Every journey begins with the first step. In 2020, while pregnant with my daughter, I encountered an unexpected challenge: I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. As a nutrition student, I thought managing it would be straightforward with diet and exercise, but looking back, I regret not consulting a nutritionist during my pregnancy. Despite my efforts, I developed hypoglycemia—low blood sugar issues—toward the end of my pregnancy. This complication led to my daughter being born with undetectably low blood sugar levels, resulting in a three-week stay in the NICU. Thankfully, she is now a thriving, intelligent three-year-old.
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition diagnosed during pregnancy that resembles type 2 diabetes. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to handle the effects of a growing baby and changing hormone levels. If not managed properly, it can lead to complications such as the development of type 2 diabetes later in life. Research indicates that women who have had gestational diabetes have up to a 60% higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the years following childbirth.
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by the body's ineffective use of insulin leading to high blood sugar, is largely preventable and sometimes reversible through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing weight, avoiding smoking, and moderating alcohol intake is crucial for prevention and management. These strategies enhance insulin sensitivity and improve metabolic health, significantly impacting diabetes progression.
Pre-diabetes is a critical stage in the development of diabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. Without intervention, many people with pre-diabetes may progress to type 2 diabetes within a few years. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, medications, and supplements are often effective strategies to reverse pre-diabetes and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Indeed, the medical team warned me that I had at least a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within the next decade. This stark reality fueled my desire to delve deeper into diabetes management and prevention. Through dedicated research and practical application, I've embraced a lifestyle that significantly focuses on nutrition and exercise to combat the threat of diabetes.
Over the past year, I have lost 40 pounds and while I still have progress to make, the journey has been transformative. Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can dramatically reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is a core component of the wellness journey I advocate for—achieving and maintaining sustainable weight loss.
I am eager to share the knowledge and strategies I've learned to help you on your path to wellness. Whether you're facing gestational diabetes now or looking to prevent type 2 diabetes in the future, remember, that rewiring your brain to prioritize healthy habits over detrimental ones can make a significant impact. Let's take these steps together towards a healthier future.
Book a free phone call today to see how I can personally help you on your journey to wellness!
-Katie
Check out the American Association for Diabetes Research at the Link Below!
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