GESTATIONAL DIABETESBy: Patrick Perche, Elizabeth Kelley, and

Jamie Horne

What is gestational diabetes?•A type of diabetes that women get during pregnancy.

• Pregnancy hormones can block insulin from doing its job.

Insulin A hormone that lowers the level of glucose in

the blood.Made by the beta cells of the pancreas and

released into the blood when the glucose level goes up.

Who is affected?Women during pregnancy1 in 5 pregnant women have gestational

diabetesMore common in pregnant women over the

age of 25More likely in Hispanic, Black, Native

American, or Asian womenMore likely in overweight/obese mothersThe child can also be affected

CausesOlder than 25 when you are pregnantGave birth to a baby that weighed more than

9 poundsBaby has a birth defectHigh blood pressureToo much amniotic fluidPrevious unexplained miscarriage or stillbirthOverweight before pregnancyFamily history of diabetes

SymptomsUsually there are no symptoms, or the symptoms

are very mild. However symptoms may include:-Blurred vision-Fatigue-Frequent infections, including those of the

bladder, vagina, and skin-Increased thirst-Increased urination-Nausea and vomiting-Weight loss despite increased appetite

How do you KNOW?Usually starts about halfway through

pregnancyAll pregnant women should receive an oral

glucose tolerance test-Oral glucose tolerance test: laboratory

method to check how the body breaks down (metabolizes) sugar.

Once diagnosed, test glucose at home by pricking your finger with a glucose reading machine.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Time of Test Target Blood Sugar Reading

Before Breakfast Plasma: below 105. Whole blood: below 95

2 Hours after Meals

Plasma: below 95. Whole blood: below 120

The goal of monitoring is to keep your blood sugar as close to normal as

possible.

These ranges include:

TreatmentWatching your

Baby-check size and health of baby through ultrasound and nonstress tests-nonstress test: machine hears and displays baby’s heart rate and compares pattern of heartbeat to movements

Diet and Exercise-eat a well planned diet to have the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbs-exercise allows your body to use glucose without extra insulin

ExpectationsMost are able to control the disease and

avoid harm to themselves and their babyLarger babies at birthBirth injury because of large sizeDelivery by c-sectionBaby is more likely to have hypoglycemia

(periods of low blood sugar) during the first few days of life

How will it affect your baby?If your baby is too overweight, it can lead to

macrosomia-macrosomia: “big baby syndrome”;

fetus is abnormally large Overweight in childhood and adulthoodChances if jaundice are increased

ComplicationsDelivery-related complications due to the

infant's large sizeDevelopment of diabetes later in lifeIncreased risk of newborn death and stillbirthLow blood sugar or illness in the newborn

PreventionBeginning prenatal careKnowing the risk factorsPrenatal screening at 24-28 weeks

pregnantLosing weight before getting pregnant

Nutrition Basics for Women with Gestational Diabetes

•3 small meals and 2-3 small snacks•Less carbs at breakfast•Choose foods high in fiber•Choose foods with less sugar and fat•Drink 8 cups of liquid per day•Get enough vitamins and minerals

Sources Storck, S. (2011, October 12). Gestational diabetes: Glucose intolerance during

pregnancy. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001898

Definition of Insulin. (2010, July 25). Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/0_gestationaldiabetes_2058.bc

Health and Pregnancy. Gestational diabetes- Treatment Overview. (2011, March 7) Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/gestational-diabetes-treatment-overview

Marin, Lucian (2008,November) Retrieved from http://fatbabies.wordpress.com/ Kassir, Kari (2011, September) Macrosomia. Retrieved from

http://pediatrics.med.nyu.edu/conditions-we-treat/conditions/macrosomia Wooley, Elizabeth (2001, November 1) Nutritional Basics for Women with

Gestational Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.diabeticmommy.com/34-gestational-diabetes-diet.html

WebMD (2005-2012) Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes. Retrieved from http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/gestational_diabetes?page=3

American Diabetes Association (1995-2012) Gestational Diabetes. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetesbasics/gestational/?cr=redcpcggfreeinformationgestational&gclid=CPToudaCt64CFQpU7AodfV2enw