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Did you know that carrying twins or higher-order multiples puts you at a higher risk for developing gestational diabetes?
Having two placentas (if you're having fraternal twins), or even one larger placenta (if you're having identical twins) causes your body to produce higher hormone levels, which can cause insulin resistance (i.e., your body is unable to use insulin effectively to control your blood sugar).
Meanwhile, carrying twins puts more of a strain on the mother's metabolism, which increases the demand for glucose.
The higher demand for glucose, combined with that pesky insulin resistance, can cause blood glucose levels to get too high, leading to gestational diabetes.
The higher demand for glucose, combined with that pesky insulin resistance, can cause blood glucose levels to get too high, leading to gestational diabetes.
This, in turn, can leaad to potential issues with your babies if you don't keep your blood glucose levels in check throughout your pregnancy.
Getting tested for gestational diabetes
When you're between 24 and 28 weeks along (but sometimes sooner, on a doctor's advice), you'll go for a routine glucose challenge test to screen for gestational diabetes. At this appointment, you'll drink a surgery drink and have your blood drawn an hour later to gauge how your body processes glucose.
If your results are on the higher end of the spectrum, you'll be called back for a three-hour test. If the results from the three-hour test still come back high, you'll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes and will have to work with your doctor to come up with a plan to keep your blood glucose levels in check throughout the remainder of your twin pregnancy.
Complications if gestational diabetes goes undiagnosed
If you're pregnant with twins and are diagnosed with gestational diabetes and don't keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range, there are several complications you could run into.
According to Health Match, some potential issues include a higher risk for:
- Hypertensive (high blood pressure) disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
- Polyhydramnios (too much amniotic fluid in the womb).
- Premature birth.
- Emergency C-section.
- Babies needing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) support.
- Infant respiratory distress syndrome.
- Neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels in one or both babies).
- Neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy.
This is why it's so important—for you AND your babies—to do daily testing with your glucometer kit, and keep your blood glucose levels in check if you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Most glucometer kids also come with everything you need to check your blood glucose levels, including a lancing device, lancets, and test strips, but double-check to make sure you've got everything you'll need.
I also suggest picking up a case for your glucometer to store all your things in. That way, you can throw your kit into your purse and take it to any appointments you have during times you'll have to track your levels. If you like a pop of color, these Dario diabetes travel cases are nice.
Every pregnancy is different and every case of gestational diabetes is different. Some people require a daily shot of insulin, while others can keep their levels within the desired range with a few dietary changes.
Ways to keep your blood glucose levels under control
If you don't require medication to stay on top of your condition, there are a few ways you can keep your blood sugar levels under control and prevent adverse outcomes for you and your babies.
Quick tips for keeping your gestational diabetes under control
Invest in a logbook, so you can keep a daily record. It's important for you to track your blood glucose readings and nutrient intake throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. A book like this one allows you to look back at the daily data you collect with your doctor.
Create a healthy eating plan and stock your pantry and fridge with foods that can help you regulate your blood sugar levels more effectively. Ask your OB-GYN how many calories you should consume each day, as this amount will differ from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy (e.g., a multiple birth pregnancy vs. a single birth one).
Embrace the best foods for managing gestational diabetes. Lean proteins (chicken, eggs, fish, low-fat dairy, and turkey) to help you feel full and help your babies grow. Eating protein at breakfast can help steady hunger levels for the rest of the day. Non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, cucumbers, green beans, onions, peppers, and salad greens) are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil, seeds, and nut butters) are good for your heart health. Complex carbohydrates (beans, berries, brown rice, Greek yogurt, sweet potatoes, and whole-wheat bread) provide energy, fiber, and nutrients your body needs.
Avoid foods that make it difficult to manage gestational diabetes. Until your babies are born, say goodbye to sugar-laden drinks and simple carbs (breakfast cereals and processed foods and snacks), as they can work against you as you try to manage your blood glucose levels.
Balance your meals. Pay attention to the ratio of proteins to fats to carbohydrates, as that can affect your blood sugar levels. If you're drawing a blank on what to include in your adjusted diet for managing gestational diabetes, here's an outline from Diabetes Canada that includes healthy meal ideas and snack suggestions you can draw inspiration from.
Keep easy and nutritious snacks that won't spike your blood sugar on-hand. Nuts, apples with peanut butter, hummus, trail mix, eggs, yogurt, popcorn, and avocado are quick and easy snacks that will keep you on track.
Move your muscles after you eat. When you start a meal, set a timer to go off in 60 minutes, and then get up and move for at least 10 minutes before the alarm goes off. Exercise after eating can help balance your blood sugar response. It doesn't have to be hardcore exercise; just something that gets your body up and moving, like a gentle walk on a treadmill. You don't have to be on bedrest, unless your doctor tells you to.
After your babies are born
For most women, gestational diabetes goes away entirely once their babies are born. But it's important to recognize that, for some, diabetes persists after pregnancy. In fact, women who had gestational diabetes have a higher risk (ten-fold) of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
So, if you had gestational diabetes while you were pregnant, it's crucial to go for regular, lifelong screening for Type 2 diabetes after your babies are born, starting between six and 12 months postpartum and then every three years afterward.
It's also important for your babies' pediatrician to know that you had gestational diabetes while pregnant with them because they could have an increasead risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life as a result of your diagnosis.
Were you diagnosed with gestational diabetes during your twin pregnancy? Were you able to keep it in check with minimal adjustments? Did you keep up with regular postpartum screening? Let us know in the Comments section below or connect with us on Instagram to share your thoughts!
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