How to Manage Diabetes During Pregnancy?

• Hormones during pregnancy make it harder for insulin to work in your body ³
• The demand for insulin is 2-3 times more during pregnancy ³
• Not enough insulin is made by the body and this results in gestational diabetes ³

• Your baby may have low or high blood sugar, jaundice or difficulty in breathing ¹
• Too large and heavy baby ¹
• Risk of premature birth and C-section ¹
• Higher chances of you gaining weight and developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy ¹

Why is eating healthy important?

• Keeps your blood sugar levels under control²
• Provides proper nutrition to you and your baby²
• Keeps your weight under check²

What to eat?

• Eat plenty of vegetables¹
• Eat foods that have low fat and high fiber content²
• Eat fish, lean meats, low fat cheese, eggs, nuts, nut butters or legumes (dried peas, beans, and lentils)¹
• Avoid high sugar foods and drinks¹
• Complete your meal with a glass of milk and a small piece of fruit¹

• Talk to your doctor about the exercises that are best for you¹
• Exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week¹
• Try out simple ways to be active like gardening²
• Moderate exercise like brisk walking and swimming can be helpful^1,2

Keep your blood sugar levels within target¹

• HbA1c - 6-6.5%
• Fasting blood sugar level - 95 mg/dL
• One-hour postprandial blood sugar level- 140 mg/dL
• Two-hour postprandial blood sugar level- 120 mg/dL

• What you eat, how much you exercise, and your growing baby will change your blood sugar during the day²
• Check your blood sugar levels regularly¹
• Do a quick check before you eat, and 1 or 2 hours after eating¹
• Make a record of your blood sugar readings and share them with your doctor¹

Your doctor will check for:¹

• High blood pressure
• Eye disease
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Nerve damage
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease

Regular visits to your doctor can ensure best care for you and your baby¹

• Let your doctor know about all the medicines you take¹
• Take only those medicines prescribed by your doctor¹
• You may need insulin or a change in insulin dosage¹
• Do not skip your medications²

• Noticed symptoms of low or high blood sugar levels? Check your blood sugar right away².
• Always carry with you something sugary, a hard candy or glucose tablets and have it to quickly treat your low blood sugar²
• Take your tablet/injections correctly and test your blood sugar regularly¹

• You need to gain just a little more than your baby’s 7½ pounds²
• Have foods that are low in sugar and fats³
• Being active can help you manage your weight¹
• Refer to a dietician if needed¹