In this article:
Why Does Pregnancy Affect Blood Sugar Levels?
During pregnancy, your body releases hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and human placental lactogen (hPL) to help your baby grow. But these hormones can also make your body insulin-resistant, which is responsible for regulating your glucose levels.As a result, your blood sugar levels can surge easily, particularly if you consume a lot of high-carbohydrate or sugary food. This condition is called GDM or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, which affects about 10% pregnancies globally.
How Can Festive Sugar Intake Aggravate This Condition?
Festivals often include different types of sweets, mostly containing white flour, ghee, and refined sugar, all of which raise your blood sugar levels rapidly. This is how a mere celebration can affect you:- Glucose spike: When you’re pregnant, dessert intake can increase your body's glucose level, which is challenging for your body to manage.
- Amplified insulin resistance: Excess glucose strains your body's insulin system.
- Tiredness: You face too much fatigue or irritation due to an increased glucose level.
- Weight gain: Sweetness develops excess calories in your body, leading to weight gain, an unhealthy pregnancy, and an enhanced risk for both of you and the foetus.
What Are the Challenges of High Glucose Levels During Pregnancy?
A persistently higher glucose level can affect both your health and the foetus's development. Risks include:- Poor sugar control leading to gestational diabetes.
- Babies may grow larger than normal (macrosomia), which results in a complicated delivery.
- High blood sugar can lead to early delivery.
How to Enjoy Festivals without Affecting Your Blood Sugar Levels?
You need to play smart instead of skipping celebrations. Here are a few useful advices:- To satisfy your craving, a few bites are enough
- Instead of refined sugar, try sweets made with stevia, dates, or jaggery
- Consume desserts with protein or fibre-rich foods, such as fruits or nuts, so your body doesn’t absorb sugar rapidly.
- A light walk after a meal can help your body burn off additional sugar.
- Staying hydrated helps your body get rid of excess glucose.
Which Symptoms Are Considered Dangerous for High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy?
Symptoms may not always exist immediately. However, keep an eye on:- Vision blurriness
- Increased dehydration with repeated urination
- Unusual fatigue
- Dizziness after meals
- Unusual weight gain
How to Check & Monitor Your Sugar Level?
If you’re pregnant, regular check-ups are a must. Your physician might prescribe a few things to suspect a high glucose level:- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): It helps measure how your body handles glucose.
- Fasting blood sugar test: Check your sugar level before you eat anything.
- Home monitoring: To repeatedly track readings, use a glucometer.
What to Do if Glucose Levels are High?
You don't have to worry, as even small changes can make a big difference. Here is some practical guidance:- Monitor when and what you consume, especially during celebrations.
- Eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains as a part of your routine meals.
- Don’t go for sweeteners such as sherbets, soft drinks, and sweetened teas.
- Spread meals evenly throughout the day to avoid skipping meals and overeating later.
- Stress and inadequate sleep raise glucose levels. So you must get enough sleep.
- Follow up regularly with your dietitian and gynaecologist.
Emotional & Social Considerations
Festivals can feel overwhelming with relatives offering excessive food or friends asking for one more bite. It's okay to enjoy, but you must learn to say no when required. Remember, this isn't just about sugar; it's about you and your baby's well-being.Discuss with your family and partner about your dietary requirements so they can support you. You can also bring or make healthier sweets during festivals.
When Should You Seek a Doctor’s Advice?
See a doctor if:- You are tired, have blurry vision, or feel dehydrated
- Your blood sugar is too high
- You have had diabetes before or have now during pregnancy
- Your energy or hunger changes a lot
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on How Festive Sugar Intake Affects Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
- Can I eat sweets a bit during pregnancy?
Yes, you can consume sweets occasionally, but in small bites. Go for healthier alternatives made with dates, jaggery, or fruits instead of refined sugar. - How to control sugar craving during festivals?
Stay hydrated, don't skip meals, and include protein-rich food items like yoghurt or nuts. This helps reduce unusual sugar cravings. - What if I have gestational diabetes and still want to celebrate?
You can. Just follow what your doctor recommends, keep an eye on your sugar levels, and choose low-glycaemic or sugar-free sweets. Enjoy every festival happily and safely.
