Planning a healthy future with gestational diabetes

Managing life after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes can seem uncertain and scary. Diabetes educator Annie Reed emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle to promote wellness.

Transcript

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[MUSIC PLAYING] Now that my baby is born, what are some things that I can do to make sure I lead a healthy life,

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and what are some things that I can do to make sure that my baby gets a healthy start in life?

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That's a great question, and I know that's important to you. In addition to maintaining healthy habits, it's wise to keep watch of your blood sugar levels

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by having them checked often, as well as the few years after your pregnancy. Ask your doctor how often your blood sugar should be checked.

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If you decide to, breastfeeding can protect your baby against certain health conditions like obesity

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and type 2 diabetes, as well as help you lose the weight that you gained during your pregnancy.

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If I get pregnant again, will I get gestational diabetes again? If you get pregnant again, you do

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have a 2 in 3 chance of getting gestational diabetes in future pregnancies if you have it now. You can do things such as maintain a healthy weight

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after your pregnancy and before your next pregnancy, as well as follow a balanced meal plan that includes fruits, vegetables, high fiber,

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whole grains, lean protein. It's best to limit sugary foods, as those can cause increases

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in your blood sugar, whereas fiber leads to a slower rise in blood sugar. But you also can do other things like stay active,

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as well as manage stress and continue checking your blood sugar. [MUSIC PLAYING]