Find natural alternatives to glucola testing, plus learn about the risks of gestational diabetes for you and baby and how to manage the condition naturally. Show
If you’re going into your glucose test, you may be nervously wondering: Could I have gestational diabetes? If you failed your glucose test, you may be wondering: what now? First, a bit of good news: Gestational diabetes is a manageable condition. But there are a few things you need to know. Here you’ll find: Here’s my video: Gestational Diabetes: Signs, Causes, and Natural Ways to Treat ItWhat is Gestational Diabetes?
Our bodies take the food we eat and turn it into glucose (sugar) that enters our bloodstream. In response, insulin is produced by our pancreas to help move that glucose from our blood to our cells where it’s used as energy. Without adequate insulin, blood sugar levels can build up in our blood, which is a problem. Pregnant? Get my FREE week-by-week updates! – Week by Week Promo [In-article] Track your baby’s growth, find safe and natural remedies, and have fun along the way! Get Pregnancy Updates! What Causes Gestational Diabetes?No one knows for sure, but the medical community’s best guess is that it could be caused by the placenta’s growth. As the baby grows, the placenta grows to support him. But that growing placenta also releases a growth hormone called human placental lactogen (HPL) that can block the action of insulin in the mother’s body. If your body doesn’t have enough insulin to change the glucose in your blood to energy, it can build up to high levels, which leads to a failed glucose test and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. How Common is Gestational Diabetes?It’s estimated that 9.2% of women will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. Risk factors include:
Why is ethnicity a risk factor for gestational diabetes?Hispanic/Latina, African-American, Native American, Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islanders are all at a higher risk, and researchers dove into this issue. Researchers found that Latina mamas born outside of the US had higher rates of gestational diabetes than Latina mamas born in the US. Although there isn’t one specific explanation for this phenomenon, researchers suspect that the following factors play a big role:
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studied the link between obesity rates among different ethnic groups. While obesity is a contributing factor for the increased risk of gestational diabetes, the researchers concluded that there are more factors (besides weight) at play when looking at ethnicity and gestational diabetes. What Are the Signs of Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy?Most women don’t have any symptoms of gestational diabetes, so it’s difficult to know if you have it without testing. Many of the symptoms are common pregnancy symptoms, so you may just chalk it up to that. You know your body best. If something feels off or you experience the following symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. Here are some things you may experience:
How to Test for Gestational DiabetesThere are no standardized screening guidelines for gestational diabetes, but most doctor’s offices follow a general procedure called a Glucola test between weeks 24-28 of pregnancy. If you’re at high risk for developing it, your doctor may test earlier. Since there are usually no symptoms, a screening test is the only way to determine if you have gestational diabetes. Here’s what you can expect:
What if you fail the Glucola test?If you fail the test, it could just indicate that you’re at higher risk for gestational diabetes, so you’ll have to come back for a fasting test. Here’s what you can expect:
The problem with GlucolaThere are a lot of problems with Glucola. Some versions of the drink are “cleaner” than others, however they all contain ingredients most of us try to stay away from. This drink contains artificial flavors, GMO corn syrup, glycerol ester of wood rosin, and brominated vegetable oil (BVO). Yikes! What’s more, some women report nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and other symptoms after a Glucola test. Natural mama’s who avoid processed food and refined sugar are more likely to react negatively, since their bodies aren’t used to all that junk (and that much sugar!). False positives are also fairly common. In fact, 1 in every 4 women who test positive for gestational diabetes with Glucola don’t actually have the condition. Similarly, many women who DO have gestational diabetes won’t test positive with Glucola. Alternatives to Glucola
The Fresh Test as an Alternative to GlucolaIf you’re not into counting jelly beans, you’re not out of options. As more and more mamas voice their concerns against Glucola, companies are listening and creating alternatives. The Fresh Test is a cucumber and mint lemonade that contains 50 gram of sugar, ideal for the glucose tolerance test. The drink is free from artificial dyes, artificial flavors, and harmful preservatives like sodium benzoate. The Fresh Test is available in a 2-pack, 10-pack, and 30-pack powder form, or as a bottle of juice. Plus, cumber and mint lemonade just sounds downright refreshing, right? Making Your Own Glucose DrinkAs of this writing, the liquid bottles of The Fresh Test are currently sold out. You could recreate your own though! If you are feeling creative, you could make your own glucose drink using dextrose powder. Dextrose is a simple sugar, and the cool thing is that it’s chemically identical to glucose (source). You could purchase pure organic dextrose powder and add enough to make 50 grams of sugar mixed with water. Note: Whether you’re considering The Fresh Test or a DIY version of the Fresh Test, talk to your OBGYN or midwife first. False Positives Are Possible, Especially for Natural MamasRemember: False positives with the Glucola test are pretty common—1 in 4 women without gestational diabetes test positive. If you follow a paleo, low-carb diet, or just aren’t used to eating large quantities of refined sugar and processed food, your body may be more sensitive to the Glucola test. This can cause your body to react negatively—your insulin can spike, causing a false positive.
