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Diabetes Is Not So Sweet
Diabetes During Pregnancy
By Crystal Patriarche
"Women who have gestational diabetes have up to a 25 percent chance of developing diabetes later in life," Evans says. "It becomes even more common if you are obese, do not maintain sugar levels and do not exercise." Once you have had gestational diabetes and become pregnant again, you should be screened earlier in the next pregnancy, Ellis says.
In general, there are women who are at higher risk of developing diabetes or gestational diabetes. They include women who are over 30, obese, have had a very large baby and specific ethnic backgrounds. Diabetes occurs more frequently in African-Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Pacific Islanders and American Indians.
In addition to aggressively monitoring blood sugar to reduce the risk of complications, diet plays a key role in managing both pre-existing and gestational diabetes.
Ellis recommends that diabetic pregnant women see a registered dietician to get a specific diet and plan tailored to the individual. "Nothing is really off limits; it should be more about timing, portion size and balance within a meal, and checking blood sugars at least four times a day to see how you're doing," she says.
Dr. Evans says to cut down on carbohydrates, including cookies, candy, cake and pie, but agrees that it's not an intolerable diet, and small portions of these are allowed. "We should all be on this type of diet; it wouldn't hurtanyone," she says.
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