Treatment FAQ

what is the course of treatment for a woman with gestational diabetes

by Tessie Casper DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Medication

What are the risks of gestational diabetes?

  • Jaundice. Some babies develop low blood sugar or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) after they are born.
  • Having a large baby. If your glucose level is high, your body will produce more insulin. ...
  • Polyhydramnios. ...
  • Stillbirth. ...
  • Pre-eclampsia. ...
  • Premature birth. ...
  • After your baby is born. ...
  • Keeping the risks in perspective. ...
  • Your mental health. ...

Self-care

Women with gestational diabetes should try to eat nutritious, protein-rich foods, such as:

  • fish, chicken, and turkey
  • eggs
  • tofu
  • beans
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • quinoa
  • legumes

Nutrition

gestational diabetes How to overcome?

  • Risk factors of gestational diabetes. Over the age of 35. Obesity or overweight. Having gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. Had a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
  • Conclusion. Maintaining adequate diet and regular exercise are the main methods in how to overcome gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Sources

What are the effects of untreated gestational diabetes?

Treatment for gestational diabetes includes:

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Blood sugar monitoring
  • Medication, if necessary

What to eat to manage gestational diabetes?

How do I overcame gestational diabetes?

Are there any alternative treatments for gestational diabetes?

image

What is the management treatment for woman who has gestational diabetes?

Treatment for gestational diabetes aims to keep blood glucose levels equal to those of pregnant women who don't have gestational diabetes. The treatment always includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity, and it may also include daily blood glucose testing and insulin injections.

What is the course of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make the extra insulin needed during pregnancy. Insulin, a hormone made in your pancreas, helps your body use glucose for energy and helps control your blood glucose levels.

What is first line treatment for gestational diabetes?

Insulin is the first-line pharmacologic therapy for gestational diabetes. Most insulin regimens include intermediate-acting insulins, such as isophane (NPH), and short-acting insulins, such as regular recombinant (Humulin R) and the insulin analogues aspart (Novolog) and lispro (Humalog).

When do you have to go on medication for gestational diabetes?

Medicine. You may be given medicine if your blood sugar levels are still not stable 1 to 2 weeks after changing your diet and exercising regularly, or if your blood sugar level is very high when you're first diagnosed.

When do you start insulin in gestational diabetes?

Therefore, insulin therapy traditionally has been started when capillary blood glucose levels exceed 105 mg per dL (5.8 mmol per L) in the fasting state and 120 mg per dL (6.7 mmol per L) two hours after meals.

How can I control gestational diabetes in my third trimester?

5 Tips for Women with Gestational DiabetesExercise Regularly. Exercise is another way to keep blood sugar under control. ... Monitor Blood Sugar Often. Because pregnancy causes the body's need for energy to change, blood sugar levels can change very quickly. ... Take Insulin, If Needed. ... Get Tested for Diabetes after Pregnancy.

Does gestational diabetes go away after delivery?

In most people with gestational diabetes, blood sugar levels return to normal after the baby is born. Nevertheless, some people who have had gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes, so being aware of the symptoms of this condition is important.

Can gestational diabetes be managed?

The good news is that gestational diabetes can be treated, especially if it's found early in the pregnancy. There are some things that women with gestational diabetes can do to keep themselves well and their pregnancies healthy. Controlling gestational diabetes is the key to a healthy pregnancy.

Can gestational diabetes go away while still pregnant?

Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes usually goes away on its own and soon after delivery blood sugar levels return to normal, says Dr. Tania Esakoff, clinical director of the Prenatal Diagnosis Center. "There is no need for gestational diabetes to take away from the joys of pregnancy."

What should I avoid eating with gestational diabetes?

RecommendationsPlenty of whole fruits and vegetables.Moderate amounts of lean proteins and healthy fats.Moderate amounts of whole grains, such as bread, cereal, pasta, and rice, plus starchy vegetables, such as corn and peas.Fewer foods that have a lot of sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit juices, and pastries.

What happens after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes?

If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you may need more frequent checkups during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will check your blood sugar levels regularly. You may need to monitor your blood sugar at home with a tool called a glucose meter. Some women need medication to manage gestational diabetes.

What are the warning signs of gestational diabetes?

Warning Signs of Gestational DiabetesSugar in the urine.Unusual thirst.Frequent urination.Fatigue.Nausea.Blurred vision.Vaginal, bladder and skin infections.

How to treat gestational diabetes?

