What to Do When Your Blood Sugar Spikes (And How to Stop Freaking Out)
If you’ve ever stared at your meter in horror, willing the numbers to magically drop — trust me, you’re not alone.
Hi, I’m Julija, the founder of HIgedi, and I’ve been right there too.
I remember standing in my kitchen, meter in hand, convinced I had somehow already failed my baby. But here’s the truth: occasional spikes happen. Even with the best planning, balanced meals, and careful carb counting, your blood sugar can still surprise you. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human.
I wanted to write this for every gestational diabetes (GD) mama (or really anyone managing blood sugar) who’s felt that panic set in. Let’s talk through what to actually do — both for your numbers and your heart.
🧡 First: Breathe. One high number isn’t going to harm your baby.
A single spike doesn’t undo all your hard work. It’s consistent trends over time that matter. So if your meter flashes a 145 or a 160 after a meal, take a deep breath. It’s not a crisis.
Remind yourself: you’re still learning. Your body is dynamic. It’s okay.
A gentle self-talk script
“Okay, this is just one number. It doesn’t define me or my pregnancy. I’ll look at what might have caused it, and move on. I’m doing my best — and that’s enough.”
Say it out loud if you need to. (Feels cheesy, helps anyway.)
Gently troubleshoot: What might have caused it?
Instead of spiraling into guilt, try to be curious. A few gentle questions:
Did I have more carbs than usual, or maybe a different kind?
Was there less protein or fat to balance things out?
Did I move around after eating, or did I stay seated?
Am I stressed, sick, dehydrated, or did I sleep poorly last night? (These can affect blood sugar too!)
If you can pinpoint something, great. If not — it’s still okay. Blood sugar is influenced by so many factors, including hormones you simply can’t control.
Try a little walk (or just some movement).
A short, relaxed stroll around the block or even tidying up the house can help your body use that sugar more effectively. It doesn’t have to be a power workout. Just moving your muscles can lower glucose naturally.
Make a tiny mental note — then move on.
If this happens a few times with the same food, it’s helpful data. Maybe next time you try a smaller portion, add more protein, or swap in a slower-digesting carb. That’s it. No punishment, no shame.
Talk to your provider if it keeps happening.
If you see repeated spikes despite trying tweaks, reach out. Your team is there to help figure out adjustments, whether it’s meal timing, medication, or simply reassurance that your patterns are still in a safe range.
Most importantly: Be kind to yourself.
You’re doing so much — checking, adjusting, caring. That’s love in action. Your baby is lucky to have you.
Remember: GD management is not about perfection. It’s about learning your unique body and doing your best, one meal, one snack, one reading at a time.
If you’re in the thick of this, I’m sending you so much encouragement. You’re not failing. You’re managing. You’re showing up every day. And that’s more than enough.
💛 Tiny reminders to carry with you
One high reading doesn’t harm your baby.
Patterns matter more than individual numbers.
You are learning, not failing.
You are a good mama, doing hard things.
— With love, Julija (founder of HIgedi)
