American Diabetes Month Brought to you by CuddleBugs at Peace River Regional Medical Center
Diabetes and pregnancy
Did you know that nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes? Every November, the American Diabetes Association holds American Diabetes Month® in an effort to spread awareness about the disease, its impact, and how it can be prevented.
In recognition of this endeavor, CuddleBugs at Peace River Regional would like to provide information about gestational diabetes and what it means for you and your baby.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes occurs in women who haven't had diabetes before, but develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The condition develops when a woman can’t make enough insulin, which helps convert sugar into energy. When there’s not enough insulin, blood sugar rises and can cause health problems for mother and baby.
Untreated gestational diabetes may lead to high blood pressure in the mother — or most commonly, cause a very large baby. The larger size can cause injury to the baby during delivery or could require preterm or cesarean delivery, or both. In addition, babies born to mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes are at greater risk for birth defects and other complications, as well as obesity and diabetes later in life.
The good news is that the condition is treatable and most often goes away once the baby is born, though it’s likely to return in future pregnancies. Most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and babies when they control their blood sugar properly.
Steps to a healthy pregnancy
Prior to becoming pregnant, prepare your body for pregnancy by practicing healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Talk to your doctor about gestational diabetes and your risk level. If you learn you have gestational diabetes, the health care professionals at Peace River Regional suggest you work closely with your health care team and:
- Check your blood sugar often. Talk to your doctor about what your blood sugar numbers should be, and understand how and when to measure levels. During pregnancy, blood sugar can change quickly, so it’s important to check often.
- Follow your meal plan. Adhere to the healthy meal plan that the dietitian or diabetes educator designed for you. They can help you learn how to control your blood sugar through your diet.
- Be physically active. Exercise helps keep blood sugar under control by balancing food intake. Talk to your doctor about what’s appropriate for you and exercise regularly.
- Take insulin, if needed. If your doctor decides you need to take insulin, take it as directed. If medications are prescribed, follow directions and take them on time.
- Get tested after delivery. Get tested for diabetes six to 12 weeks after your baby is born, and then every one to three years.
“Gestational diabetes can be controlled by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly in many cases," said Dr. Nay Hoche of Comprehensive Women’s Health Care. “For most with gestational diabetes, the diabetes goes away soon after delivery — though for some it remains, becoming type 2 diabetes. Even if it goes away, women with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. However, they can delay or even prevent its onset by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet.”
If you develop gestational diabetes, be sure to work closely with your health care team to manage your condition and protect the health of you and your baby. By keeping your blood sugar in control, you’ll be protecting your own health and the health of your baby.
True or False: For people with diabetes, it's important to eat a variety of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and reduce dietary fat intake.
True. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a healthy diabetic diet plan also includes:
- Smaller meal portions, spread out over the day.
- Paying close attention to when and how many carbohydrates are eaten.
- Limiting sugar, salt and alcohol intake.
About Peace River Regional Medical Center
Peace River Regional is dedicated to providing expectant mothers and newborns with the finest care. Affiliated with All Children’s Neonatology/Johns Hopkins Medicine, Peace River’s high-quality maternity services are provided by obstetricians, labor and delivery specialists, nurses and other caring professionals in a welcoming, comfortable environment. You’ll find the full spectrum of care from prenatal to post-partum care, including high-risk pregnancy care and advanced labor and delivery services. To learn more, visit www.peaceriverregional.com.
About CuddleBugs
CuddleBugs is a free program designed to provide answers to new and expectant moms from the earliest stages of pregnancy through post-delivery – including guidance for newborn care. For more information about CuddleBugs, visit www.CuddleBugsBaby.com.
About Nay Hoche, MD
Dr. Nay Hoche specializes in prenatal care, labor and delivery, post partum, high risk pregnancies and gynecological care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (941) 766-0400, or visit www.comprehensive-womenshealthcare.com.
Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
