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How to Prevent & Overcome Gestational Diabetes: Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

In the first part of this series, we covered the common risks of gestational diabetes in women during and after pregnancy. Let us now review what women can do to prevent or overcome the risks of this increasingly  worrying condition that puts both the mother and baby at risk.

As the causes are not exactly known, there are no guaranteed measures to prevent gestational diabetes. Leading an active and healthy lifestyle, both before and during pregnancy, is one of the best bets in avoiding this condition. A healthy lifestyle also reduces the likelihood of having gestational diabetes in a future pregnancy or developing Type 2 diabetes in future.

Health and lifestyle tips for pregnant women

Here are some simple tips that women must focus on during their pregnancy.

  • Eat healthy: The benefits of a healthy and balanced diet cannot be overstated for overall wellbeing. Choose foods that are high in fibre and low in fat and calories, with a good mix of fruits, green vegetables, and whole grains. Try to get variety into your pregnancy diet so that you can achieve your nutrition goals without compromising on taste. Keep an eye out for portion sizes and remember, it is a myth that women need to double their food intake during pregnancy.
  • Stay active: Regular physical exercise before and during pregnancy can be a good shield against the onset of gestational diabetes. One should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. Please do check out the guidelines on physical activity and exercise in pregnancy introduced early last year in Singapore.
  • Start pregnancy at a healthy weight: Planning and preparation help in every walk of life and so it is with pregnancy. It helps immensely to lose extra weight prior to becoming pregnant. Starting pregnancy at healthy weight goes a long way in having a healthy pregnancy. Seek professional help from your doctor and/or dietitian to understand the optimum weight for you and how to attain and sustain it.
  • Control your pregnancy weight gain: It is only normal and healthy for women to gain some weight during pregnancy. However, too much of a gain too quickly poses a serious risk of gestational diabetes. Discuss with your doctor the ideal weight gain for you and plan accordingly, with an appropriate pregnancy diet and exercise regimen.

Support is available in Singapore to fight gestational diabetes

According to the KK Hospital (KKH) website, “the Temasek Foundation GDM Care pilot programme offers screening to pregnant patients at KKH between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, facilitating early detection, intervention and education for those diagnosed with GDM”.

Pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes can enroll in a course led by KKH Diabetes Nurse Navigators, where they are educated on the disease and making requisite lifestyle changes as well as manage and their blood sugar levels.

Since women with gestational diabetes are at a risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life, they are given the opportunity to undergo routine check-up at a polyclinic of their choice six weeks after delivery. An annual follow-up is offered for the next three years for women whose gestational diabetes has resolved, while those who develop Type 2 diabetes receive additional support at the polyclinic.

New mothers can also avail of the innovative ‘I-Poly’ system that allows Diabetes Care Navigators to help with arranging follow-up appointments and coordinate with polyclinics to encourage attendance.

It is unfortunate that despite the risks posed by gestational diabetes, over 90 per cent reportedly do not undergo regular check up to monitor their diabetes condition after delivery. We hope with greater awareness and the support available, we will see a reduction in gestational diabetes in Singapore in the near future.

References 

  1. Wearable technology in combination with diabetes
  2. Gestational Diabetes
  3. Barriers to Gestational Diabetes Management and Preferred Interventions for Women With Gestational Diabetes in Singapore: Mixed Methods Study
  4. Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy
  5. Women’s Experiences of a Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
  6. Gestational Diabetes Symptoms & Causes
  7. Gestational Diabetes Screening Programme Yields Health Benefits for Pregnant Women
  8. Keeping Gestational Diabetes in Check

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More articles on Pregnancy & Maternity Tips:

  1. Balanced pregnancy diet: nutrition is the key
  2. Pre-natal exercises to reduce stress and lower back pain
  3. The hope and scope of cord blood banking
  4. Second trimester of pregnancy: do’s and don’ts

      FAQs

    1. How can I prevent gestational diabetes naturally?
    Focus on a healthy diet, regular light exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.

    2. What foods help manage gestational diabetes?
    Whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-sugar fruits are best for controlling blood sugar.

    3. Can gestational diabetes be reversed during pregnancy?
    With proper care, diet, and medical monitoring, blood sugar levels can often be managed effectively.