Blog
0 IRMS NJ discusses Exercise and Gestational Diabetes
At IRMS, we focus on education as a means of empowering our patients to make informed choices about their care, as well as, what they can be doing now, in their daily lives, to positively impact their chances of a healthy and successful pregnancy. Taking control of your health and wellness is part of that success formula. These are common-sense recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. Exactly what you seek when you are trying to conceive or start a family.
We recommend that you:
- Quit Smoking
- Eat Healthy
- Get some exercise
- Stress less
- Sleep
- Take your Vitamins
- See the Doctor
Now, there is new data to support the more fit a woman is, as she prepares to get pregnant, the less likely she is to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Researchers from the University of Iowa who followed 1,300 U.S. women found that high levels of fitness before pregnancy were tied to a 21% lower risk of gestational diabetes. The study supports that as you think about conceiving increasing your frequency of exercise and seeking a healthy weight will have real impact on the healthfulness of your pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes generally results in few symptoms; however, it does increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, depression, and requiring a Caesarean section. Those who develop gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. In most cases, there are no symptoms. A blood sugar test during pregnancy is used for diagnosis. Treatment strategies include daily blood sugar monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise, and monitoring the baby. If blood sugar is too high, medication is sometimes needed.
So as you are trying to conceive on your own or are setting up your appointment to see us take that walk around the block after work, choose the stairs over the elevator. Look to incorporate approximately 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (about 30 minutes, 5 days a week). Try to reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates while choosing more healthy proteins such as egg or egg whites, baked fish and chicken.
If you are facing challenges while trying to conceive and need some expert advice, the physicians of IRMS are here to help you on your journey to success. For more information or to set-up an appointment please reach out at 973.548.9900 or fill out our contact form.
