Diabetes Management during Pregnancy: Keeping Tabs on Blood Sugar Levels and Lifestyle Adjustments
In the United States, approximately 9% of pregnant individuals develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) each year. This condition, which arises due to insulin resistance during pregnancy, requires careful management to prevent complications.
To keep blood sugar levels under control, individuals with GDM are advised to follow specific targets: before a meal, a blood glucose level of 95 mg/dL or less is ideal; one hour after a meal, the level should be 140mg/dL or less; and two hours after a meal, it should be 120 mg/dL or less.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in managing GDM. It allows the body to use glucose without extra insulin, helping with insulin resistance. A nutritious diet that stabilizes blood sugar is also essential for managing GDM at home.
People with GDM will need more frequent appointments, tests, and scans during pregnancy. These typically occur every 1-2 weeks. Regular blood sugar monitoring via fingerstick glucose tests several times daily is also necessary to maintain levels within the target range.
Fetal heart monitors can be used to monitor the fetus's health during pregnancy. It is best for individuals to record fetal movements during the third trimester by noting how many movements they feel at the same time daily. If a fetus is moving less than usual, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare team.
Pregnant individuals can find research-backed information and in-depth resources on pregnancy and parenthood in a dedicated hub. A GDM care plan aims to keep a person's blood sugar levels the same as someone without GDM to prevent complications.
During these appointments, healthcare professionals assess signs and symptoms of low and high blood sugar, perform blood glucose checks, and provide education on monitoring and treating blood sugar levels. They also monitor for maternal and fetal complications, including fetal growth scans to assess for macrosomia (high birth weight) and surveillance for preeclampsia or other pregnancy complications.
Postpartum follow-up testing is crucial to ensure blood sugar levels return to normal, as GDM typically resolves after delivery.
Untreated or poorly managed GDM can lead to serious complications for the baby, such as neonatal hypoglycemia, polycythemia, jaundice, respiratory distress syndrome, hypocalcemia, and increased risk of stillbirth. For the mother, risks include increased likelihood of cesarean delivery and development of type 2 diabetes later in life.
In summary, because GDM often has minimal or no symptoms, routine screening and close monitoring of blood glucose levels during pregnancy are essential to prevent adverse outcomes and ensure maternal and fetal health.
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