How to get Fasting Numbers under 90 for Gestational Diabetes?

Most people assume that they are not going to get a diabetes diagnosis. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in childhood, and type 2 is related to various lifestyle risks that many people try to avoid.

To hear while you are pregnant that you have diabetes can bring anxiety beyond that typical with a pregnancy. Knowing more about your diagnosis can help ease that anxiety. Here’s what gestational diabetes is and how to best manage it until you give birth.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes associated with pregnancy. You may wonder how diabetes can be a result of pregnancy. Diabetes can be a pregnancy complication because of hormones. When you are pregnant, hormone levels in your body rise. Those hormones are part of the way your body produces insulin. If hormones rise enough, your cells may not be able to use insulin as well as they did before. [1]

If your cells cannot use insulin well, they cannot use blood glucose for energy. Since glucose is not removed from the blood by the cells, it stays there. This eventually leads to high blood glucose levels and then diabetes. [2]

Symptoms of gestational diabetes include increased thirst, increased need to use the bathroom, fatigue, blurry vision, and fatigue. However, many who have gestational diabetes have no symptoms of it at all, which is why it is important to test for it during pregnancy. [3]

Whoever is giving you your prenatal care will test you for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. This test, called a glucose challenge test, involves drinking a high-sugar beverage quickly and then having your blood drawn an hour later. You do not need to fast before taking this test. If your blood glucose is over 140, this is considered too high, and a further blood glucose test will be ordered. [4]

The second blood glucose test, called the oral glucose tolerance test, involves you fasting for eight hours before the test. When you have the test, you will first get your blood drawn, then drink a high-sugar beverage. Your blood will be drawn one hour, two hours, and three hours after drinking. If two or more of those readings are high, you have gestational diabetes. [5]

Gestational diabetes ends with pregnancy. Developing gestational diabetes once increases your chance of getting it with later pregnancies. You are also at increased risk of later developing type 2 diabetes if you have ever had gestational diabetes. [6] It is estimated that 50 percent of those who once had gestational diabetes will later develop type 2 diabetes. [7]

General Guidelines for BG Levels (Fasting, 1 Hour, 2 Hours)

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will be given a treatment plan to follow. The plan will include diet and exercise recommendations as well as ideal blood glucose levels. To find out if you have the right blood glucose levels, you will be given a kit to test your blood sugar with and told how many times a day to use it. [8]

Target levels for blood glucose levels may vary slightly among individuals, but general guidelines say that blood sugar levels should be 95 mg/dl (5.3mmol/l) or less before eating, 140 mg/dl (7.8mmol/l) or less an hour after eating, and 120 mg/dl (6.4mmol/l) two hours after eating. [9][10]

Most of the time, you will be required to test your blood glucose as soon as you wake up in the morning and one hour after eating meals. If you need insulin injections for your gestational diabetes, you may test two hours after meals instead and test before eating and when you go to bed. [11]

Quick Way to get Fasting Number under 90 for Gestational Diabetes

Fasting blood glucose levels are harder to control because when you do not eat or drink over a long period of time, your body has no way to control blood glucose other than insulin. If your blood glucose level before eating is over 95, there are a variety of ways to get that number lower.

• Make sure you drink water frequently. Dehydration increases fasting blood glucose. [12]
• Eat a snack before bed. Portions of protein and fat combined with about 15g of carbohydrates can lower morning blood glucose numbers. [13]
• Get a good night’s sleep. One study found that gestational diabetes fasting glucose numbers were higher when subjects didn’t get enough sleep. [14]
• Go for a walk after dinner. Exercise can help lower fasting blood glucose levels. [15]

Gestational Diabetes Daily Diet Suggestion

There are many menus available online for gestational diabetes. Some of them may appeal to you more than others ones. If you want to make your own menu, or modify the ones you’ve found for your personal tastes, follow these guidelines.

• The main keys for eating with diabetes are to eat fruits and vegetables, lean meat or lean plant protein sources, and avoid added sugars. [16]
• Combine carbohydrate foods with foods that contain fat, protein, or fiber. This slows down blood sugar rises. [17]
• Eat carbs from wholegrain or multigrain flours instead of white flour. Whole grains have a lower glycemic level. [18]
• Watch out for added sugars. Many pre-made foods have large amounts of added sugar. It’s safer to make many of these foods from scratch at home. [19]
• Small meals throughout the day might be better for blood sugar levels than a few larger ones.

