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
