Managing Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy: Indian Insights

Managing Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy: Indian Insights

Nurturing Kosha

What Is Gestational Diabetes—and How Is It Diagnosed?

GDM is a temporary condition during pregnancy where blood sugar levels become elevated. It usually appears around 24 to 28 weeks and is diagnosed through a glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or fasting and post-breakfast sugar tests.

📝 Note: Testing methods can vary. Always clarify the exact steps with your doctor or lab technician.


Community-Tested Food Swaps

Many moms found that small, realistic changes—not extreme diets—helped manage blood sugar.

Daily Swaps That Helped

  • White rice → Ragi, jowar, bajra
  • Wheat chapatis → Multigrain or millet rotis
  • Sugary drinks → Buttermilk, lemon water, coconut water (if advised)

Smarter Snacks

  • Roasted makhana, soaked nuts, salted chana
  • Paneer cubes or hummus with carrots
  • Dates and nut laddoos (after meals, not on an empty stomach)

Late-night fix: Some moms had small snacks like ragi biscuits, a glass of milk, or nuts around midnight to help with acid reflux and blood sugar balance.

What About Fruits?

You don’t have to give up fruits entirely—but the how and when matter.

  • High-sugar fruits like banana or mango can spike levels if eaten alone.
  • Tip: Pair fruit with protein—like apple with peanuts—to prevent sudden spikes.
  • Eat fruit in small portions and avoid on an empty stomach.

 

Understanding Medication: When Diet Isn’t Enough

Not all moms need medication for GDM. But if you do, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

  • Some moms began with diet control, then added metformin or insulin later in pregnancy.
  • A few shared that metformin caused temporary stomach discomfort, which eased with time and hydration.

Note: All medications must be prescribed by your doctor. These are shared experiences, not medical recommendations.

 

Everyday Habits That Made a Difference

1. Track Sugar Levels

Using a diary or mobile app helped many moms feel more in control and enabled better conversations with their doctors.

2. Gentle Post-Meal Walks

Just 10–15 minutes of walking after meals helped stabilise blood sugar for many in the group.

3. Eat Regularly

Skipping meals or delaying them often led to sugar fluctuations. A rhythm of three meals and two light snacks worked well for many.

4. Hydration

Apart from plain water, community favorites included:

  • Buttermilk
  • Kokum water
  • Lemon sherbet
  • Homemade aam panna (with jaggery, not sugar)
  • Coconut water (if suitable for your sugar levels)
  • Note: Some drinks like coconut water may not suit all GDM cases. Check with your doctor before including them regularly.

 

Reassurance from the Nurturing Kosha Community

The most powerful takeaway? You are not alone, and this condition is manageable.

  • “At first I blamed myself. Now I know—it’s just how my body is responding right now.”
  • “Everyone’s journey is different, but hearing each other’s tips gave me confidence.”
  • “Don’t let GDM take the joy out of your pregnancy. Balance, not restriction, is the goal.”

 

You’re Welcome Here

At Nurturing Kosha, we’re building a space where moms-to-be can share real stories, ask real questions, and receive real support—without judgment. Whether you’re just starting your GDM journey or learning to manage it day-by-day, there’s comfort in knowing you’re not navigating it alone.

👉 Join our Moms-to-be Community 

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