<--- Include this code inside Before All CSS. --->

How to Motivate yourself to perform better?

Dr Disha Sridhar

I am a Gynaecologist Obstetrician ( MD, DNB OBGYN) with an emphasis on INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE.

Numbers don’t lie! With an estimated 77 million people living with diabetes, India is quickly becoming the diabetes capital of the world.This rise in diabetes can be attributed to several factors, including an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and a genetic predisposition to the disease. Additionally, India's rapidly growing population and urbanization have led to increased levels of stress and pollution, which can also contribute to the development of diabetes. 

What Are the Different Types of Diabetes?

Sugar is the main energy source of our body. Resistance to insulin causes sugar to build up in the blood, leading to many health problems.Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. During this condition, the body is unable to get sugar from the blood into your cells. This results into high blood sugar levels.

Now,let’s look at the three types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 results from an autoimmune reaction. It is common among adolescents and young adults. With type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakes the body’s own healthy cells as foreign invaders. It then destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas for unknown reasons. 


2. Type 2 Diabetes: With this Diabetes type, your body doesn’t make insulin or your body’s cells don’t respond to insulin. Adults tend to develop Type 2 Diabetes more. However, it can be developed among children as well. 

3. Prediabetes: Heard this term the first time?  But yes, this condition exists too. In this kind of diabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not much high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. 

4. Gestational Diabetes: As a Gynaecologist Obstetrician (MD, DNB OBGYN), I mostly get a chance to manage these kinds of cases. During pregnancy, technically all women experience some degree of insulin resistance as it’s a natural metabolic shift that serves to shunt glucose and nutrients to a growing baby. Meaning, even if you haven’t been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s helpful to understand how and why your metabolism changes during pregnancy. Also, how dietary changes can help ensure the better health of you and your baby. 

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but other hormones produced during pregnancy make insulin less effective. It is important to note that gestational diabetes typically goes away after pregnancy. But, women with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 later in life.

Is Diabetes Common During Pregnancy?

Yes, gestational diabetes is relatively common among pregnant women. It is estimated that around 2% to 10% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. However, the exact prevalence of gestational diabetes can vary depending on several factors, including age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and family history of diabetes.

Women who are older, overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, or belong to certain ethnic groups (such as African American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American) are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes? More like "guest-star" diabetes! It's a sneaky little condition that likes to make an appearance during pregnancy. But what causes this unwelcome guest to crash the party?


Well, here's the deal: When you're pregnant, your body goes through some major changes. One of these changes is the way your body processes sugar. During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that can interfere with insulin, making it harder for your body to use sugar effectively. This is where gestational diabetes comes in - when your body can't produce enough insulin to keep up with the demand, your blood sugar levels can rise too high.

So, it's not your fault - blame it on the hormones and consider the other factors as well given below:

  • Overweight or obesity
  • Having given birth previously to an infant weighing greater than 9 pounds
  • You are older than 25 years
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Pre-diabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance
  • Race (Women who are Pacific Islander, Asian American, Hispanic, African-American and American Indian)

Why Early Screening for Gestational Diabetes is Helpful?

Earlier, it was thought that the elevated blood sugar levels seen with gestational diabetes occur only during the second and third trimester, when placental hormones are at their peak and insulin resistance spikes. That’s why gestational diabetes is screened for around 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.


However, researchers have found that gestational diabetes can be predicted earlier as well by relying on a blood test. In one study, a first trimester HbA1c reading of 5.9% or greater accurately predicted the development of GD 98.4% of the time. The conclusion of the study was simple – as the pregnancy progresses, the insulin resistance gets more severe, and as a result, weight gain persists, resulting in elevated blood sugar. So, it is better to get the screening for gestational diabetes in advance.

How to Diagnose Gestational Diabetes?

All pregnant women with risk factors for developing gestational diabetes must be screened with the GCT test. However, a high blood sugar (greater than 7.8mmol/L or 140mg/dL) after the GCT is not a clear indication that you have gestational diabetes. It can only be confirmed after a 100-g three-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Complications of Gestational Diabetes

The potential risks of unmanaged gestational diabetes resulting in high blood glucose levels include:
  • Higher rate of Caesarean Section
  • Large Birth Weight Babies
  • Post Natal Hypoglycemia
  • Increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in later life
  • Permanent changes to a Child’s metabolism
  • Gestational diabetes in mothers can cause jaundice in new born babies.

How Gestational Diabetes can be managed?

Hey, mama-to-be! You're glowing, but are worried about the risk of glowing a little too bright with gestational diabetes? Don’t be! Here are my tips for the gestational diabetes treatments that help it manage the best:
1. Avoid Simple Sugars: I know during pregnancy, everyone around says “Eat what you like the most” because your happiness matters the most. But, dear lovely mothers in order to keep yourself healthy throughout pregnancy, learn to say No to “White” Foods like – candies, cookies, pasta, cakes and other confections.
 
