By Winnie Natu, MSIV
It is
important to remember that diabetes can affect people in any stage of
life, including pregnancy! Termed ‘gestational
diabetes mellitus’ (GDM), it is critical we raise awareness about this
topic as it can have life changing effects not only on mom, but on baby too.
What is it?
GDM is a type
of diabetes that is first seen in a pregnant woman who did not have diabetes
before she was pregnant. It usually shows up in the middle of pregnancy. Like
other types of diabetes, it occurs due to resistance to insulin, which is
increased because of the different hormones the body produces and balances
during pregnancy.
Am I at risk for getting it?
The most
important risk factors for developing GDM are:
- Age
over 30
- Family
history of Type 2 diabetes
- Being
overweight
- Certain
ethnic backgrounds—Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Polynesian
- GDM
in a previous pregnancy
- Previous
difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term
- Previous
birth of a baby weighing more than 4 kg.
How do I know if I have it?
Doctors test
for GDM between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy with a glucose challenge test. One
hour after drinking a glucose solution, you will have a blood test to measure
your blood sugar level. If it is higher than 130 to 140 mg/dL, it means you are at risk of gestational diabetes
and will need a follow-up test. This time, you will have your fasting blood sugar level measured and then
you will drink another sweet drink. Your blood sugar level will be checked
every hour for three hours and if at least two of the readings are higher
than normal, you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
How does it affect me and my baby?
GDM causes baby’s
blood sugar to be very high, which means the
baby is overfed and grows to be very large. This can cause problems for both mom and baby during
delivery and it may be necessary to have a C-section. Because of baby’s size, he or she may be born with nerve damage or shoulder abnormalities.
GDM can also raise mom’s blood pressure and cause “preeclampsia”, which might lead to the baby being born early, seizures,
or a stroke. Lastly, if GDM is not well-controlled, baby can quickly develop low blood sugar after birth which can be
very serious, even fatal.
How can I prevent it?
Follow a healthy diet
including foods high in iron (fully cooked red meat), folic acid (green leafys)
and calcium (pasteurized dairy). Lots of fruits and veggies with only moderate
carbohydrates (pasta, bread, etc.). It is crucial to maintain a healthy weight! Generally, you should gain about 2 to 4 pounds during the first three months
and then 1 pound a week during the rest of your pregnancy.
Engage in regular and safe exercises including walking, swimming,
low intensity aerobics, or pilates.
For
more user-friendly and complete information about gestational diabetes, please
visit the following resources:
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