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Medical Video: Testing for Gestational Diabetes Medical Course
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs first when a woman is pregnant. This type of diabetes is caused by changes in a woman's body in response to the hormone insulin during pregnancy. This results in an increase in blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose.
Gestational diabetes affects about 18% of women during pregnancy. It is important to diagnose and treat gestational diabetes early to avoid health complications for you and your baby.
What are the factors that make me at risk for gestational diabetes?
The trigger factors associated with an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes are:
- History of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Being overweight or obese
- Aged over 25 years
- Have a family with a history of diabetes (especially if a parent or sibling has diabetes)
- If you previously gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg
- There is glucose in the urine
- African-American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian descent
- Have prediabetes, also known as glucose tolerance disorder
How do I know if I have gestational diabetes?
If you are at high risk for gestational diabetes, blood glucose levels tend to be checked at the first visit before birth. The American Diabetes Association recommends a screening test for gestational diabetes at the first visit before birth for women who have risk factors.
If the blood glucose results are normal, you will be checked again between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. It is recommended for all pregnant women to screen gestational diabetes during this period.
What happens when screening?
To see gestational diabetes, your doctor will order a glucose screening examination. This test requires you to drink a glucose solution and then your blood is taken an hour after drinking the solution. No need to fast for this test. If the result is normal, another test is not necessary.
If the results are positive, some doctors may order another test called an oral glucose tolerance test. This test is done to measure glucose levels during fasting, then measure it once again at two or three hours after drinking glucose fluid.
If the results are positive, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. Care and control of gestational diabetes is very important for your health and your baby.
How does it affect me and my baby if I have gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes can increase your risk of giving birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg and increasing the chances of Caesar's birth. In addition, hypertension and preeclampsia are more common in women with gestational diabetes. However, effective handling and treatment of gestational diabetes can significantly reduce the possibility of these complications.
Treatment for gestational diabetes
Generally, gestational diabetes is treated and treated through daily monitoring of blood glucose and by making dietary changes to help keep blood sugar levels within normal range. Some doctors can also recommend exercise. Sometimes, when changes in diet cannot control blood glucose levels, you may need to start insulin therapy or use other drugs.
Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan for your gestational diabetes, including how often you have to check blood glucose levels every day. Doctors and pharmacists can teach you how to monitor your blood glucose levels at home, how to use a blood glucose meter, and how to give insulin injections to yourself if needed.
To avoid complications associated with gestational diabetes, it is very important for you to monitor and control your blood glucose levels. You also have to receive proper care and do a blood test regularly.
You and your baby will be closely monitored during pregnancy. It is important to adhere to a doctor's prescription treatment plan to ensure good health for you and your baby. You should discuss all concerns with your doctor.
