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    Mary Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

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  • Pregnancy and you blog

  • Sept. 24, 2009

    Blog: Gestational diabetes — some explanations

    By Mary Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

3 comments posted

I'm looking forward to becoming a grandmother for the first time, likely in January. My daughter isn't always enjoying her pregnancy, but she's deeply in love with her baby. Last week, she was scheduled for her gestational diabetes test — often referred to as a glucose challenge test. She had read about it but still had some questions. I thought this would be a good place to answer them since you may have similar questions.

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that interfere with insulin. If insulin can't get into your cells, your blood sugar level will rise. If your body isn't able to produce enough insulin to control your blood sugar level, you may develop gestational diabetes.

Some health care providers screen all pregnant women for gestational diabetes. Others screen only women who have specific risk factors — such as being older than age 25, being overweight, having a personal or family history of diabetes, having given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms), or being a member of certain ethnic groups.

The glucose challenge test is usually done between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. The test itself isn't too bad. You'll begin by drinking a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you'll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. If your blood sugar level is higher than normal, you may need a different type of follow-up glucose challenge test.

If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, diet and exercise become especially important. You'll get a glucose meter and learn how to check your blood sugar level, and your health care provider might recommend consulting a registered dietitian for help developing a meal plan. If diet and exercise aren't enough, you may need oral medication or insulin shots.

The possible complications of gestational diabetes — such as preeclampsia and a risk of developing diabetes later in life for mom and excess growth, low blood sugar and breathing trouble for baby — are scary. Still, making healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way toward ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

If you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, how have you been handling the condition? Please share your stories.

3 comments posted

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  • October 15, 2009 10:54 a.m.

    This is a timely issue in women's health. The incidence or gestational diabetes has increased significantly in the past decade due to an increase in obesity as well as women being pregnant later in life as compared to previous years. Most of the time, after the baby is born, the diabetes disappears but the only way to know for sure is to repeat the glucose test. Interestingly, many women who have had gestational diabetes later develop Type 2 Diabetes (adult onset). Women with Type 2 Diabetes are more likely to have features of the "metabolic syndrome" such as obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure as well as the diabetes. As well, women with a history of gestational diabetes are still more likely than those without to have indices of the "metabolic syndrome" even when they do not have Type 2 Diabetes. If you have (or have had) gestational diabetes, be sure to eat healthfully, maintain an active lifestyle and consult your midwife, nurse practitioner or physician for further evaluation and suggestions. While a temporary condition in pregnancy, gestational diabetes can have life-long implications.

    - Kathleen

  • October 11, 2009 12:03 p.m.

    Hi, You mention that certain ethnic groups are more susceptible to gestational diabetes. I'm an Indian (South Asian), can you please tell me if I belong to a more susceptible group or not please? Thanks! Subha http://howdoyougetpregnant.org/

    - Subha

  • October 7, 2009 8:19 p.m.

    I had gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy. She is now 10 weeks old. I was very discouraged and thought my life was goin to end! I was constantly on the internet and all there were-horror stories. If you do this, this would happen, if you do that that would happen. I did follow the diet that was given by the dietician (cheated a few times). I started it at 28 weeks. I kept my numbers in range, however I did have afew out of range, ecspecially my fasting numbers. That's when you dont get on the internet! I was scared to death i was going to put on insulin. I never was put on insulin. My doctor was impressed with my numbers. I never gaind any weight during my entire pregnancy, and i am 40 pounds lighter now then the day i found out i was pregnant! I ended up going into labor at 38 weeks. I had a healthy 7 lb. baby girl. Her suger readings were normal! I just wanted to let anyone know that is struggling with gestational diabetes that it not all a bad thing. It was hard to get used to the eating schedule but it all was well worth it.

    - trisha

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