About this topic
Gestational diabetes is a condition you may have when you are pregnant. Gestational diabetes is like regular diabetes. With both kinds, you have problems controlling your blood sugar. But, gestational diabetes is different. When your pregnancy is done, the gestational diabetes goes away. ‚
All the cells in your body need sugar to work the right way. The sugar gets into the cells with the help of insulin. If you dont have enough insulin, the sugar stays in your blood. Your body needs more insulin when you are pregnant. You may not be able to make enough insulin to keep up. ‚
It is important to keep your blood sugar in a good range while you are pregnant. Keeping your blood sugar levels in a good range will help avoid more problems. You may need to change what you eat, how you live or take drugs to help treat your gestational diabetes. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- You need to check your blood sugar level. Your doctor will tell you how often, but most often, you will need to check your blood sugar a few times a day.
- Write down your blood sugar count in a diary each day. List your food and what you do. Talk to your doctor on your follow-up visits.
- You may need drugs to help control your blood sugar.
- You need to eat a balanced, healthy diet. You may need to keep track of how much sugar and starch is in your food. Talk to your doctor or dietitian.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on you and your babys progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your blood sugar level most often returns to normal after birth. Your doctor will order tests to check on your condition.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Control your blood sugar level
Will physical activity be limited?
Regular exercise will help lower your blood sugar level. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- High blood pressure while you are pregnant
- Higher risk of type II diabetes later in life
- Your baby may:
- Be born early
- Weigh more than most other babies
- Have a low blood sugar level
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Get prenatal check-ups.
- If you are overweight, try to lose some weight before getting pregnant.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat foods high in fiber.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of high blood sugar such as sleepiness, blurry eyesight, passing urine more often, increased thirst, breath has a fruity sweet smell, upset stomach and throwing up, dizziness, or passing out.
- Weakness
- Fast heartbeat
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how often I need to check my blood sugar.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have blurry eyesight; am more thirsty, passing more urine, or dizzy; or have an upset stomach.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes.printerview.all.html ‚
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/gestationaldiabetes.html ‚
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