Treatment. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes: Lifestyle changes. Blood sugar monitoring. Medication, if necessary. Managing your blood sugar levels helps keep you and your baby healthy. Close management can also help you avoid complications during pregnancy and delivery.

What to do when you have a gestational diabetes appointment?

What you can do. Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, ask if you need to fast for lab tests or do anything else to prepare for diagnostic tests. Write down symptoms you're having, including those that may seem unrelated to gestational diabetes.

How often should gestational diabetes be checked?

This test is similar to the initial test — except the sweet solution will have even more sugar and your blood sugar will be checked every hour for three hours. If at least two of the blood sugar readings are higher than expected, you'll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

How to help a baby with diabetes?

But the steps that will help control your blood sugar level — such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly — can help relieve stress , nourish your baby and help prevent type 2 diabetes in the future.

How to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range?

Lifestyle changes. Your lifestyle — how you eat and move — is an important part of keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Doctors don't advise losing weight during pregnancy — your body is working hard to support your growing baby.

How to help a pregnant woman with back pain?

Regular physical activity plays a key role in every woman's wellness plan before, during and after pregnancy. Exercise lowers your blood sugar, and as an added bonus, regular exercise can help relieve some common discomforts of pregnancy, including back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation and trouble sleeping.

What is the best diet for diabetics?

A healthy diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein — foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fat and calories — and limits highly refined carbohydrates, including sweets.

How to manage gestational diabetes?

How can I manage my gestational diabetes? Many women with gestational diabetes can manage their blood glucose levels by following a healthy eating plan and being physically active. Some women also may need diabetes medicine.

How to keep blood glucose levels in target range?

The plan will help you know which foods to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat. Food choices, amounts, and timing are all important in keeping your blood glucose levels in your target range.

How to get blood glucose levels up?

Be physically active. Physical activity can help you reach your target blood glucose levels. If your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are too high, being physically active can help you reach healthy levels. Physical activity can also relieve stress, strengthen your heart and bones, improve muscle strength, and keep your joints flexible.

Can you use a glucose tracker on a computer?

You can also use an electronic blood glucose tracking system on your computer or mobile device. Record the results every time you check your blood glucose. Your blood glucose records can help you and your health care team decide whether your diabetes care plan is working.

What happens if you have gestational diabetes?

If you have gestational diabetes, you'll need to get your blood sugar under control, and keep it that way, to protect your health and your baby's. You’ll have to make some lifestyle changes for that to happen.

What to do if your baby's sugar is high?

Take Medication. If your blood sugar remains high despite these changes, the doctor may prescribe diabetes pills to keep it in check and protect your baby. If they don’t do the job, the next step may be insulin injections. Continued. Chart Your Baby’s Growth.

How to check blood sugar at home?

Test Your Blood Sugar. Make sure the diet changes and added exercise get your blood sugar levels under control. Test your levels regularly, before meals and 1 or 2 hours after meals . If you don’t already have a blood glucose meter to use at home, your doctor will probably give you one and teach you how to use it.

Can gestational diabetes cause a vaginal delivery?

While most women with gestational diabetes are able to have a normal labor and vaginal delivery, some doctors prefer to deliver the baby earlier than the due date. Yours may suggest a cesarean section if the baby grows too large.

How to manage gestational diabetes?

You can do a lot to manage your gestational diabetes. Go to all your prenatal appointments and follow your treatment plan, including: 1 Checking your blood sugar to make sure your levels stay in a healthy range. 2 Eating healthy food in the right amounts at the right times. Follow a healthy eating plan created by your doctor or dietitian. 3 Being active. Regular physical activity that’s moderately intense (such as brisk walking) lowers your blood sugar and makes you more sensitive to insulin so your body won’t need as much. Make sure to check with your doctor about what kind of physical activity you can do and if there are any kinds you should avoid. 4 Monitoring your baby. Your doctor will check your baby’s growth and development.

How many pregnant women have gestational diabetes?

Every year, 2% to 10% of pregnancies in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes. Managing gestational diabetes will help make sure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

How to get rid of diabetes?

Eating healthy food in the right amounts at the right times. Follow a healthy eating plan created by your doctor or dietitian. Being active. Regular physical activity that’s moderately intense (such as brisk walking) lowers your blood sugar and makes you more sensitive to insulin so your body won’t need as much.

What happens when you don't make enough insulin during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can’t make enough insulin during your pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into the cells in your body for use as energy. During pregnancy, your body makes more hormones and goes through other changes, such as weight gain.

