Gestational Diabetes

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• QWhat is gestational diabetes?

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. The mother’s blood glucose rises in response to hormones secreted during pregnancy, and the mother cannot produce enough insulin to handle the higher blood glucose levels. Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, about 60 percent of women who have had gestational diabetes eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

  When you are pregnant, your body needs more insulin than before because of the increased production of hormones that lead to insulin resistance. In gestational diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Gestational diabetes is treated much like type 2 diabetes. Most women start with meal planning and regular exercise. But, if diet and exercise do not keep blood glucose levels very close to normal, insulin is the next course of action. Diabetes pills are not prescribed during pregnancy because of the risk to the baby.

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• QShould I be screened for gestational diabetes?

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  A Henrico Doctors' Hospital - HCA Virginia answered

  Because gestational diabetes (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, all pregnant women are screened for the condition at or near the 24th week of pregnancy. In addition, women who are diagnosed with GDM during pregnancy have a higher risk for other complications such as gestational hypertension (high blood pressure in pregnancy), pre-eclampsia (a further complication of gestational hypertension) and the need for a Caesarean section. Women who are diagnosed with GDM have a 50 percent chance of developing diabetes later in life.

  For women with risk factors such as prior gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or obesity with a BMI (body mass index) of greater than 30, screening tests are done early in pregnancy and again when recommended by standard guidelines. Although gestational diabetes is not always preventable, being active and maintaining a healthy diet are the most important lifestyle changes a woman can make.

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• QHow should I eat if I have gestational diabetes?

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  A Intermountain Healthcare answered

  If you have gestational diabetes, you should try to eat a very small breakfast, with a similar mid-morning snack about two hours later. When you have gestational diabetes, your blood glucose tends to be high in the morning. To offset this, your meal plan will probably include fewer carbs at breakfast than at lunch or dinner. 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 whole grains, like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice.
  • Eat more peas and beans.
  • Choose low-fat, low-salt and low-sugar starches.

  Fruits: These are good sources of vitamins A and C, minerals and fiber. To get the most good from these foods:

  • Eat the edible peelings of fruits to get the most fiber.
  • Choose fruits without added sugar, sweeteners or syrups.

  Milk: Milk is a good source of protein, calcium and vitamins A and D. To get the most good from milk:

  • Always choose nonfat or low-fat milk and yogurt.
  • Choose unsweetened milk, soymilk, and yogurt—or versions flavored with artificial sweetener.
  • Drink lactose-free versions if you need to.

  Non-starchy vegetables: These are good sources of vitamins A and C, folate and fiber. To get the most good from these foods:

  • Eat fresh or frozen vegetables more often than canned vegetables.
  • Buy and prepare vegetables without sauces, fats or salt.
  • Eat more dark green, orange, and yellow vegetables.

  Meat and other protein-rich foods: These are a good sources of iron, zinc and B vitamins. To get the most good from these foods:

  • Eat fish more often.
  • Choose lean cuts of meat and trim excess fat from poultry—and keep servings about the size of a deck of cards.
  • Choose fat-free or low-fat cheese.
  • Instead of frying—bake, broil or roast meats.

  Oils and fats: These help the body run smoothly and provide flavor and texture. To get the most good from these foods, read labels and:

  • Most often, choose monounsaturated fats and oils.
  • Less often, choose polyunsaturated fats and oils.
  • Limit or avoid saturated fats and trans fats.

   

• QHow is gestational diabetes treated?

  12 Answers

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  Treatment for gestational diabetes is based on the results of your glucose tolerance test. You may start with nutrition therapy and perhaps with exercise, if you are able. You may need to start insulin therapy, too. Because of the emphasis on keeping blood glucose levels close to normal, you will need to monitor frequently, perhaps four or more times a day.

  If you have gestational diabetes, carbohydrates raise your blood glucose level much more than other foods, such as meat and meat substitutes, vegetables or fats. Your dietitian can help you plan how much food with carbohydrates to have at each meal and snack. If you're checking your blood glucose levels at home, you'll see how carbohydrate foods affect your levels after you've eaten. For many women, it's harder to keep blood glucose levels on target in the mornings because of increased insulin resistance. That's why your dietitian may suggest that you have your carbohydrates later in the day.

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• QHow can I maintain healthy blood sugar levels with gestational diabetes?

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  If you have diabetes, you're much more likely to have peripheral artery disease (PAD), a heart attack, or a stroke. But you can cut your chances of having those problems by taking special care of your blood vessels.

  Many people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) do not have any symptoms. Some people may experience mild leg pain or trouble walking and believe that it's just a sign of getting older. Others may have the following symptoms:

  • Leg pain, particularly when walking or exercising, which disappears after a few minutes of rest
  • Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the lower legs or feet
  • Sores or infections on your feet or legs that heal slowly
• QWhat increases my risk for gestational diabetes?

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  Gestational diabetes isn't caused by eating sugar or other carbohydrates. You didn't cause gestational diabetes by something you did or didn't do. However, your chances of getting gestational diabetes rise if some of the following statements are true:

  • I am overweight.
  • I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
  • My family background is African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander.
  • I'm 25 years old or older.
  • I've had gestational diabetes before, or I've had a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds at birth.
  • My blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes (a condition called prediabetes, impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance).

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• QHow does gestational diabetes affect my baby?

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  Most women with gestational diabetes who manage their glucose levels have healthy babies. However, if you do not actively manage your diabetes during pregnancy, there are significant risks to you and the baby.
  Babies born to women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of jaundice and low blood glucose when they are born. In addition, they are at risk for being born larger than normal. This is called macrosomia. During the last half of pregnancy, the baby grows rapidly. A mother’s high blood glucose during the latter half of pregnancy can lead to a larger-than-normal baby. In some cases, the baby can become too large to be delivered vaginally.

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• QWhat should I do after delivery if I have gestational diabetes?

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  If you have gestational diabetes, it's important that you have another blood check 6 weeks after delivery. You have a high chance of having gestational diabetes in future pregnancies and getting type 2 diabetes later on. You should continue healthful eating and increase your physical activity after delivery. If you are overweight, any weight loss, even 10 pounds, may lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes.

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• QAre there general diet guidelines for someone with gestational diabetes?

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  A Laura Russell , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered

  The good news with gestational diabetes is that any food can fit- it is all about portion size and the composition of the meal (what else are you having as part of the meal). The only food I strongly discourage women from with gestational diabetes is liquid sugar- juice, soda, Kool-aid, punch, sweet tea. Liquid sugar raises glucose quickly and does not fill you up or provide much nutrition. Stick to whole fruit instead of juice, drink more water and if you really need something with flavor stick to sugar-free beverages. Also, physical activity is key to keeping blood sugars down after meals. Even a 10-minute walk after each meal will make a great difference.
• QAre there any alternative treatments for gestational diabetes?

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  A Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center answered

  Gestational diabetes develops when blood sugar levels become too high during pregnancy. It is treated with a combination of blood sugar monitoring, diet, exercise, and medication.   Medications prescribed for gestational diabetes may include insulin, metformin or glyburide and related medications.  Some people take dietary supplements or vitamins such as chromium, omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E, but there is no good evidence that any of these manage gestational diabetes effectively.  It is very important to talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplements during pregnancy, as some may be harmful to you or your baby.