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I am worried about the blood sugar level present at 29 weeks of pregnancy. How to control it?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At December 10, 2020
Reviewed AtSeptember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 29 weeks pregnant. I am checking my blood glucose levels on a daily basis for the past five days. On the first day, I had a fasting blood glucose of 98 mg/dL, after taking breakfast of two hours, I had a blood glucose level of 85 mg/dL, after taking lunch, I had a blood glucose level of 116 mg/dL, and after taking dinner, I had a blood glucose level of 130 mg/dL. On the second day, I had a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL, blood glucose level of 108 mg/dL after taking breakfast, after taking lunch, I got a blood glucose level of 129 mg/dL, after taking dinner, I got a blood glucose level fo 121 mg/dL.

On the third day, I had a fasting blood glucose of 98 mg/dL, after taking breakfast, I had a blood glucose level of 104 mg/dL, after taking lunch, it was 119 mg/dL, and after taking dinner, it was 125 mg/dL. On the fourth day, I had a blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL, after taking breakfast, it was 80 mg/dL, after lunch, it was 149 mg/dL, and after taking dinner, it was 131 mg/dL. On the fifth day, I had a fasting blood glucose level of 92 mg/dL, after taking breakfast, it was 96 mg/dL, after taking lunch, it was 127 mg/dL and after taking dinner, it was 130 mg/dL. I am following a diet plan and I am taking a carbohydrate of 170 to 180 calories per day. I am doing exercise for ten minutes after taking each meal. Please help me. How to control my sugar levels with diet?

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Usually, you should have a fasting glucose level of less than 90 to 100 mg/dL. Diabetes is diagnosed during pregnancy when the fasting blood glucose level is higher than 126 mg/dL. You should do a 75 grams (2.6 oz) or 50 grams (1.7 oz) tolerance test. HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) test helps to evaluate diabetes. You should take a healthy diet. You should not eat sweets, cakes, ice-cream and take fruits. Only forty percent of your total calories should be taken as carbohydrates.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Kindly go through the reports. Please suggest whether it can be controlled with diet and exercise.

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please mention whether you are diagnosed with diabetes.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I have attached the readings of my blood glucose level at fasting, postprandial after taking breastfast, lunch, and dinner for five days.

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are in a good line. Your readings are near the normal level of glucose and so it is indicated in pregnancy. It is important to monitor your glucose level frequently. Few of your measurements are a little bit above the target level.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I will continue to monitor my blood glucose level during the rest of my pregnancy. Can I maintain my glucose levels with diet and exercise? Do I need insulin?

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, it will not be maintained by diet and exercise alone.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Kindly recommend some home remedies to keep my blood glucose levels under control and low carb foods in non-vegetarian diet.

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You should avoid taking all kinds of sweets, artificial drinks, pasta, rice, pizza, and potatoes. It is better to consume chick when compared to other kinds of meat. Have a good diet with vegetables and low sugar fruits.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is it good to take fenugreek water? If yes, then mention its quantity.

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, I do not know more about it. Usually, it is not advised.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

You have helped me a lot.

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Have a healthy pregnancy. Have a follow-up if you have any questions.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Do I have any restrictions on my walking time?

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, there is no restriction. You can walk for twenty minutes.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

My doctor advised me to take Metformin 500 mg. Please suggest. Do I need to restrict myself from taking tea, coffee, dry fruit, and honey?

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In your case, medication is not required. I suggest you consult an endocrinologist who is a specialist for diabetes and he can guide you further. In gestational diabetes, insulin is preferable in treating diabetes.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I thank you for guiding me during pregnancy.

Answered by Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Lorena Zijaj
Dr. Lorena Zijaj

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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