Gestational Diabetes

Paula McClusky
6. 14. 2023
Purpose

● Educate pregnant women and their families on the

diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes and what this means
for their prenatal period as well as fetal development.
● The instructional material can assist in the
understanding and management of the condition.
Target Audience
● Pregnant women that have have been newly
diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes.

● Pregnant women who need to understand their

lab tests, diagnosis, and treatment plan pertaining
to gestational diabetes.

● Pregnant women and support persons that need

to be informed on healthy lifestyle choices to
improve high glucose levels.

● Pregnant women who are unaware of resources

that can be utilized when questions arise
regarding their gestational diabetes.
Objectives
● Recognize the symptoms of Gestational Diabetes (GDM).
● Understand Laboratory Testing and Values for GDM.
● Understand the risk factors of GDM to mother and fetus.
● Identify three ways to control blood sugars in pregnancy.
● Demonstrate understanding of blood glucose monitoring and
normal blood glucose levels.
● Gain knowledge of specific dietary habits that aid in stabilizing
the blood sugar.
 Goals

● The pregnant woman will manage her glucose readings to achieve a normal
range for pregnancy (90 or below Fasting Blood Sugar).
● The fetus will maintain an average weight and not become macrosomic.
● The pregnant woman will not have an excessive weight gain during her
pregnancy.
● The pregnant woman will state her understanding of GDM and verbalize
three ways it can affect her pregnancy.
What is Gestational Diabetes?

● Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is diabetes diagnosed for the first time

during pregnancy.
● GDM causes high blood sugar, which can impact pregnancy and the
health of the fetus.
● GDM can be treated by exercise, the intake of healthy foods, and
medicine when needed.
● High blood sugars in women with GDM usually return to normal levels
soon after delivery.
Causes and Diagnosis
What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

● GDM occurs when a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from
effectively using insulin.
● As a result, glucose builds up instead of being absorbed.
● GDM is not caused by a lack of insulin but by the production of
pregnancy-related hormones making insulin less effective.
● According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, approximately 3-8% of all pregnant
women in the U.S. experience GDM.
How is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?

● Testing for gestational diabetes is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of

pregnancy.
● 50 grams of glucose in the form of a flavored drink is taken within a few minutes.
● Blood glucose is drawn one hour later to measure your blood sugar level.
● Normal value below is 140 mg/dl; an elevated level is above 190 mg/dl.
● If normal blood sugar, no other testing required. If elevated, a two hour or three
hour glucose challenge test will be ordered with blood glucose levels being drawn
at the beginning, after the second hour, and after the third hour.
● To make a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, two of the readings would be higher
than normal.
Risk Factors
● Having prediabetes.
● History of GDM in previous pregnancies.
● Family history of GDM.
● Being overweight or obese.
● Living a sedentary lifestyle.
● Presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
● Previous delivery of a baby weighing more than nine pounds.
Recommended Weight Gain Guidelines

Pre-Pregnancy BMI Total Weight Gain (Range in kg)

Underweight (<18.5 kg/m2) 12.5–C18

Normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) 11.5–16

Overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) 7–11.5

Obese(≥30 kg/m2) 5–9

Potential Complications

● Giving Birth to a large baby (weighing more than

9.0lbs or 4.1 kg).
● Neonatal Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar during
newborn period).
● Increased chance of Cesarean Birth.
● Increased risk for difficult labor and shoulder
dystocia.
● Preterm birth.
● Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
● Breathing difficulties.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
Lifestyle Considerations
● Monitor Blood sugar often
● Take Insulin if ordered
● Get tested for Diabetes after
Pregnancy
● Physical activity in the form of 30
minutes of moderate exercise
most days of the week is
suggested.
● Walking, cycling, yoga, barre, and
swimming are good exercise
options during pregnancy.
Healthy Dietary Considerations

● Distribute your meals between three small meals a day and three to four
healthy snacks every two to three hours.
● Do not skip meals or snacks. A bedtime snack is especially important to
help keep your fasting blood sugar (first morning blood sugar) in range.
● A healthy diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high fiber and
lean protein.
● Foods to avoid: Refined sugar, fast food, soda, candy, starchy carbs, fried
foods, sugary cereals, dried fruit.
Blood Glucose Monitoring

● Blood glucose monitoring may be required to assist in the management of

Gestational Diabetes.
● Before a meal: 95 mg/dl or less.
● One hour after a meal: 140 mg/dl or less.
● Two hours after a meal: 120 mg/dl or less.
Conclusion

● Gestational Diabetes occurs when pregnancy hormones prevents the body

from using insulin effectively.
● Risk factors for Gestational Diabetes include, but are not limited to obesity,
GDM in prior pregnancies, family history of GDM, poor diet, lack of physical
activity, and more.
● With proper diet and exercise this condition can be managed so the
associated risk factors can be diminished.
● Gestational Diabetes is treatable and working with your healthcare team can
help prevent GDM or minimize its impacts.
Sources

● https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes
/gestational-diabetes
● https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/sym
ptoms-causes/syc-20355339
● https://diabetes.org/diabetes/gestational-diabetes
● https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/sym
ptoms-causes/syc-20355339