How to Treat Gestational Diabetes

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25-09-2016, 03:25
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One of the conditions that pregnant women are at risk for is gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes occurring during pregnancy and affecting the way the body uses sugar. Pregnancy hormones sometimes interferes with insulin, a substance that moves sugar from the bloodstream to cells for energy. This leads to an increase in blood sugar, which can affect the growth and development of the fetus. Usually appearing in the last half of pregnancy, gestational diabetes must be monitored and treated when necessary for the health of the mother and the baby. Knowing how to treat gestational diabetes must be a priority for the mother and the entire health care team.

Steps

  1. Ask about screening for gestational diabetes. Unless a woman has other risk factors, this test will usually be performed between 24 and 28 weeks.
    • The first step is drinking a syrupy glucose solution and having blood drawn.
    • If test results are abnormal, a fasting blood sugar level will be administered, in which blood sugar is tested hourly for three hours.
    • If at least two readings are high, a doctor will diagnose gestational diabetes.
  2. Plan on more frequent check-ups with your doctor or a member of your health care team. Your blood sugar level will be monitored in addition to routine checks.
    • When there is difficulty controlling blood sugar, more tests may be ordered to check on the baby.
    • Possible tests are a non-stress test, Biophysical profile (BPP) and fetal movement counting.
  3. Eat healthy for the best way to control blood sugar.
    • Nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lead proteins are good for you and the baby.
    • Limit starchy carbohydrates and sweets, as this is what causes blood sugar levels to rise.
    • Eat the right amount of calories for your condition.
    • A dietitian can help you put together a healthy eating plan.
  4. Exercise regularly to help transport sugar to cells, thus lowering blood sugar.
    • Additionally, exercise increases sensitivity to insulin so that a little goes a long way.
    • Moderate exercise also helps relieve the discomforts of pregnancy.
    • Check with your doctor about what is okay to do.
    • If you haven't exercised in awhile, start slowly and build up time gradually.
  5. Learn more about gestational diabetes by reading literature from the American Diabetes Association and other reputable groups.
    • Make a list of questions to ask your doctor at your appointments.
  6. Monitor your own blood sugar if your doctor recommends this to treat diabetes.
    • Checking blood sugar at home is usually done upon awakening in the morning and after each meal.
    • Test blood sugar by pricking your finger with a small needle called a lancet.
    • You then place a drop of blood on a test strip and insert it into a glucometer that will measure your blood sugar.
  7. Use prescribed medication as ordered by your health care professional. Some women can't stabilize blood sugar with diet and exercise and must take medication.
    • An oral medication called Glyburide has been used on pregnant women with some success.
    • Insulin therapy using injections is the most common medication treatment for diabetes.

Tips

  • Stay calm; most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies.
  • Gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery, but blood sugar levels should be monitored for the first six weeks.

Warnings

  • For most women, gestational diabetes doesn't cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Rarely, gestational diabetes may cause excessive thirst or increased urination.
  • Your risk for gestational diabetes is higher if you're older than 25, have a family history of Type 2 diabetes, or have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
  • Women who are African American, Native American, Asian, or Hispanic are at a greater risk for gestational diabetes.
  • Raw sweets and sugars in any form must be avoided.
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