Gestational Diabetes Education Program
Gestational diabetes (GDM) develops when the expectant mother's pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to cover the body's needs during pregnancy. Untreated, gestational diabetes can cause the baby to grow so large that it must be born by cesarean section. The newborn baby of a mother high blood glucose (sugar) may also have breathing problems or low blood glucose.
Gestational diabetes can be difficult to detect because there are usually no symptoms. For this reason, all pregnant women are checked for high blood glucose. At every prenatal visit, your urine is checked for signs of diabetes. Between the 24th - 28 th week of pregnancy, a blood sample is checked for glucose. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to schedule the blood glucose test.
If you develop gestational diabetes, talk with your doctor about the best plan of care for you and your baby. This may include dietary changes, exercise and blood glucose monitoring. Scottsdale Healthcare's gestational diabetes program can help you learn what to do and how to modify your diet to help control your blood glucose. Our caring, experienced staff of Certified Diabetes Educators can help you learn to manage your gestational diabetes.
Scottsdale Healthcare's gestational diabetes services include:
- Nutritional counseling and meal planning for weight and blood glucose management
- Self-care guidelines during pregnancy including physical activity, recommended screenings and blood glucose monitoring
- Insulin or oral medication management instruction (if needed)
- Diabetes prevention class (no charge) 3-6 months post partum