Thursday, June 12, 2014

Gestational Diabetes: An In-depth Look


An In-depth Look at Gestational Diabetes

In my first post, I provided a brief overview of gestational diabetes. This post serves to share more in-depth information pertaining to this specific type of diabetes. I will cover prevention efforts, risk factors, and suggestions for those living with gestational diabetes.

In this video, Dr. Molly Ferguson provides a review of general information on Gestational Diabetes



Prevention

What can I do to help prevent gestational diabetes?
While there are measures that may be taken to prevent gestational diabetes, this does not necessarily mean that one can avoid it. Sometimes, all preventive measures may be taken, but gestational diabetes will still result. In this case, managing and treating the condition will be most important. Some of the following preventive measures may help if put into place before pregnancy:
1. Healthy, well-balanced nutritional intake
2.  Regular exercise
3. Steady loss of excessive weight

These measures are suggested as long-term lifestyle changes, not quick fixes. A healthier pregnancy may result from preparing the body in such manners before becoming pregnant.


I already have diabetes (type 1 or type 2), what can I do to prevent problems from arising during pregnancy?
For women that already have a preexisting condition of diabetes, it is most important to plan your pregnancy and talk with your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider will be able to check the current state of your condition and determine the best methods for diabetes management throughout a pregnancy. During the pregnancy, some of the management methods to be expected may include an increase in monitoring blood glucose levels, changes in medication or dosage, and regular, consistent communication with your healthcare provider.  


In this video, Dr. Siobhan Dolan with March of Dimes explains methods of testing for diabetes during pregnancy. She highlights the importance of diet and exercise as methods of preventing or managing gestational diabetes. 


Risk Factors
What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?
The Mayo Clinic lists risk factors connected to gestational diabetes. Some are avoidable (smoking, excess weight), while others are not (family health history, race).




Treatment
What kind of treatment might I expect if I develop gestational diabetes?
The treatment for gestational diabetes is very similar to the methods of management for those that have preexisting diabetes. Treatment may or may not include a change in medication or dosage, increased monitoring of blood glucose levels, light physical activity, increased monitoring of nutritional intake, and more frequent communication with your healthcare provider.  

Relationships

I am the family member or friend of someone with gestational diabetes, what can I do to help?
Be a supporter. Having someone supportive to talk to who is also able to help with tasks on occasion is priceless. Your presence can provide the time (that may otherwise have been unavailable) for physical exercise or for meal planning, which are important in the management of gestational diabetes. Support makes us feel more secure in our day-to-day lives regardless of the situation, or condition at hand.  


Resources