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04/14/06 09:57 PM

"I am 30 weeks along and a week ago we found out that I tested positive for gestational diabetes and was told to monitor my glucous levels 4 times a day (fasting and 1 hour after each meal). I have been doing this for 6 days and my readings have been in the target range except for my fasting. They have been in the range of 88 - 103 (lowest to highest). The doctor wants to put me on insulin because the fasting is too high. Can this be avoided? Perhaps maybe a stricker diet or something. "
Asked By: mbitsakis  
Category: Gestational Diabetes

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Expert Answers (1)

04/14/06 09:57 PM

I understand that insulin can be a scary thought and most people would like to avoid it. However, keeping the blood sugars in the appropriate range for a healthy pregnancy is the most important thing right now. If you have been following a meal plan for about a week and the blood sugars are still not in the desired range, the next step is usually medication. The desired range for fasting blood sugars varies based on physician philosophy, but the American Diabetes Association guidelines suggest a fasting blood sugar between 70 and 95. Usually if two numbers are higher than the desired range in one week, then action is taken. Gestational diabetes can cause complications for both you and your baby so keeping your blood sugar in a good range, no matter how that happens, is the goal. If you have not been exercising you can try to add some evening exercise into your day to help lower your fasting blood sugars. However, high fasting blood sugars are most often due to an increase in contra insulin hormones, and not directly related to food intake. Your one hour after meal blood sugars are more indicative of the food you consumed. You and your baby need the appropriate calories for healthy growth and development. So please eat the number of calories prescribed by your dietitian. If you do not eat enough food for the baby and your body burns fat overnight the fat by products, called ketones, can hurt your developing baby. Some doctors have patients test their first morning urine for ketones to make sure they are eating enough calories. If you produce ketones, you need to speak to the dietitian immediately to have your meal plan evaluated. Please read about gestational diabetes and the medication you may need. The following links may provide you with some more helpful information: Risk of Type 2 Diabetes After Pregnancy

Gestational Diabetes

Deborah Greenwood APRN,BC-ADM, MEd, CDE

Financial Disclosure
Answered By: Deborah Greenwood
Accreditations: MEd, CNS, BC-ADM, CDE
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

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