Gestational DiabetesBack

Seven percent of women in the US (United States) are diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy. Glucose rises during pregnancy because the hormones that support the placenta cause insulin resistance in the mother's body. It is very important to control blood glucose during pregnancy because high blood sugars are transmitted to the baby through the placenta, causing the fetus' pancreas to work harder than normal to process and remove the extra glucose. Extra glucose may cause the baby to be born larger than average causing damage to the baby's shoulders or head during delivery. This may lead to respiratory problems, and the baby could be born with dangerously low blood sugar caused from continually fighting the mother's high blood sugar. To decrease these risks, it is important that a woman with gestational diabetes follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and adhere to the medication prescribed by her health care provider.

One of the most important keys to management of gestational diabetes is to maintain blood sugar levels within strict guidelines. The following are suggested blood glucose goals for gestational diabetes. Be sure to check with your health care provider regarding your individual needs.

Before Meals	Equal to or less than 105 mg/dl
1 hour After Meals	Equal to or less than 155 mg/dl
1 hour After Meals	Equal to or less than 130 mg/dl

Consistent meal and snack timing are essential in the management of gestational diabetes. Eating three small meals and two to four snacks, or consuming small meals or snacks every 3 hours is the general recommendation. The kinds of foods to eat or avoid also are important. A woman with gestational diabetes can understand these guidelines best by meeting with a diabetes educator or licensed dietitian. A dietitian can also help with monitoring and adjusting diet to maintain the correct weight gain during pregnancy.

Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes rarely continue to have diabetes after giving birth but are likely to have gestational diabetes in future pregnancies. Two out of three women with gestational diabetes are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes later in their life.

Sandra Schwartz, MHS

©2012 Sanare, LLC