GDM is the commonest pregnancy complication and affects 10-20% of pregnant women. The numbers of women developing GDM has increased significantly in recent years- this is related to the age of mothers, the BMI of our population, ethnicity and family history. So, older (over 30 years), overweight, South Asian, Chinese, Polynesian women and those with a family history of diabetes are more at risk.
GDM usually develops after 24 weeks but can develop earlier.
What does this mean for your pregnancy?
A diagnosis of GDM means the mother’s blood glucose readings are higher than normal. High blood glucose levels in mum means the baby also has high blood glucose levels. The aim is to normalise mum’s glucose levels to treat the baby.
How do we do this?
We recommend:
1. a healthy eating plan (there is no such thing as a “diabetic diet” the healthy eating plan is recommended for the entire family)
The basis of the plan is to avoid simple sugars (cakes, lollies, juice, soft drinks, honey, jam, sugar in tea etc) and space carbohydrate foods (rice, bread, pasta, cereals, dahl, potato, corn, kumara, taro, fruit and milk) throughout the day.
It is important NOT to be hungry and eat small meals regularly.
-> suggested menu plan for GDM
->options for your meals each day
2. regular exercise- some exercise every day helps to keep your blood glucose levels normal Talk to your obstetrician if you have any concerns about exercise in relation to your pregnancy
-> Exercise
3. Blood glucose (BG) testing- your obstetrician may have given you the information to start testing your blood glucose levels. We ask you to test (finger prick blood test) 4 times each day.
Our recommendation re the need for further treatment of your GDM is based on your blood glucose readings. It is important to know that at least 70% of women do not manage to control their blood glucoses with diet and exercise so if we recommend additional treatment (medication- metformin tablets and/or insulin) please do not think that you have failed. It’s normal to need medication along with lifestyle changes.
-> tips for BG testing and BG sheet (to record sugars)
Pregnancy Diabetes Care, © 2016