Navigating the Sweet Life with Gestational Diabetes:
GDM
My Journey, Your Guide
Hello, beautiful Mammas to be!
You’re stepping into a chapter of my life that’s been incredibly transformative—my journey with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). If you’re here, it’s likely because GDM has touched your life or that of someone close to you. The moment that changed everything for me was not just any ordinary day; it was the day I learned I hadn't passed my glucose test. As a diabetes educator, I was armed with knowledge and a professional badge, yet, standing there with a referral slip for nutrition education and facing a daunting wait list, I felt anything but prepared. I believed I could manage this on my own—how wrong I was. The reality of managing GDM without immediate support hit hard, and the costs of managing diabetes without a prescription were very eye-opening. Thankfully, my position in a hospital offered me a workaround, but my heart ached for those without such resources.
This experience ignited a fire within me—an avid desire to extend a helping hand to other GDM mothers who feel lost and unsupported. This has been the catalyst that inspired me to create DET Nutrition, transforming my challenges into a lighthouse for others navigating similar waters. In our digital age, where an overwhelming sea of information is just a click away, it's easy to feel adrift in fear and uncertainty. My mission is to anchor you in knowledge and confidence, helping you to transform apprehension into action, and fear into empowerment, with every mindful choice you make.
What's the Deal with GDM?
Gestational Diabetes is like that uninvited guest at your pregnancy party, showing up due to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, affecting how your body uses insulin. It's like your body throwing a tantrum, saying, "I don’t know how to handle all this sugar!" The cause? Well, it's a mix of genetics, lifestyle, and pregnancy-specific factors. One thing I want to point out: Remind yourself, it's not your fault. It's just one of those pregnancy curveballs that we have zero control over so be kind to yourself.
The Rollercoaster Ride
Having navigated the GDM rollercoaster not once, but twice, I've felt the ups, downs, twists, and turns from the initial "Why me?" to “Not again” to finally land on "I've got this!" Yes, there are struggles, diet changes, finger pricks, and that nagging worry for your little one's well-being. It's a journey that tests your strength and sometimes leaves you feeling a bit lost at times. If you are anything like me you may have a set way of eating and hardly look at food labels because your diet works/ed for you. It was definitely a daunting task to have to keep track of carbohydrates something I NEVER looked at and I am a trained professional who was doing Diabetes education at the time. It took me hours to shop, I would spike my sugars, and going out to eat was a constant slap in the face. I’ll never forget the night we had a wonderful server who presented us with a very incredible banana split on the house. I thought my discipline was under control but I’ll tell you that dessert was screaming at me and before I knew it, I ate half of it…but I wasn’t hard on myself because by this time I knew how to get my numbers down. I wasn’t so hard on myself and I made my husband take two very long walks with me that night. My point is, you will slip, you will have a high number but don’t panic because you have the beautiful gift of trying again at your next meal. As long as you stay somewhat on target you should be just fine. Thankfully, I never had to go on insulin but if you find yourself on that path, because let’s face it we can do everything right and life still finds a way to throw you a curveball. It just means your body is working in over drive and you might need a little more intervention that just nutrition therapy. My goal is to help you with the nutrition side and the mental disciple to empower your food choices with clarity in hopes you can avoid another needle.
Here's the thing I hope to gift you as well, you will learn to ride the rollercoaster, a sprinkle of humor and heaps of hope. My secret? Finding joy in the small victories, like mastering the art of carb-counting (hello, new party trick!) and turning my dietary restrictions into a culinary adventure. Not to mention postpartum control!
Things that helped my sanity along the way
These strategies were my lifelines, offering structure, insight, and control over my gestational diabetes. More than just tactics, they empowered me with the confidence and knowledge to manage my health proactively. Remember, each journey is personal, and what worked for me may not work for everyone. Always consult with your healthcare provider to develop a plan that’s right for you.
- Meal Planning/Food Prep: Mapping out meals and preparing them in advance was my compass. It ensured I always had healthy, GDM-friendly options at hand, reducing the temptation of easy, less healthy alternatives. This was a daunting task at first but once I found my rhythm it was systematic which continues to help me to this day.
- Restaurant Research: Dining out doesn't have to be an intimidating ordeal. I made it a habit to look up nutritional information before visiting restaurants ("Know before you go"), making it easier to choose meals that fit within my dietary guidelines.
- Knowing Your Numbers: Understanding and monitoring my blood glucose levels was pivotal. Always tailor these targets with your healthcare provider to fit your unique health profile.
- Exercise/Walking: A simple stroll can work wonders for managing sugar spikes. Integrating regular walks into my routine proved effective in keeping my glucose levels in check, especially after meals.
- Understanding My Food Triggers: Realizing that different foods affected my glucose levels uniquely was a game-changer. This insight allowed me to make smarter dietary choices tailored to my body’s responses.
- Food Log/Journal: Keeping a detailed record of my meals and their corresponding glucose readings helped me recognize patterns and trends. This journal became an invaluable tool for understanding how my body reacted to various foods and activities, enabling me to adjust my habits for better glucose control.
- Embracing Self-Compassion During Glucose Spikes: Despite our best efforts, there will be moments when our blood sugar levels spike beyond our targets. It's essential to remember that managing gestational diabetes is a journey, not a perfect science. When I faced these spikes, I learned to treat myself with kindness rather than criticism. Stressing over occasional highs can actually exacerbate the situation, as stress itself can impact glucose levels. Instead, I took these moments as opportunities to learn and adjust, not as failures. Each spike was a conversation my body was trying to have with me, signaling it was time to reassess and tweak my meal plans or activity levels. It's important to remember that you're doing the best you can in a challenging situation. Giving yourself a break, emotionally and mentally, is not just about self-care; it's a crucial part of managing your health. Remember, tomorrow is a new day, and one spike is just a small bump in the road of your larger journey to wellness.
Navigating the Storm: Overcoming GDM and Embracing a Healthy Future
It’s natural to have concerns about what delivery and the future hold. Trust me, I’ve been right where you are, fretting over the possible impacts of GDM on delivery day and the world beyond. Here’s a little spoiler for you: I’ve sailed through those very storms, and I’m here to help you chart your course to calmer waters. Armed with the right support and insights, you can navigate towards a joyous and healthy horizon for both you and your little one.
It's true, there's a list of potential complications that might seem daunting at first glance. I remember looking at it and feeling a whirlwind of fear. Yet, having faced GDM head-on not once but twice, I stand before you as proof that it’s possible to emerge on the other side, stronger and with stories to tell. Remember, GDM is not a lifelong sentence but a temporary chapter in your life’s story. The ride might get bumpy, but it does come to an end.
My journey included a tiny newborn with a week-long battle with jaundice—I spent that week yearning for cuddles I couldn’t give. The second round brought on sudden preeclampsia, leading to an early delivery and a stint with blood pressure medication that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. We made it through, and today, my girls are nothing short of spectacular, thriving in every way.
It’s worth noting, though, that those of us who have danced with GDM and our little ones carry a higher risk of encountering type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) later on. It's a stark reminder of why managing our health proactively is so crucial. GDM can indeed weave a complex web of challenges for both mother and baby during labor, underlining the importance of effective management to soften the risks. So ensure you have a team supporting you along the way! You are not alone so don’t take it all on alone!
Here’s to embracing the sweet moments, even with a side of GDM.
I would love to be your pregnancy coach!
Join me
for a free
call
Free Consult
Kristin
Learn how to DET can help!
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to replace the guidance of your healthcare provider. Always consult a medical professional before making changes to your health or diet. This site aims to support your understanding of nutrition and health but should not be used for diagnosis or treatment without professional consultation.