Protecting Mom and Baby from Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, but for some moms-to-be, gestational diabetes adds an unexpected element of concern. Fortunately, the condition is well understood by Adventist Midwest Health OB/GYNs who can help guide expectant mothers through the worry.
The condition occurs in 3 to 10 percent of all pregnancies and the rate is higher among African American, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander populations. “Gestational diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes when it comes to diet and activity level,” says Chong-Hsiang Liang, MD, OB/GYN on staff at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital. “The blood sugar levels are elevated in both conditions, but in gestational diabetes the placenta is producing hormones that interfere with your body’s ability to process insulin.”
What triggers gestational diabetes?
“The trend lately among all Americans is we’re eating more and doing less,” says Dr. Liang. “We’re seeing a lot more cases of type 2 diabetes as a result. The risk for gestational diabetes isn’t any different than the risk for type 2 diabetes in that respect.” Though overall lifestyle is a major contributing factor to gestational diabetes, it’s not the only one.
You are at increased risk for gestational diabetes if you:
• Are over age 25 during your pregnancy.
• Have a family history of diabetes.
• Are overweight or obese (Body Mass Index of 25 or more).
• Have a previous history of gestational diabetes.
• Have previously had a baby weighing nine or more pounds.
Women who develop gestational diabetes don’t usually notice any symptoms, so pre-natal screenings are very important. “We screen all pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks, or earlier if a woman has elevated risk factors,” says Dr. Liang.
Here’s what to expect from a gestational diabetes screening:
Oral glucose tolerance test: You’ll be given a sugary drink called Glucola. After an hour, your doctor will measure your blood glucose level to see how well your body metabolized the solution. If you are over a certain threshold, you may need to do a diagnostic blood glucose test.
Blood glucose test: After fasting for four to eight hours, your blood glucose level is measured. After that baseline number is found, you will be given Glucola again. Your blood glucose is measured again about two hours later. If your blood sugar level is high, it could indicate gestational diabetes.
Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes are likely to have healthy babies, but extra care is needed. At Adventist Midwest Health, maternal-fetal specialists create diet and exercise plans for expectant mothers. They teach patients how to monitor blood sugar and choose healthy foods for you and your baby. They also provide education about healthy weight gain during pregnancy and help moms-to-be find ways to get exercise.
“Swimming, walking or yoga are a few ways pregnant women can keep active,” says Dr. Liang.
If making lifestyle changes isn’t enough to bring your blood sugar back to normal, your doctor may prescribe medication or insulin to keep everything under control.
Short-term condition, long-term effects
Gestational diabetes only lasts as long as your pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear once your baby arrives. And, some of the effects can be serious.
“Women who had gestational diabetes are up to 50 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the 10 to 20 years following pregnancy than women who did not have the condition,” says Dr. Liang. “Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes could grow too large in the womb – what we call macrosomia – and may need to be delivered via C-section to avoid injury.”
In the short-term, infants are at risk for developing jaundice or hypoglycemia just after birth. Down the road they are more likely to be obese and develop type 2 diabetes than children of mothers who did not have gestational diabetes.
“We try to promote a healthy lifestyle before, during and after pregnancy,” says Dr. Liang. “Pre-pregnancy counseling with your OB/GYN can help you make lifestyle modifications before you conceive that will reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes. Our goal is to help new mothers take control of their health so they can go home feeling good, and be ready to take care of their new baby.”
Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? Get your FREE diabetes screening this November when you're one of the first 100 people to call 866-533-7968.
