Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically between 24-28 weeks. Here's essential information:
*Causes and Risk Factors:*
1. Hormonal changes
2. Insulin resistance
3. Family history of diabetes
4. Obesity
5. Previous history of GDM or delivering large babies
6. Age 35 years
7. Ethnicity (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American)
*Symptoms:*
1. Increased thirst and urination
2. Fatigue
3. Blurred vision
4. Frequent infections
*Complications:*
1. High birth weight
2. Preterm labor
3. Cesarean delivery
4. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in newborn
5. Increased risk of type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy
*Screening and Diagnosis:*
1. Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) between 24-28 weeks
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) if GCT is positive
3. Fasting plasma glucose test
*Management:*
1. Healthy diet: balanced carbohydrates, protein, and fiber
2. Physical activity: moderate exercise (e.g., walking)
3. Monitoring blood sugar levels
4. Insulin therapy (if necessary)
5. Regular prenatal check-ups
*Dietary Recommendations:*
1. Whole grains
2. Leafy greens
3. Fresh fruits and vegetables
4. Lean proteins
5. Healthy fats (e.g., avocado, nuts)
6. Limit sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates
*Post-Pregnancy Care:*
1. Follow-up glucose testing (6-12 weeks postpartum)
2. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
3. Breastfeeding (helps reduce risk of type 2 diabetes)
Keywords
24-28 weeks
Risk Factors
Fresh fruits
Leafy greens
Whole grains
large babies
Healthy fats
Healthy diet
sugary drinks
Lean proteins
Preterm labor
Increased risk
Blurred vision
Family history
type 2 diabetes
Insulin therapy
Native American
low blood sugar
African American
Previous history
Hormonal changes
moderate exercise
Physical activity
Cesarean delivery
High birth weight
Insulin resistance
blood sugar levels
Post-Pregnancy Care
Frequent infections
plasma glucose test
refined carbohydrates
essential information
balanced carbohydrates
Glucose Challenge Test
healthy lifestyle habits
Follow-up glucose testing
Regular prenatal check-ups
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Gestational diabetes mellitus
