RISKS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES FOR THE MOTHER

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes means you will be working closely with your health-care team to manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels and keep them in the target range. This will help you avoid complications in labour and delivery. After the baby is born, blood glucose (sugar) levels will usually return to normal. However, you are at greater risk for gestational diabetes in your next pregnancy and of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. After having gestational diabetes, as many as 30 per cent of women will develop diabetes within 15 years. Therefore, regular and timely screening for type 2 diabetes is essential for women who have had gestational diabetes.

RISKS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES FOR THE BABY

If left undiagnosed or untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to high blood glucose (sugar) levels. This increases the risk that the baby will weigh more than 4 kg (9lbs) and will have a difficult delivery. Gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of the baby becoming overweight and developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

RISK FACTORS FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES

• Giving birth to a baby that weighed more than four kilograms (nine pounds)
• Using corticosteroid medication
• Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin)
• Obese (BMI of 30kg/m2 or higher)
• 35 years of age or older
• A parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes
• Having Prediabetes

DIAGNOSIS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES

It is very important to diagnose and manage type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and proper management will help you:

• Have healthy future pregnancies. Undiagnosed diabetes in a future pregnancy significantly increases the chance of having a miscarriage, a stillbirth, or a baby with a malformation.
• Stay healthy and avoid diabetes complications. Undiagnosed type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves.

As you take your baby in your arms, take your health in your hands. After your pregnancy, it is important to be screened for type 2 diabetes:

• Before planning another pregnancy
• Six weeks to six months after giving birth, with a two-hour 75g oral glucose tolerance test or fasting blood sugar level
• Every three years (or more often depending on your risk factors for diabetes)

Talk to your health-care provider and be sure you receive regular testing for type 2 diabetes.

MANAGING GESTATIONAL DIABETES

HEALTHY DIET

Enjoy foods from all four of the food groups and spread out your foods by eating smaller meals and snacks. This will help you manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels and provide the best nutrition for you and your growing baby.

ACHIEVE NORMAL PREGNANCY WEIGHT GAIN

The amount of weight you gain will vary depending on your weight before your pregnancy. Weight loss is not recommended. Talk to your health-care provider about appropriate weight gain for you.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Regular physical activity can help control your blood glucose (sugar) levels. It can also help you:

• Boost your energy
• Sleep better
• Reduce stress
• Get your body back faster after childbirth
• Reduce pregnancy discomfort
• Prepare for childbirth

Make sure you talk to your health-care provider about the right type and amount of activity for you.

CHECK YOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE AT HOME

Checking your blood glucose (sugar) with a blood glucose (sugar) meter will help you and your health-care team manage your gestational diabetes.

TAKE INSULIN, IF NEEDED

Sometimes healthy eating and physical activity are not enough to manage blood glucose (sugar) levels and your health-care provider may recommend insulin injections for the duration of your pregnancy. Insulin will help keep your blood glucose (sugar) level within your target range. This will help to keep you and your baby in good health. Your health-care team can answer your questions and support you through this important time in your life. Your team may include your doctor, nurse and dietitian.