Glucose Monitoring in Pregnancy – Exploring Your Choices

Pregnancy is a transformative time in a woman’s life, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and the growing baby. Among the various aspects that require attention, glucose monitoring stands out as a vital component. Monitoring glucose levels entails keeping track of the sugar levels in the blood, with a specific range considered healthy. Elevated levels can be a warning sign to make necessary dietary changes before complications such as Gestational Diabetes arise and medications are needed to finish the pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes is a type of Diabetes that manifests during pregnancy, usually in the latter half, and can become an issue even if you have had no other diabetic tendencies until now. Gestational Diabetes can give rise to complications for both the mother and the baby, including high birth weight, preterm birth, and a higher likelihood of cesarean delivery. It is important to remember that dietary modifications make managing and rectifying this condition possible. Even better is to enter pregnancy knowing how to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range, thus preventing the issue altogether.

When working with a family prenatally, I strongly suggest the elimination of wheat and keeping daily sugars under 40 grams and protein close to 100g a day. I also recommend getting an A1C test on your first pregnancy OB visit.

You can order our General Health Blood Work if you are doing a home birth and want us to check your A1C. Once your blood work is ordered, you will book a blood work review phone consult where we will discuss where your blood sugars are currently and an action plan to keep them in the healthy range.

In simple terms, an A1C test is a blood test that measures a person’s average blood sugar levels over about three months. This test is an excellent way to monitor whether you are pre-diabetic. The result of the A1C test is presented as a percentage. For individuals without Diabetes, the average medical range is typically below 5.7%. I like to see this below 5.4% or below. Having your A1C pulled at the beginning of your pregnancy and then again around 28 weeks is an excellent alternative to the medical test known as Glucola. Many of us in the Functional world of health discourage our members from drinking this for many reasons.

• Glucola often contains artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which research suggests a potentially toxic and linked to cognitive and autoimmune issues.
• Many individuals find the taste of Glucola overly sweet or unpleasant due to the artificial ingredients, making it challenging to consume.
• The concentrated sugar content in Glucola may cause gastrointestinal discomforts, such as bloating, gas, or stomach upset, especially for individuals sensitive to high sugar intake.
• Glucola provides a substantial amount of calories solely from sugar without any additional nutritional value, which can contribute to weight gain and affect overall dietary balance.
• Consuming a large amount of sugar in a short period can rapidly increase blood sugar levels, followed by a subsequent drop. This fluctuation can leave individuals feeling fatigued, shaky, or lightheaded.
• Potential gestational diabetes misdiagnosis: Some argue that the glucose challenge test using Glucola may lead to false-positive results for gestational Diabetes, causing unnecessary worry and additional testing.

Important facts to remember:

• Knowing that you can decline to participate in a glucose screening is essential. I constantly remind patients that Doctors are their employees, not their bosses.
• You can demand the initial and 28-week A1C test.
• You can purchase a less harmful alternative to Glucola known as The Fresh Test. This organic option comprises non-GMO glucose derived from corn or tapioca, crystallized lemon (consisting of citric acid, lemon oil, and lemon juice), and organic peppermint leaf extract. However, even with this improved option, the amount of sugar consumed during the test can overwhelm the body.
• You can use a continuous glucose monitor. This device is one of my favorite ways of monitoring food, exercise, and stress on the body’s insulin levels. With this device, the mother can measure her initial blood sugar levels and regularly check them throughout the pregnancy, particularly after consuming different foods.

The good news is that expectant mothers have options, and even if they experience elevated blood sugar levels, steps can be taken to correct the situation in a timely manner, ensuring the arrival of a healthy and happy baby. I often recommend Diaplex for my moms who are trending high on their sugars and increasing protein. I have also created whole meal plans for moms needing emergency help to get these numbers down. Let’s do a phone consult if this is you.

In conclusion, glucose monitoring during pregnancy is crucial to prenatal care. Understanding the options available can empower pregnant women to make informed decisions that align with their preferences and values. By exploring alternatives to conventional glucose screening, such as opting out, A1C monitoring, choosing a safer test option like The Fresh Test, or utilizing a continuous glucose monitor, women can actively manage their health and promote the well-being of themselves and their babies.