Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to metabolize glucose. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes is a temporary diabetic condition that occurs during pregnancy, typically resolving after the baby is born. In healthy individuals, insulin is released to help combat high levels of sugar in the blood. However, diabetes is marked by a lack of insulin, causing sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream. Following a healthy diet with good blood sugar control during pregnancy can help keep your baby healthy and prevent future complications.
Definition
Gestational diabetes is defined as provisional diabetes that originates during pregnancy. Changing hormones and weight gain are normal during pregnancy, but they can interfere with insulin, inhibiting its normal function. When this occurs, your body does not get the energy it needs from the food you eat, and your blood sugar levels rise. Glucose is needed by the body for energy, but too much glucose in the blood can be harmful. When you are pregnant, high blood sugar levels are not good for your baby. Signs of gestational diabetes are typically mild and may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, sugar in urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, weight loss and frequent infections of the bladder, vagina and skin.
Causes and Risk Factors
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, one out of every 100 pregnant women in the United States is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. You are at an increased risk for gestational diabetes if you have a family history of diabetes, are older than 25, gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 lbs., are of black, Latino, American Indian or Pacific Islander descent, are overweight before becoming pregnant, have too much amniotic fluid, have high blood pressure, have had an unexplained miscarriage or stillbirth or are pre-diabetic.
Diagnosis
Screening for gestational diabetes is typically preformed between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, although women who are at high risk may be tested earlier. Diagnostic testing involves an oral glucose tolerance test in which you fast for eight hours before the test. You must drink a sweet liquid and then have your blood drawn hourly for three hours. This measures if you body is producing enough insulin. If your blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, you have gestational diabetes. Above-normal results are 95 mg/dl or higher upon fasting, 180 mg/dl or higher at one hour, 155 mg/dl or higher at two hours and 140 mg/dl or higher at three hours.
Diet Therapy
The goal of diet therapy is to maintain normal blood sugar levels and ensure that the growing baby is healthy. One of the best ways to improve your eating habits is to choose a variety of healthy foods from each of the food groups. You will need to work with a dietitian to create a meal plan that is right for your needs. The plan should include information on food selection, timing of meals and portion sizes. The number of calories and servings you need each day is based on your individual needs. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet will help lower your blood sugar levels and keep you and your baby healthy.
A Healthy Diet
Your diet should include bread, pasta and cereal; vegetables; fruit; dairy; and meat. When selecting from the grain group, choose whole grains that are rich in fiber. These products will not cause your blood sugar to rise. Examples include whole-grain bread, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and oatmeal. In addition, eat popcorn, pretzels and baked tortilla chips in place of french fries, muffins and potato chips to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Dairy is a good source of protein, calcium and vitamin D. Choose low-fat milk and yogurt whenever possible. Meats and meat alternatives do not contain sugar and help to control blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, choose lean cuts of meat, poultry and fish in addition to tofu, beans and dried peas. Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and minerals and should be included in any healthy diet. Vegetables are especially healthful as they contain no sugar but provide the body with fiber.
References
- Pub Med Health; Gestational Diabetes; Susan Stork, M.D.; September 2010
- American Pregnancy Association; Gestational Diabetes; October 2008
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; What I Need to Know About Gestational Diabetes; April 2006
- eMedTV; Gestational Diabetes Diet; Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D.; September 2008