How many women with gestational diabetes have type 2 diabetes?

About 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Talk to your doctor about how to lower your risk and how often to have your blood sugar checked to make sure you’re on track.

When does blood sugar go back to normal after birth?

Your blood sugar levels will usually return to normal after your baby is born. However, about 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. You can lower your risk by reaching a healthy body weight after delivery. Visit your doctor to have your blood sugar tested 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born ...

What to do if your baby is not eating enough?

If healthy eating and being active aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe insulin, metformin, or other medication.

What is the primary goal in treating diabetes?

The goal of diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as safely possible. Since diabetes may greatly increase risk for heart disease and peripheral artery disease, measures to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels are an essential part of diabetes treatment as well.

What is the primary nutritional goal of a pregnant woman with type 2 diabetes?

A primary goal of nutrition therapy for pregnant women with diabetes is optimal blood glucose management while encouraging adequate nutrition and weight gain and minimizing the risk of developing ketosis or hypoglycemia.

What is the best treatment for gestational diabetes?

Insulin injections are the standard medication for gestational diabetes. Your doctor may prescribe a fast-acting insulin that you take before a meal, or an intermediate- or long-acting (basal) insulin that you take at bedtime or upon waking.

What is the goal of treatment for Type 2 diabetes?

Goals of treatment are as follows: Microvascular (ie, eye and kidney disease) risk reduction through control of glycemia and blood pressure. Macrovascular (ie, coronary, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular) risk reduction through control of lipids and hypertension, smoking cessation.

What is the goal of treatment the patients with Di?

The major symptoms of central diabetes insipidus (DI) are polyuria, nocturia, and polydipsia due to the concentrating defect. Treatment of this disorder is primarily aimed at decreasing the urine output, usually by increasing the activity of antidiuretic hormone (ADH; also called arginine vasopressin or AVP).

When do they prescribe insulin for gestational diabetes?

Therefore, insulin therapy traditionally has been started when capillary blood glucose levels exceed 105 mg per dL (5.8 mmol per L) in the fasting state and 120 mg per dL (6.7 mmol per L) two hours after meals.

What is the gestational diabetes test?

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) The OGTT measures blood glucose after you fast for at least 8 hours. First, a health care professional will draw your blood. Then you will drink the liquid containing glucose. You will need your blood drawn every hour for 2 to 3 hours for a doctor to diagnose gestational diabetes.

STUDY

Crowther CA, Hiller FE, Moss JR, McPhee AJ, Jeffries WS, Robinson JR, for the Australian Carbohydrate Intolerance Study in Pregnant Women Trial Group:Effect of treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcomes.

SUMMARY

Objective. To determine whether treatment of women with mild gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), i.e., GDM that would meet the criteria for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in the nonpregnant state, decreases the risk of perinatal complications and to assess the effects of treatment on maternal outcome, mood, and quality of life.

COMMENTARY

This study addresses a vital issue in prenatal care and has the potential,with further analysis, to be a landmark study in the field of GDM care. Crowther et al. designed and implemented a multi-site research proposal that directly and efficiently addressed the study's objective to determine the effect of treatment on women with GDM.

image

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Khutaija Bano
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
It can be managed with nutritious diet and exercise. Medication is necessary only if sugar level is uncontrollable with diet and exercise.
Medication

Hormonal therapy: To regulate blood glucose levels. The most recommended is insulin injection.

Insulin


Antidiabetics: To control the amount of blood glucose level. During pregnancy, the first choice would be Insulin injection, however, the recent studies have shown that the oral medications may be safe. Follow your doctor's advice.

Metformin . Glyburide

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Monitoring the level of blood sugar at regular intervals will help regulating and avoid complications.
  • Intake of Healthy diet- consult the doctor to recommend a healthy diet which suits.
  • Regular Exercise - Regular, simple exercise helps lowering blood sugar level and provide more energy. It also relives common symptoms during pregnancy like low back pain, constipation, swelling of legs, etc.
  • Close monitoring of the baby- a close monitoring on the developments of the baby is also essential and hence advised repeated ultrasound tests.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Make sure that there is protein with every meal
  • Have fresh fruits and vegetables

Foods to avoid:

  • Avoid processed and baked foods
  • Avoid spicy and sugary foods
  • Quit smoking and alcoholic beverages

Specialist to consult

Endocrinologist
Specializes in the function and disorders of the endocrine system of the body.
Gynecologist
Specializes in the health of the female reproductive systems and breasts.

Preparing For Your Appointment

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9