Gestational Diabetes Daily Exercising Suggestions

Exercise plans, like menus, are all over the internet. And just like those menus, some basic guidelines can help you make your own exercise plan or modify the one you’ve seen.

• Anyone who is pregnant is recommended to get 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. [20]
• Walking is one of the best forms of exercise during pregnancy because it is low-impact and easy to start doing. [21]
• Pick a form of exercise you like and start doing it more often, even if you think other forms of exercise might be better for you. Exercise is only good for you if you keep doing it.
• Work more movement into your daily life. Walk to the store instead of driving, use the stairs instead of the elevator, and get up and stretch or walk once every hour or so at work. [22]

FAQ

Are there any Signs of High Blood Sugar in Pregnancy?

High blood sugar in pregnancy can lead to signs such as excessive thirst, increased need to use the bathroom, and tiredness. However, many cases of high blood sugar in pregnancy have no symptoms at all. That is why getting tested for gestational diabetes is important.

How often to Check Blood Sugar with Gestational Diabetes?

Most people who have gestational diabetes should test their blood sugar when they wake up and one hour after eating. If you take insulin, you will need to check more often.

Can I Drink Milk Before Bed with Gestation Diabetes?

Milk is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, and consuming both of those before bed can help your fasting blood glucose levels. Since milk is a liquid, the carbohydrates in it are processed faster than those in solid food. So stick to small amounts of milk and consume another protein source at the same time you drink it.

Final Thoughts

Gestational diabetes can be an added worry for anyone dealing with a pregnancy. But just like any other form of diabetes, it can be dealt with when lifestyle changes and medication are added to the plan. Following those requirements will be the best way to go for you and your baby.

References

1. Diabetes UK. (2017). What is gestational diabetes? Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/gestational-diabetes
2. RCOG. (2021). Gestational diabetes. RCOG. https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/gestational-diabetes/
3. NHS. (2019, August 6). Overview – Gestational Diabetes. NHS; NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019, October 22). Tests & Diagnosis for Gestational Diabetes | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational/tests-diagnosis
5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019, October 22). Tests & Diagnosis for Gestational Diabetes | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational/tests-diagnosis
6. Diabetes UK. (2017). What is gestational diabetes? Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/gestational-diabetes
7. CDC. (2021, August 10). Gestational Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html
8. Trust), N. (National C. (2022, March 14). Gestational diabetes: treatment | Pregnancy, Your pregnancy week by week articles & support | NCT. NCT (National Childbirth Trust). https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/your-pregnancy-week-week/first-trimester/gestational-diabetes-treatment
9. American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Gestational Diabetes – Symptoms, Treatments | ADA. Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/diabetes/gestational-diabetes
10. Treatments for gestational diabetes. (n.d.). Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/gestational-diabetes/testing-and-treatment
11. Treatments for gestational diabetes. (n.d.). Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/gestational-diabetes/testing-and-treatment
12. Water – Effect on Blood Glucose and How Much Should I Drink. (2018). Diabetes.co.uk. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/water-and-diabetes.html
13. Lowering Fasting Blood Sugar Levels | Sutter Health. (n.d.). Www.sutterhealth.org. Retrieved January 25, 2023, from https://www.sutterhealth.org/ask-an-expert/answers/lowering-fasting-blood-sugar-levels
14. Twedt, R., Bradley, M., Deiseroth, D., Althouse, A., & Facco, F. (2015). Sleep Duration and Blood Glucose Control in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 126(2), 326–331. https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000000959
15. American Diabetes Association. (2022). Blood Sugar and Exercise | ADA. Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise
16. Healthy Food Choices Made Easy | ADA. (n.d.). Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/healthy-food-choices-made-easy
17. CDC. (2019, September 19). Diabetes Meal Planning | Eat Well with Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/meal-plan-method.html
18. Diabetes UK. (n.d.). What can I eat with gestational diabetes? Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/i-have-gestational-diabetes
19. Diabetes UK. (n.d.). Sugar and diabetes. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/food-groups/sugar-and-diabetes
20. Physical activity and pregnancy. (n.d.). RCOG. https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-all-patient-information-leaflets/physical-activity-and-pregnancy/
21. Walking when you have diabetes. (n.d.). Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/exercise/walking-with-diabetes
22. Diabetes UK. (2015). Getting Active and Staying Active. Diabetes UK. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/exercise