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gestational diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that prevents the body from using food properly. The body receives its major source of energy from a sugar known as glucose. Insulin, a hormone manufactured in the pancreas, must be available for glucose to be used in the tissues. During pregnancy some of the hormones produced by the placenta (such as estrogen, cortisol and human placental lactogen) have a blocking effect on insulin. Gestational diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces its maximum amount of insulin, yet that is not enough to overcome the effect of the placenta's hormones.
People who have type II diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) before pregnancy or who have family history of diabetes may be prone to diabetes in pregnancy.
People who have type II diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) before pregnancy or who have family history of diabetes may be prone to diabetes in pregnancy.
Once the baby is delivered, gestational diabetes tends to go away. If it does not go away, it is reclassified almost always as type II diabetes. However, 30 to 40 percent of women with gestational diabetes will develop permanent diabetes within five to 10 years, with the highest odds going to women who are overweight and older than 25. Women can't change their ages, but if they are overweight they may be able to avoid or postpone diabetes by choosing a healthy lifestyle including nutrition and activity (with a doctor's advice).
You will not have to give up foods you love, but you may have to limit them or eat them with other foods so that your blood sugar isn't negatively affected. Our nurse practitioners will work with you on an individual food plan—just for you—that incorporates foods you enjoy eating.
Complications for mother and baby can occur if blood sugar remains high. Keeping your blood sugar in the optimal range will allow you to reduce the risk of complications. Complications may include:
- Your baby may be delivered early
- Your baby may be large and require a Cesarean section
- Your baby may have a low blood sugar or be jaundiced after birth
- Your baby may have breathing problems after delivery (particularly if delivery is earlier than full term)
The baby almost certainly will not be born with diabetes. That's because it produces its own insulin, even in the womb.
Some women are more likely than others to develop gestational diabetes. The following would alert your doctor to be on the lookout for its development:
Obesity (being 20 percent or more overweight). As with type II diabetes, obesity greatly increases a woman's odds of getting diabetes during pregnancy. One reason is that excess fat causes cells to "resist" insulin and, therefore, to have difficulty using blood sugar for energy. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood.
A family history of diabetes, since a tendency to diabetes is inherited through the genes.
Any of these experiences during a previous pregnancy: delivery of an infant weighing more than 10 pounds; excess amniotic fluid; unexplained stillbirth or miscarriage.
Stress. Severe emotional or physical stress—such as marital troubles or a bout of pneumonia—won't cause diabetes by itself, but it can trigger diabetes in someone who is prone to the disease. Stress causes a rise in hormones that raise blood sugar and cause sugar that has been stored in the liver to be released in the blood.
P.C.O.S. Most women that have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, (P.C.O.S.) will also develop gestational diabetes.
Obesity (being 20 percent or more overweight). As with type II diabetes, obesity greatly increases a woman's odds of getting diabetes during pregnancy. One reason is that excess fat causes cells to "resist" insulin and, therefore, to have difficulty using blood sugar for energy. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood.
A family history of diabetes, since a tendency to diabetes is inherited through the genes.
Any of these experiences during a previous pregnancy: delivery of an infant weighing more than 10 pounds; excess amniotic fluid; unexplained stillbirth or miscarriage.
Stress. Severe emotional or physical stress—such as marital troubles or a bout of pneumonia—won't cause diabetes by itself, but it can trigger diabetes in someone who is prone to the disease. Stress causes a rise in hormones that raise blood sugar and cause sugar that has been stored in the liver to be released in the blood.
P.C.O.S. Most women that have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, (P.C.O.S.) will also develop gestational diabetes.
We will provide you more detailed information on this during your visit.
You will need to measure your blood sugar at intervals during the day, using a finger stick. Once the registered dietitian teaches you how to do this, you'll find the process relatively simple and painless.
The best thing you can do is:
- Not skip meals! Ideally, you want to eat three meals and three snacks per day, two to three hours apart, at the same time each day.
- Avoid simple sugars, such as juice, soda, sweets, candy, cookies, etc.
- Use artificial sweeteners in moderation.
- Be careful of eating too many carbohydrates (such as: bread, cereal, rice, potatoes, pasta, milk, yogurt and all fruit) at once by incorporating protein, such as meat, peanut butter or soy, into your meals.
- Drink plenty of fluids: at least six eight-ounce glasses of water or caffeine-free, sugar-free beverages; limit coffee to two cups per day.