In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Aria Specialized and Subspecialty Hospital
Self-Care Pamphlet in Illness:
Gestational Diabetes
Source: Williams 2013
Preparation and Regulation:
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department
Gestational diabetes is a type of high blood sugar that occurs suddenly during pregnancy.
A normal amount of sugar (glucose) is necessary for the body because the body uses sugar to produce energy, but high blood sugar is harmful.
What factors cause gestational diabetes:
Hormonal changes and weight gain may disrupt the production of the insulin hormone; whose function is to transport blood sugar into cells. Therefore, without the presence of insulin, your body is not able to use the blood sugar in the blood and obtain the necessary energy.
In order to be aware of the possibility of having gestational diabetes, consult your doctor if you observe the following:
· If your father, mother, sister or brother has diabetes.
· You are 25 years old or older.
· You are overweight.
· You have already had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kilos.
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes:
To diagnose diabetes, the doctor will request one or more tests after asking about your medical history.
Note: (In the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, all mothers will be sent for a screening test for gestational diabetes).
Methods of checking blood sugar:
1- Blood sugar measurement when you do not have anything for breakfast
Do not eat anything except water for 8 hours to perform this test
2- Glucose tolerance test
One hour after drinking a glass of sugar syrup containing 50 grams of glucose, your blood sugar will be measured. This test can be done at any time of the day. If the result is higher than normal, the doctor will send you for further tests.
The effect of gestational diabetes on the fetus:
· Respiratory problems
· Fetal obesity and the birth of a baby with a high weight, which can make childbirth difficult and dangerous.
· Decrease in blood sugar immediately after birth
The effect of gestational diabetes on the mother:
· Increased blood pressure during pregnancy
· leading to fattening of the fetus and caesarean
· Gestational diabetes is likely to disappear after delivery, but there is a possibility that the mother will develop type 2 diabetes in the future.
· Also, the possibility of getting gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies is high.
Treatment of gestational diabetes:
Maintaining normal blood sugar levels can be done with diet, exercise, and insulin injections if needed.
Consult your nutritionist and doctor to recommend a suitable diet for you, so it is suggested that you reduce the amount of your food in three main meals and include 2 to 3 main between meals in your daily schedule.
Limit the consumption of sweets and fat.
Add fruits, vegetables, legumes, low-fat dairy products, cereals and bread to your meal.
Swimming and walking help control your blood sugar.
Try to reach the ideal weight and maintain it.
Check your blood sugar regularly.
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