Pregnancy is a complex state, both biologically and emotionally. If, on top of this, you are faced with the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed with despair, uncertainty, fear, dissatisfaction, or even anger. These feelings are valid.
Realizing that your body, which you want to trust and which serves as the only environment for your baby for nine months, is not functioning "properly", can be an immense burden. Let me emphasize again: the seemingly endless waves of negative emotions are entirely justified. And you are not alone!
Along with all this, GDM can also present itself as an advantage and an opportunity during and after pregnancy.
We are forced—yet given the opportunity—to gain a deeper understanding of our biological functions, particularly our carbohydrate metabolism. This knowledge is largely applicable even to non-diabetic individuals, making it a significant benefit.
What We Can Learn:
- Understanding how to manage carbohydrates as a nutrient:
- Blood sugar control is essential for everyone. Consuming large amounts of carbohydrates at once is challenging even for those without diabetes. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, the hormone that helps transport sugar from the blood into cells. If the pancreas is forced to produce large amounts of insulin for a prolonged period, the insulin-producing beta cells may begin to wear out. This can lead to insulin resistance initially and, later, type 2 diabetes.
- By including fiber we can ease the pancreas’s workload. Fiber slows down digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Speaking of fiber: It is essential for the survival of gut bacteria, which play a key role in digestion. We also now know that these bacteria significantly influence our emotional and mental well-being through the so-called gut-brain axis.
- In this physically vulnerable state, we gain insight into how our habits impact our entire body, not just our blood sugar.
- For example, the importance of hydration: Our body needs water for hormone production, temperature regulation, detoxification, nerve transmission, taste, smell, and more.
- During GDM, the effects of dehydration can be seen in rising blood sugar levels. (When we are dehydrated, blood viscosity increases, which relatively raises blood sugar levels.)
- The importance of sleep hygiene: Poor or insufficient sleep increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which in turn raises blood sugar levels—along with several other negative effects. This experience can help us prioritize sleep.
- The role of regular physical activity: Regular exercise (especially light, low-intensity types during pregnancy) increases cells' sensitivity to insulin. This mechanism works the same way in non-diabetic individuals. Exercise also has additional benefits, such as improving musculoskeletal health, supporting mental well-being, and boosting energy levels.
- The months of living with GDM serve as a reminder that we are biologically vulnerable, yet we have tools to help ourselves. This realization is incredibly valuable!
I encourage you to go through this journey with this mindset. And when it ends, carry with you the biological and self-knowledge you have gained along the way!
P.S.: It is not always possible to think this way when you are in the middle of it. But we can continuously rediscover our growth opportunities—and that is enough.