Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Motherhood is one of the most intimate bonds that can exist between two human beings. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical disorder complicating pregnancy that is best managed by proper nutritional intervention. Both mother and the foetus is at the risk when GDM is undetected or untreated.

What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

GDM is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or fist recognition during the current pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM in India is on the rise. 16.55% of the Indian mothers suffer from GDM.

Who are at Risk?

Mothers who are Over weight or obese,with high abdominal fat, mothers with a family history of diabetes, 35+yrs when pregnant, mothers who have had previous personal history of GDM are all at risk of getting GDM.

Intervention

Dietary regulation is the first line of management of GDM. Women with GDM should be prescribed dietary therapy alone for at least 2 weeks before they are prescribed insulin. Strictly follow the guidelines given by the doctor, incase insulin is prescribed.

How should her diet be?

Small frequent meals with a balance of adequate calories, high fiber, low glcemic sources of carbohydrate food, moderate amount of healthy fats, high quality protein food, and adequate water intake are beneficial methods of regulating blood glucose levels with GDM. An apt diet that can suit the individual needs of the pregnant women can control GDM without any insulin or medications.

No single diet is right for every woman. A Dietitian can design the correct diet based on the woman’s glucose level, activity level and weight.

Patient Education

Patient education is critical in GDM. Mothers with GDM, can reduce their risk of complication if they are educated about their disease, learn and practice the skills necessary to better control their blood glucose level as close to the normal range.