During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes changes that can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. These changes can lead to gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth.
Gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels and take steps to control them during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes changes that can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
These changes can lead to gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. Gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels and take steps to control them during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes involves high blood sugar (glucose) that begins during pregnancy and affects between 3 and 20% of pregnant women. As you know, it is not recommended to take a lot of drugs during pregnancy, since these drugs can have a negative effect on the fetus.
Fortunately, gestational diabetes can be controlled with diet and herbal remedies alone. And in the front of this article from startpregnancy magazine, we will explain an effective way to reduce blood sugar during pregnancy, so stay with us.
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Lowering blood sugar with food
Consumption of some fruits and foods is highly effective in reducing blood sugar during pregnancy.
Reducing blood sugar in pregnancy with food and fruits
In this section, we mention some of the most common fruits and foods that lower blood sugar during pregnancy.
1- Blueberry
According to the results of a study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the blood glucose levels of people who consumed 2.5 cups of blueberry juice daily for 12 weeks decreased significantly. This result is due to the anthocyanins in blueberries.
Anthocyanin is a natural chemical that shrinks fat cells and stimulates the release of adiponectin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels). Increasing adiponectin levels can keep blood sugar levels low and increase insulin sensitivity.
2- Onion
Onions contain active substances that reduce blood sugar (including allyl propyl disulfide and allicin).
3- Bitter chocolate
Chocolate is rich in flavonoids. Research has shown that flavonoids reduce insulin resistance, improve insulin sensitivity, lower fasting blood sugar levels, and reduce cravings for certain foods.
But all types of chocolate do not have the same effect. According to the results of a 2008 study at the University of Copenhagen, people who consumed dark chocolate were less likely to eat sweet, salty, or fatty foods than those who consumed milk chocolate.
Milk chocolate has lower levels of beneficial flavonoids and is often higher in sugar and fat. In addition to these benefits, the flavonoids in dark chocolate reduce the risk of stroke, lower blood pressure, and significantly lower the risk of a heart attack.
4- Sweet potato to reduce blood sugar during pregnancy
One study showed that consuming sweet potatoes reduced HbA1c levels by 0.30 to 0.57 percent. This food item also reduces fasting blood sugar and is an effective way to reduce blood sugar during pregnancy.
Sweet potatoes also contain anthocyanin, which is a natural pigment that gives this food its orange color. In addition, sweet potatoes contain antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.
5- Broccoli
Broccoli is a very effective anti-diabetic substance. Like other cruciferous vegetables (such as kale and cauliflower), broccoli also contains a compound called sulforaphane.
Sulforaphane stimulates several anti-inflammatory processes that improve blood sugar control and protect blood vessels from cardiovascular damage caused by diabetes (heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes, so this protection can be life-saving). save the person).
6- Jumbo fruit
The seeds of jumbo fruit contain jambon, which controls the excessive conversion of starch into sugar. You can consume jumbo seed powder with water or buttermilk. This fruit also reduces the amount of sugar in the urine and relieves the feeling of excessive thirst (which is a symptom of diabetes).
7- Nuts
Nuts are an excellent source of natural fats that help slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
8- Avocado
Avocados are also a rich source of healthy fats. According to the results of a study conducted in 2013, avocados can help reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndromes such as diabetes and reduce insulin resistance.
The healthy fats found in avocados slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream and help reduce postprandial pregnancy blood sugar.
Consuming more magnesium and chromium during pregnancy can be effective in regulating blood sugar.
9- Add foods containing magnesium and chromium to your diet
High blood sugar levels and the occurrence of diabetes are largely related to the lack of micronutrients. Some of the minerals whose deficiency has the greatest effect on blood sugar increase are chromium and magnesium.
Chromium plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It also enhances the action of insulin, so it can help regulate blood sugar.
Foods rich in chromium include:
- Meat
- Products made from whole grains
- Fruits
- The vegetables
In addition, low magnesium levels may also cause insulin resistance. In one study, women with gestational diabetes were given 250 mg of magnesium daily for 6 weeks. Magnesium was able to significantly control blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation and cell damage. The babies of these women also experienced a 20.6% decrease in bilirubin (bilirubin can lead to jaundice).
managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the mother and the baby. By working with their healthcare provider and following a healthy diet and exercise plan, pregnant women can reduce the risk of complications associated with gestational diabetes and have a successful pregnancy and delivery.
What can I eat to lower my blood sugar during pregnancy?
What herbal medicine is used to decrease blood sugar levels?
How can I lower my gestational diabetes naturally?
How much sugar level is OK during pregnancy?
Based on the studies conducted, lowering blood sugar during pregnancy is crucial. Pregnancy can cause changes in a woman’s body that affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which can lead to gestational diabetes. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, including pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and large birth weight.
Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to monitor their blood sugar levels and work with their healthcare provider to develop a plan to control their blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and possibly medication if needed. By keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range, women can reduce the risk of complications and have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
