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Read MoreNavigating gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Inspira, we understand the challenges you may face, offering compassionate support and valuable resources to help you navigate.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. This condition arises when the body cannot produce enough insulin to adequately process glucose in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes typically occurs around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy and may not present symptoms in all cases.
While gestational diabetes is specific to pregnancy, those diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes before becoming pregnant still need to manage their condition throughout pregnancy. Proper management is vital because these conditions can pose health risks such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and the need for Cesarean delivery. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can result in macrosomia, a condition where the baby grows larger than average, increasing the risk of birth injuries and long-term health issues.
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
Many people with gestational diabetes have no symptoms at all, highlighting the importance of routine screening during pregnancy. While gestational diabetes may not always present noticeable symptoms, you may experience:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Persistent hunger
- Recurrent infections
- Nausea or vomiting
How is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?
Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed through a glucose screening test, usually performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This test involves drinking a sugary solution and then having blood drawn to measure your blood sugar levels. If the initial screening indicates high blood sugar levels, a follow-up test called a glucose tolerance test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Regular prenatal visits also play a vital role in monitoring for gestational diabetes and ensuring early detection and management.
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Gestational Diabetes Treatment Options
Lifestyle Modifications and Nutritional Counseling
Making healthy lifestyle choices, including following a balanced diet and making healthy food choices, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help control blood sugar levels and manage gestational diabetes effectively.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, either through self-monitoring at home or with provider assistance, allows for timely adjustments to treatment plans and helps prevent complications associated with gestational diabetes.
Medication Management
In some cases, medication may be necessary to control blood sugar levels. This may include insulin therapy or oral glucose-lowering medications to supplement your insulin production or improve insulin sensitivity to regular blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy.
Our Approach to Gestational Diabetes Treatment
At Inspira, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to gestational diabetes care, prioritizing the safety and well-being of expectant parents and their babies. Our team of experienced professionals, including obstetricians, endocrinologists, dietitians, and diabetes educators collaborate to develop individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and circumstances.
For patients diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy, our treatment approach may involve adjusting your existing diabetes management strategies to accommodate the changes and challenges of pregnancy, ensuring optimal health outcomes for both you and your baby.
We understand that managing gestational diabetes can be emotionally challenging for expectant parents. Our team provides compassionate support and resources to address concerns or anxieties throughout your pregnancy and childbirth journey.
