Gestational Diabetes
When you develop diabetes, or high blood sugar, during pregnancy, it is known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Some of the risk factors for developing GDM include being older than 25, a family history of diabetes, having already had a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds and being Hispanic or African-American.
You may not have any symptoms, but if you do they might be blurred vision, fatigue, have frequent infections or increased thirst and urination. You may also have nausea and vomiting or unexplained weight loss.
The goal of treatment is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level and to make sure your fetus is healthy. See you doctor for regular prenatal visits during your pregnancy.
Recently Answered
- Q How can I cut back on fat if I have gestational diabetes?
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If you have gestational diabetes, you need to be careful about fat, especially if you’re having excess weight gain. Here are some tips: Buy lean protein foods, such as poultry, roast beef, ham, and fish. Limit lunchmeat, bacon, sausage, and... Full Answer
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- Q Can I drink alcohol if I have gestational diabetes?
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Whether you have gestational diabetes or not, you should not drink alcohol during your pregnancy. No amount of alcohol is considered safe for a developing baby. Full Answer
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- Q How should I eat if I have gestational diabetes?
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If you have gestational diabetes, you need to eat a healthy balanced diet containing the following food groups: Starches: These are good sources of minerals, B vitamins and fiber. To get the most good from these foods: Make most of your grains... Full Answer
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- Q How should I build a gestational diabetes meal plan?
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Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. Following a meal plan is one of the most important parts of your treatment. Your doctor or other healthcare provider (registered dietitian or diabetes educator) will... Full Answer
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- Q Do I need to count calories if I have gestational diabetes?
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Following a proper balanced meal plan is imperative if you have gestational diabetes. However, some women with gestational diabetes may need to count calories, but many others don’t. Your meal plan will list all of the targets you need to... Full Answer
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- Q Why should I manage my carbohydrate intake if I have gestational diabetes?
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Laura Motosko, Nutrition & DieteticsCarbohydrate intake directly affects your blood glucose levels and should be monitored carefully to control gestational diabetes. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can result in a large baby at birth which can make delivery difficult or dangerous, low... Full Answer
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- Q What medications can treat gestational diabetes?
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- Q I had gestational diabetes. How soon after delivery should I get rechecked?
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About 6-12 weeks after delivery. Like 90% of the women with gestational diabetes, your blood glucose (BG) levels will probably return to normal right after your baby is born. However, you still run the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, 5-10%... Full Answer
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- Q If I had gestational diabetes will I get type 2 diabetes?
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Not necessarily, but your risk does go up. The fact that you had diabetes when you were pregnant means your pancreas has trouble keeping up with your insulin needs. About half of all women who have gestational diabetes will eventually develop type 2... Full Answer
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- Q What risks does diabetes pose to my baby during pregnancy?
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You increase the baby’s risk of birth defects if your blood glucose is too high in the first 2 months of pregnancy. It also increases your risk of miscarriage. It’s important to take care of your general health, too. Pregnant women with... Full Answer
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