Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed in the 28th week of pregnancy or later, says the American Diabetes Association. It occurs when hormones from the placenta create insulin resistance in the woman's body, making it difficult to use the insulin produced. There are various treatments for gestational diabetes, with nutrition therapy being a cornerstone of treatment.
Significance
According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 135,000 new cases of gestational diabetes are diagnosed each year in the United States. This comprises nearly 4 percent of all pregnant women in the country. The disease develops because the body is not able to produce and use all the insulin needed for pregnancy. When this occurs, glucose builds up in the blood and cannot be used for energy, resulting in high glucose levels, says the American Diabetes Association.
Features
Gestational diabetes typically occurs later in pregnancy, after the fetus is formed but while it is growing. Although gestational diabetes does not cause birth defects, it can cause problems for the fetus, says the American Diabetes Association. These problems include babies with macrosomia, or a "fat" baby, because of the extra glucose that passes through the placenta, causing the pancreas of the fetus to produce extra insulin. These babies are also at higher risk for breathing problems, obesity and Type II diabetes when they get older.
Treatment
The goal of treatment for gestational diabetes is to control blood sugar levels and is multi-faceted. Treatment typically involves blood sugar monitoring during the remainder of pregnancy and during labor, diet modifications and exercise, says the Mayo Clinic. If these treatments are not effective, medication may be necessary. Medical nutrition therapy, or MNT, may also be prescribed.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
MNT consists of individualized plans and education for patients to provide the skills and tools needed to control the gestational diabetes, according to the Medical University of South Carolina. This typically consists of plans for weight management, nutrition education, exercise and behavior modification. When a woman's blood glucose is measured, the results determine how the diet is broken down regarding carbohydrates and calories, and an individual's weight and physical activity are also considered, making each medical nutrition therapy plan unique, says the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.
Benefits
According to the Medical University of South Carolina, medical nutrition therapy yields a decrease in the amount of medication needed for the diabetes, improved quality of life, increased patient satisfaction and effective disease management. It also provides shorter hospital stays related to the diabetes and a reduction in related complications. Following a healthy diet plan also helps manage weight gain with pregnancy, which can lead to further complications, says the Mayo Clinic.
Warning
Prior to seeking medical nutrition therapy, a health care provider should be consulted to ensure the best treatment for the individual's gestational diabetes.
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