Welcome back, Mamas! Today's blog is all about that burning question we know you have: whether or not to skip or delay breakfast for elevated fasting values.
When managing gestational diabetes, it's crucial to understand the significance of fasting blood sugar values and how they impact overall blood sugar control. Many pregnant mamas might think that delaying breakfast could help stabilize an elevated fasting value, but this approach can actually lead to further instability in your blood sugars throughout the day. Let’s talk why it’s important to eat breakfast, even if your fasting value is higher than you'd like.
We're Here for You
But first, at GDMamas, we understand the challenges of managing gestational diabetes and are here to support you every step of the way including helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels and make informed choices for your health and your baby’s well-being.
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Now back to it...
What is a Fasting Value?
A fasting value refers to your blood sugar level after you’ve gone without food for at least 8 hours, typically measured first thing in the morning after waking before eating breakfast.
For pregnant mamas with gestational diabetes, healthcare providers often target a fasting blood sugar level below 95 mg/dL as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Monitoring fasting values helps in understanding how well your body manages blood sugar levels overnight and can indicate how effectively your gestational diabetes is being controlled.
Fasting blood sugars are a critical component in managing gestational diabetes because they reflect the body’s overnight glucose regulation without the influence of recent food intake. Elevated fasting values can indicate insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, both of which are crucial to manage to prevent complications for both mama and baby.
What Happens Overnight
Overnight, your body goes through several physiological processes that can affect your fasting blood sugar levels. During sleep, the liver releases glucose into the bloodstream to provide energy, a process called gluconeogenesis. In mamas without diabetes, insulin regulates this glucose release pretty well.
However, in gestational diabetes, the body’s insulin response is often insufficient or delayed, leading to higher fasting blood sugar levels.
Why Delaying Breakfast Can Be Detrimental
Delaying breakfast in an attempt to lower an elevated fasting value can actually cause more harm than good.
When you delay eating, your body can continue to release stored glucose into your bloodstream without the balancing effect of insulin that would normally come from food intake.
This can lead to increased insulin resistance and further instability in your blood sugars throughout the day. Moreover, skipping or delaying meals can cause your blood sugar to spike higher when you eventually do eat, making it more challenging to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Balanced Breakfast
Eating breakfast soon after waking helps to kickstart your metabolism and stabilize your blood sugar levels for the rest of the day. It's important to include a good amount of protein in your breakfast, generally around 20-30 grams (unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider or registered dietician).
Protein helps to slow the absorption of carbohydrates, providing a more gradual rise in blood sugar and helping you feel full and satisfied longer. Some great protein-rich breakfast options include:
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Protein shakes or protein smoothies
Meats like turkey or chicken sausage or bacon
Including these protein sources in your breakfast can help mitigate the morning glucose release and set a stable blood sugar foundation for the rest of the day.
Wrapping Up
So, while it might seem intuitive to delay eating breakfast to manage an elevated fasting blood sugar, this approach can actually contribute to greater instability in your blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Eating a balanced breakfast with adequate protein is crucial for managing gestational diabetes effectively. Don't forget to try to include some movement after breakfast and drink a large glass of water. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice, but remember that consistent, healthy eating habits are key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and supporting both your health and your baby’s development.
Until next week, Mamas!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace or substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this blog. GDMamas, LLC assumes no liability for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the information presented.
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