyweight. This lets you choose intensity and time. There are several pregnancy playlists that I've been choosing from. I don't think I've done a workout yet I didn't love. Any workout video or exercise program would work. Just spend some time moving after each meal. And if you don't have time for a specific workout, now's the time to do your movement heavy chores like vacuuming, dusting, mopping, washing dishes, laundry. During my day I do a mix of chores after eating and exercising. As long as you are moving you will be helping your muscles use the glucose effectively. 



Snacks didn't change as much as I feared they would after my diagnosis. Every two hours you are supposed to eat a snack with roughly 15g of carbs. I often get hungry between eating and testing or shortly before a meal. This is perfect for your protein-heavy snacks! 


I hope this has helped with a few ways to make your new lifestyle easier. Leave a comment and let me know! 



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