Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine - Megan Bretz, RN - Gestational Diabetes Management

Gestational Diabetes Management

Megan, a nurse at Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine, explains how to monitor blood sugar and make food choices while managing gestational diabetes.

Blood sugar monitoring and reporting

Check blood sugar four times a day:

• Fasting
• After breakfast
• After lunch
• After dinner

Take each after-meal reading one or two hours after eating. Choose one timing and mark it on the tracking form.

Target readings:

• Fasting: 95
• One hour after a meal: 140
• Two hours after a meal: 120

Record every reading. If a reading is above its target, also note what you ate at that meal. Add your name, the date, and the doctor you will see to the form. Send it in weekly by fax or by taking a photo and emailing it to the address provided.

The clinic will review your readings. If they are within range, the clinic may not contact you. If they are out of range, the clinic will call to discuss diet or possible medication changes.

Food and meal guidance

Aim for a diet that is high in protein and fiber and low in sugar and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are still needed, so choose higher-fiber options—such as whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, and quinoa—instead of white starches.

For starchy vegetables, choose sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. Watch portions of corn, peas, and beans. Avoid juice if possible; if you drink it, dilute it with water.

Pair fruit with protein—for example, an apple with peanut butter or strawberries with eggs. Avoid eating fruit first thing in the morning; have a high-protein breakfast first, then fruit.

Choose lower-carbohydrate snacks such as hard cheeses. Greek yogurt may be an option, but check for added sugar. Other options mentioned include a high-protein, lower-sugar milk sold at H-E-B and unsweetened coconut or almond milk. Avoid sugary foods such as candy, jelly, cake, cookies, and ice cream.

Meat, meat substitutes, eggs, and cheese are suitable options. Avocados, oils, nuts, and nut butters can also fit. Choose natural nut butters rather than brands such as Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan.

Build a plate with:

• Half: low-carbohydrate vegetables
• One-quarter: lean protein
• One-quarter: fiber-rich carbohydrates

A portion-size guide is provided to help estimate servings.

Speaker

Megan Bretz, RN — nurse at Austin Maternal Fetal Medicine. She is identified in the video title and introduces herself as Megan.