6 Gestational Diabetes Lifestyle Tips That Helped Me Manage Blood Sugar

No one wants to get that phone call from their healthcare provider saying they failed their first glucose test in pregnancy. I still vividly remember my midwife telling me I needed to redo the test, this time the dreaded two-hour glucose tolerance test. That meant drinking the awful orange (or sometimes white) sugary drink again. Yuck!

After having gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in all three of my pregnancies, I learned several gestational diabetes lifestyle tips that helped me feel confident and in control. It’s so important to remember that every pregnancy is different. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why connecting with your healthcare team, including a Registered Dietitian specializing in prenatal nutrition, can make such a difference.

When I had GDM (three times), I visited the same Diabetes Education Centre (DEC), though I worked with different healthcare providers each time. In all three pregnancies, my gestational diabetes was managed with nutrition and physical activity, no insulin.

To this day, that diagnosis remains one of the most humbling experiences of my career as a dietitian. I realized how overwhelming it can be to navigate GDM, even with a nutrition background. I often felt lost, guilty, and anxious about how my blood sugar might affect my baby, feelings that many expectant parents can relate to.

But with time, patience, and support, I learned what worked best for me. Here are my top six tips for managing gestational diabetes naturally through lifestyle changes.

1. Stay Hydrated

Hydration plays a big role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Aim to drink about 8 to 10 cups (2–2.5 litres) of water per day. Staying hydrated helps your body metabolize glucose more effectively and supports digestion. Keep a water bottle nearby and take small sips throughout the day. It’s a simple but powerful tool for managing blood sugar levels in pregnancy.

2. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

I’ll admit it...I hate needles! But regularly checking your blood glucose levels provides valuable insight into how your body responds to food, activity, and stress.

When I travelled on a five-hour flight, I noticed my readings were higher, a great reminder that stress and travel can affect blood sugar. Tracking your numbers helps you and your healthcare team adjust your meal plan or activity as needed. If you’re new to blood sugar monitoring, ask your diabetes educator or dietitian to review your results with you and explain what they mean.

3. Move Your Body After Meals

Movement is one of the most effective ways to help lower blood sugar. Even light activity after eating can make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be intense. Go for a walk, dance with your kids, garden, swim, or do some gentle prenatal yoga. My personal favourite? Swimming! Start small with 5–10 minutes after meals and gradually increase as you’re able. Your body and your blood sugars will thank you.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for blood sugar balance and hormone regulation. Poor-quality or inconsistent sleep can increase insulin resistance, and can lead to higher morning blood sugars. Pregnancy is exhausting enough, so give yourself permission to rest. If you’re reading this past your bedtime… take this as your cue to close the laptop and get some sleep!

5. Focus on What You Can Eat

When you’re first diagnosed with GDM, it’s easy to focus on the foods you “can’t” eat. But shifting your mindset to what you can enjoy makes a huge difference.

Focus on low-glycemic index (GI) foods, they help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you feeling full longer. These include foods like steel cut oats, lentils, quinoa, sweet potatoes, berries, and non-starchy vegetables.Your healthcare team may provide you with a list of low-, medium-, and high-GI foods. Try testing your blood sugars after eating to see how your body responds to certain foods. It’s a great way to learn what works best for you.

6. Take Care of Yourself - You Deserve It

This might be the most important tip of all: don’t let gestational diabetes steal your joy. You’re growing a baby and that’s amazing! Make time for activities that make you feel calm and happy, whether that’s sipping a cup of herbal tea, reading a magazine, laughing with friends, or joining a prenatal yoga class. Self-care during pregnancy supports your emotional health, which in turn supports your physical health.

Final Thoughts on Gestational Diabetes Lifestyle Tips from a Dietitian

There are many ways to help manage gestational diabetes through food and lifestyle, and these are a few of my favourites. Remember you’re not alone in this journey, and it’s not your fault. As a Registered Dietitian who has lived through GDM three times, I want you to know that compassion and support go a long way. Give yourself grace, trust your body, and reach out if you’d like to connect for personalized guidance