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Pregnancy and diabetes: Is your body ready?
Include physical activity in your daily routine
Physical activity is another important part of your diabetes treatment plan, even during pregnancy. During your preconception appointment, get your doctor's OK to exercise. Then choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking. What's most important is making physical activity part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Stretching and strength training exercises are important, too. If you haven't been active for a while, start slowly and build up gradually.
Remember that physical activity affects blood sugar. Check your blood sugar level before any activity, especially if you take insulin. You might need to eat a snack before exercising to help prevent low blood sugar.
Know what's off-limits
When you're planning your pregnancy, don't:
- Skip doses of insulin
- Smoke
- Drink alcohol
- Use illicit drugs
Patience pays off
Preparing for pregnancy may take months. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends maintaining good blood sugar control for three to six months before attempting to conceive. Your doctor may want you to reach a specific A1C level — a reflection of your blood sugar level for the two to three months before the test — before pregnancy.
Until your doctor gives you the green light for pregnancy, remember to use birth control. The wait may seem long, but the result is priceless — a healthier pregnancy for you and your baby.
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