2. Make a meal plan: Meal planning and choosing a healthy diet are key aspects of diabetes management.
  • You must keep a watch on the carbs content in the food and drinks you consume. Eat the majority of your carbohydrates at lunch rather than breakfast or dinner.
  • Eat every three hours and keep the same time every day. Indulge in a protein diet.
  • I also recommend dietary fiber to my clients. Have a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with every meal. Mix ground flaxseeds with yogurt, and rice or simply sprinkle on salads. You can also grind flaxseeds at home and add them to your daily water intake.
3. Exercise: Don’t be under an impression that pregnancy is about REST! REST! REST! It’s a preconceived notion. Pregnancy is not a disease, it’s a change in the body to embrace a new life. Exercise for atleast 30 continuous minutes once or twice a day. A walk is also easy exercise. You can also join swimming or yoga courses under guidance. Believe me, exercise is one of the tried and tested treatments for gestational diabetes. 
 
4. Blood Sugar Monitoring: Keeping a check on blood sugar levels is key to determining the condition of gestational diabetes. It gives you how to manage your diabetes on a daily basis. Frequent checks are recommended with a glucose meter/finger stick or with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Recording these levels in a log will help you and your healthcare provider determine if your treatment plan is working.
 
5. Take Medication as Prescribed: In some cases, insulin or other medication may be necessary to manage your gestational diabetes. If your healthcare provider prescribes medication, take it as directed.
 
6. Attend Regular Prenatal Appointments: Your healthcare provider will want to monitor your pregnancy closely to ensure that your gestational diabetes is well-managed and that your baby is developing normally.
 
7. Manage Stress: Stress can affect blood sugar levels, so finding ways to manage stress during pregnancy is important. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
 
Remember, gestational diabetes can usually be managed effectively with the right care and treatment. By following your healthcare provider's advice and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can help ensure the health of both you and your baby.
 
Expectant mothers who wish to learn more about healthy nutrition, natural supplements, health care, and exercise during pregnancy, typical labour and delivery and common medical interventions should take TruHealing’s Pregnancy Program. I have seen it time and again that GESTATIONAL DIABETES CAN BE PREVENTED/ REVERSED  even in those with prepregnancy prediabetes with SHE-TO METHOD modified for pregnancy. There are many beautiful stories but a magical success story is of Nandini who came to me with prediabetes, almost going to full blown diabetes levels. I put her on SHE-TO METHOD plan and appropriate supplements. She miraculouly conceived within a month and during pregnancy could even clear GTT! Her blood sugars remained absolutely normal throughout the pregnancy. She has an easy breezy pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy beautiful baby girl, full term!
 
SHE-TO METHOD can also helps mothers who are having gestational diabetes.. All women on SHETO METHOD are able to manage with diet and lifestyle changes and don't need insulin treatment.


When Should You See a Doctor?

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it's important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly. Typically, doctors recommend checking in every one to two weeks to monitor blood sugar levels and ensure that the baby is developing normally. In addition, it's important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms such as blurred vision, excessive thirst or urination, or persistent nausea or vomiting, as these could be signs of a more serious complication. Although getting diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy isn’t welcomed news . . .


But it is a unique opportunity to focus on self care. It ensures your baby gets the best start in life. At TruHealing, I educate my clients with a real food approach that emphasises nutrient-dense foods that provide a baby with all the important nutrients for growth, while also minimising blood sugar spikes.


Remember, Knowledge is power and applying it at right time in the right way can help you sail through this beautiful journey smoothly. My team is there to provide you with the resources, guidance and care you need to overcome challenges and bring a healthy, happy baby into the world.

FAQs:


  • Normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy depend on the timing of the test. Before a meal: 95 mg/dl or less. One hour after a meal: 140 mg/dl or less. Two hours after a meal: 120 mg/dl or less.
  • Having gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean that you will develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Many women with gestational diabetes are able to manage their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise, and their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery.
  • If you have gestational diabetes when pregnant, there is a chance of pre term birth, large birth weight, jaundice or your baby may have breathing problems due to underdeveloped lungs. There is also an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life if remained untreated.
  • Yes! Definitely! But with the right gestational diabetes treatment or you can say by managing blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy. Take proper medical care and maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimise potential risks to both mother and baby.
  • The main cause of gestational diabetes is the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can lead to insulin resistance, meaning the body is not able to use insulin effectively. This results in high blood sugar levels.
  • Absolutely yes! Many women have successfully done that with SHE-TO METHOD. A holistic approach to pregnancy can keep all ailments at bay and give the best outcome for both mother and baby! To know more, check www.truhealing.com

Originally published April 1, 2023

Book Appointment Chat with us
<--- Include this code at end of before all javascript(.js) files --->