Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Approximately three to eight per cent of pregnant women will develop Gestational Diabetes around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.

Diabetes is a common condition in which the body is unable to use glucose for energy. This is because the hormone insulin is not being produced or not working properly.

Being diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes can be upsetting, but working closely with your doctor and health care team can help to control your blood glucose levels.

Who is at risk of Gestational Diabetes?

• Women over 30 years of age
• Women with a family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Women who are overweight
• Women from certain ethnic groups are also at increased risk including Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders

How is Gestational Diabetes diagnosed?

Most women are diagnosed after being tested by their doctor. These tests are either a Glucose Challenge Test (GCT), or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). A diagnosis of diabetes is based on the results of the OGTT. Usually these tests are performed when the woman is about six months pregnant.

Treating Gestational Diabetes

The most important aspect of treatment relates to healthy eating. Women with Gestational Diabetes are encouraged to follow a healthy eating plan which is varied and enjoyable and nutritionally appropriate for pregnancy.

Healthy eating plan

Including calcium, iron and folic acid, low in fat (particularly saturated fat), high in fibre and moderate in carbohydrate e.g. grains, cereals, fruit, pasta, rice. It is essential to see a dietitian who can assess your nutritional intake and formulate a healthy eating plan.

Physical activity

Continuing your current physical activity level is beneficial in helping to reduce the insulin resistance. Regular exercise like walking helps to keep you fit and prepares you for the birth of your baby. However, always check with your doctor before starting or continuing physical activity.

Monitoring blood glucose levels

Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential so that treatment can be assessed and changed as necessary. Insulin injections may be needed to help bring the blood glucose level into the normal range. Blood glucose lowering tablets are not used in pregnancy.

After Gestational Diabetes

High blood glucose levels are usually not a problem after the birth of your baby. An OGTT will be performed around six weeks after the birth, when blood glucose levels have usually returned to normal. There is a 30 to 50 per cent chance of developing diabetes in the next 15 years.

It is important to:

• Maintain a healthy eating plan
• Maintain your weight within the ideal weight range
• Be physically active
• Have your blood glucose level checked every one to two years

The information in this article was provided by Diabetes Australia. For more information, please visit the Diabetes Australia website at: http://www.dav.org.au

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