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Tips to eat right and exercise safely when you have diabetes

A healthy eating plan is important as you prepare for and go through pregnancy. A healthy eating plan will help you manage your blood glucose levels and weight. If you don't already see a dietitian, you should start seeing one before you get pregnant. Your dietitian can help you learn what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat to reach or maintain a healthy weight. These habits are important to learn for your and your baby's future. Together, you and your dietitian will create a healthy eating plan tailored to your needs, usual schedule, food preferences, medical conditions, medicines and physical activity routine.

During pregnancy, many women need changes in their diet, such as extra calories and protein. You might need to see your dietitian every few months during pregnancy as your needs change. Eating a well-balanced diet helps ensure that you and your baby are healthy.

You can keep track of what you eat and drink (the My Diet Diary app helps you do it, available on Android and iOS). Your food records can help you and your healthcare team see whether your diabetes care plan is working.

Your physical activity routine during pregnancy

Daily physical activity can help you reach your target blood glucose numbers. Being physically active can also help you reach your target blood pressure and cholesterol levels, relieve stress, improve muscle tone, strengthen your heart and bones, and keep your joints flexible.

Before getting pregnant, make physical activity a regular part of your life. Talk with your doctor about regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, stretching, and using hand weights. Consider whether you have any health problems and which activities would be best for you. Your doctor may advise you to avoid activities that increase your risk of falling, such as downhill skiing, during pregnancy. A sensible goal for most women is to aim for 30 minutes or more of activity a day, most days of the week. If you were active before pregnancy, you may be able to continue with a more moderate version of your usual physical activity routine during pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and haven't been active, start with an activity such as walking.

You can keep track of your physical activity (the My Diet Diary app helps you do it, available on Android and iOS). Your physical activity record can help you and your health care team see whether your diabetes care plan is working.

Published on March 11, 2015. 

Source: National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. September 10, 2014.