If you suspect you might wind up with a false positive, talk to your healthcare provider about some of the alternative testing methods outlined above. What to Expect if You Are Diagnosed With Gestational DiabetesYou’ll have to get used to daily blood testing. Your healthcare provider will usually have you test when you wake up in the morning, then again throughout the day. The schedule may vary slightly, but it’s likely you’ll be taking your blood four to five times a day. Some common testing times: after breakfast, after a mid-morning snack, after lunch, after an afternoon snack, after dinner. You’ll also have to meet with a diabetes specialist, who will give you test strips, lancets, and a blood glucose meter about the size of your palm. When you test your blood you insert a test strip into the meter and then prick a finger with a lancet inserted into a spring-loaded device. You then place some of the blood on the test strip and wait for results. You may also get a booklet to record your meals, daily exercise, and blood sugar levels. In regular meetings with your specialist they’ll help you analyze trends, come up with better plan meals, and provide general encouragement to stay on track. Natural Treatments for Gestational DiabetesYou may wonder if you’ll have to give yourself shots. The good news: not necessarily. It is absolutely possible to manage gestational diabetes through a specially tailored diet and exercise. Here are some healthy changes that can make a big difference: 1. Cut back on carbsCarbs are going to be strictly monitored. Not just breads, pastas, and cereals, but also healthy carbs like fruit, dairy, beans, and squashes. Adopting a low-carb diet rich in healthy fats and proteins helps to stabilize blood sugar, balance hormones, and decrease insulin resistance. Primal or Paleo diets may work well for this. It’s helpful to work with a nutritionist or nutritional therapy practitioner to create a meal plan. 2. Focus on foods that reduce inflammation
Choose healthy fats, like nuts/seeds, olive oil, fatty fish, and grass-fed butter, as well as green leafy vegetables. 3. Get your greens and veggiesFoods rich in fiber and protein are also important to help manage gestational diabetes as they slow digestion time (and reduce insulin spikes!). Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes. 4. Take your vitaminsStudies suggest that women who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Getting some sunshine and supplementing with cod liver oil can help boost vitamin D levels. Supplementing with chromium, a necessary mineral that helps metabolize carbohydrates, may also be beneficial. 5. Boost magnesium levelsIn one study, pregnant women with gestational diabetes were given 250 mg of magnesium daily for 6 weeks. Magnesium significantly improved blood sugar levels significantly and reduced markers of inflammation and cell damage. Their babies also saw a 20.6% reduction in excess bilirubin, which can cause jaundice. Regularly include high magnesium foods into your diet. 6. Get some sleepEasier said than done, but try to make quality sleep a priority. Sleep deprivation raises the stress hormone cortisol, contributing to unhealthy belly fat. Insulin sensitivity decreases rapidly and raises the risk for diabetes when we’re not getting enough quality sleep. 7. Get movingExercise plays an important role in lowering your blood’s glucose level. When you exercise, your muscles can more efficiently use insulin to process blood sugar and use it for energy. In the long term, regular exercise can lower your A1C—your body’s average blood glucose level over a period of 2-3 months. (source) One study found that taking just three short walks each day after meals was enough to help reduce blood sugar levels. In fact, those walks were just as effective over the span of 24 hours as a single 45-minute walk. When Natural Treatments Aren’t WorkingIn some cases, you may be doing everything you can to no avail. Don’t beat yourself up, mama. It happens. If you’re taking steps to manage your gestational diabetes and it’s still out of control, then you may have to take medicine or give yourself insulin injections. If untreated, gestational diabetes can be serious for both you and your baby. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations. And reach out for support if you find yourself struggling. Remember: This is only temporary. Your blood sugar levels will most likely resolve themselves after baby’s birth. Can Gestational Diabetes Harm the Baby?It’s very important to work with your care providers to manage your gestational diabetes and reduce problems for both mama and baby. If not controlled, gestational diabetes can cause the following in babies:
If not controlled, gestational diabetes can also cause the following problems for mamas:
Can You Still Have a Home Birth if You Have Gestational Diabetes?If you were planning on a home birth or birthing center, it may no longer be an option due to some of the delivery risks of gestational diabetes. Post-birth your baby will be closely monitored for a drop in blood sugar, which can damage the baby’s brain and lead to developmental delays. Talk to your doctor or midwife to determine what’s right for you and your baby. Gestational Diabetes IS ManageableIs diabetes during pregnancy serious? Absolutely! But it’s a manageable condition. In most cases, mamas with gestational diabetes have a little extra work to do, but they’ll go on to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Follow the tips above and listen to your caregivers. And always get extra support if you need it. How about you?We want to hear from you! Do you plan to take the Glucola test? For mamas already diagnosed with gestational diabetes: What steps are you taking to manage the condition?
How can I lower my sugar level quickly?When your blood sugar level gets too high — known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose — the quickest way to reduce it is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way to lower blood sugar.. whole grains.. fruits.. vegetables.. lean proteins.. What happens if sugar is high during pregnancy?High blood glucose levels during pregnancy can also increase the chance that your baby will be born too early, weigh too much, or have breathing problems or low blood glucose right after birth. High blood glucose also can increase the chance that you will have a miscarriage link or a stillborn baby.
What foods can lower blood sugar quickly?Best foods that help lower and control blood sugar. Whole wheat bread.. Fruits.. Sweet potatoes and yams.. Oatmeal and oat bran.. Legumes.. Garlic.. Fatty fish.. |