The hormonal changes that take place during your pregnancy can affect how your body uses the hormone insulin, which helps move glucose into your cells. In gestational diabetes, your body cannot use insulin efficiently and more sugar remains in the bloodstream. Exercise can help manage gestational diabetes, but you must take certain precautions to protect the health of you and your baby.
Benefits
The muscle contractions that occur as a result of exercise can help move glucose out of the bloodstream and into the various cells of the body, reports Women Fitness, a website created by physicians and other health professionals. Physical activity can also keep you from gaining too much weight, which can compound blood sugar management issues. To reap the benefits of exercise for lowering blood sugar, aim for physical activity four to five days a week.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
If you require insulin to manage your gestational diabetes, you need to check blood sugar levels before a planned exercise session to determine if you are in a safe range for physical activity. Your doctor can advise you on acceptable blood sugar readings.
Preventing Low Blood Sugar
Exercise can lower your blood sugar, and if you take insulin, your blood sugar can drop even further. Keep glucose tablets, hard candy or another sugary treat handy during exercise sessions; they can give your blood sugar a quick boost. Eating before you exercise can also keep blood sugar from dipping too low. One piece of fruit should suffice for about 30 minutes of activity, while longer sessions will require a starchy item like bread in addition to the fruit, according to the physician-created Childbirth Solutions website. If you exercise right after a meal, consume these items after your workout. If you plan to work out two or more hours after your last meal, eat your snack before your exercise session.
Signs of low blood sugar include confusion, fatigue, dizziness, sudden hunger, shaking, sweating, weakness and headaches.
Acceptable Activities
Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Generally safe activities include walking, riding a stationary bike and swimming. If you were active before your pregnancy in certain activities, like jogging, you might be able to continue them in pregnancy, with some possible modifications.
