During my pregnancy, I faced another unexpected challenge alongside anemia — gestational diabetes (GDM).
At around my 28th week of pregnancy, during a routine check-up at Klinik Kesihatan, I was asked to do the glucose tolerance test (the sugar water test). After drinking the solution, my results showed that my blood sugar levels had increased, and I was diagnosed with GDM.
At first, I felt worried. But with proper guidance and small lifestyle changes, I was able to manage and control my blood sugar levels effectively.
In this article, I’m sharing what worked for me and how I kept my glucose levels under control throughout my pregnancy.
If you’re also managing pregnancy-related conditions, you can read about my pregnancy anemia journey and how I improved my hemoglobin naturally, where I shared my experience with diet and lifestyle changes.
Understanding GDM During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes happens when blood sugar levels become higher than normal during pregnancy. This is because pregnancy hormones can affect how the body uses insulin.
If not managed properly, GDM can affect both the mother and the baby. The good news is that with proper monitoring, diet, and simple lifestyle changes, it can be controlled.
What I Did to Control My GDM
After my diagnosis, I focused on making small but consistent changes in my daily routine.
1. Diet Control
The most important step for me was managing my diet with simple and balanced meals.
Breakfast
I kept it light:
- Plain milk with oats (no sugar)
- Mixed nuts
- Sometimes boiled eggs with roasted vegetables
Lunch
I followed a balanced plate:
- ¼ plate grains (brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat roti)
- ¼ plate protein (chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, dhal)
- ½ plate vegetables and some fruits (spinach, broccoli, cucumber, carrots, berries)
Snacks
I prepared mason jar meals with yogurt, fruits, nuts, and seeds. These helped me avoid unhealthy snacks.
You can also check my iron-rich mason jar recipes for pregnancy for simple ideas.
Dinner
I kept dinner light:
- Tortillas with vegetables and protein
- Whole wheat bread with stir-fried vegetables
- Light vegetable soups
- Sometimes mason jar meals
Before Sleep
- Warm milk with powdered almond and a little saffron
This routine helped me keep my blood sugar stable throughout the day.
2. Drinking Plenty of Water
Drinking enough water helped my body manage glucose more efficiently. It also supports the body in flushing out excess sugar and keeping everything balanced.
I made sure to drink water regularly throughout the day.
3. Regular Glucose Testing at Home (BSP)
I was advised to do BSP (Blood Sugar Profile) testing at home about twice every two weeks.
This helped me understand how my body reacted to different foods and allowed me to adjust my diet when needed.
4. Regular Review at Klinik Kesihatan
Every two weeks, I visited Klinik Kesihatan for review. The doctor checked my BSP readings to make sure everything was under control.
This regular monitoring gave me confidence and helped keep things on track.
5. Light Exercise
I included light activities like walking in my routine.
Movement helps the body use glucose for energy, which naturally helps lower blood sugar levels. Even short walks after meals made a difference.
My Results and Progress
By following these steps consistently, I started seeing improvement in my glucose readings.
Over time, my levels became more stable, and I was able to maintain them within a healthy range throughout my pregnancy.
Tips for Managing GDM During Pregnancy
If you are dealing with GDM, here are some simple tips:
- Eat balanced meals
- Stay hydrated
- Monitor your glucose regularly
- Follow your clinic’s advice
- Include light activity in your routine
Small steps can make a big difference.
Author’s Tip ❤️
Managing gestational diabetes may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it can be controlled.
With simple daily habits, proper monitoring, and guidance from healthcare professionals, you can maintain healthy glucose levels during pregnancy.
When you nourish your body well, you are also giving your baby the best possible start.