Gestational Diabetes
A diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be daunting during an overwhelming time in your life. As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), I’m here to help, utilizing nutrition, blood sugar monitoring, and movement to manage your gestational diabetes.
Did you know up to 10% of pregnancies in the U.S are affected by gestational diabetes? You’re not alone!
Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes means your body is having a difficult time turning carbohydrates into energy. This can be due to insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone within our body that allows us to use carbohydrates as energy. When our body resists insulin our blood glucose (blood sugar) can increase. Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to a large baby causing a more difficult delivery and low blood glucose for baby at birth. Together we can manage your blood glucose to prevent these risks.
The 3 M’s of treating gestational diabetes.
Meals – Eating every 3 hours helps maintain stable blood sugars. At these eating times we need the right balance of carbs, protein, fiber, and fat. We will create a dynamic meal plan and adjust depending on your blood sugars.
Monitoring – You will be checking your blood glucose 4 times a day. First thing in the morning, and 1 hour after each meal.
Desired blood glucose levels
Before a meal or fasting <95 mg/dl
One hour after a meal: <140 mg/dl
Movement – Light physical activity will help maintain blood glucose levels. If your blood sugar is slightly elevated 1 hour after a meal, a 10 min walk can help.
- 1-3 virtual or in-person nutrition counseling sessions
- Discuss macronutrients and their effect on blood sugars
- Learn how to monitor and respond to blood glucose levels
- Assess timing and quantity of activity
- Create a dynamic meal plan
After working together, you will have the tools to mindfully respond to blood glucose readings and navigate tricky food decisions during and after pregnancy.
“Hi Carlyn, things are going well! I’ve been eating much more often throughout the day, and it seems to be helping my fasting numbers in the mornings. The last 3 mornings it’s been under 100! Still too high but moving in the right direction. It’s still harder for me to eat in the late afternoons/evenings but I’m getting a little something in and taking tums prophylactically, which is helping with reflux. I can’t thank you enough for your help. After our call last week, I felt empowered for the first time since the start of this gestational diabetes."
Gestational Diabetes Client
Please email or call to setup an appointment.