What is Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women usually have a slightly higher blood glucose level for development of the fetus.  However, hormonal changes in pregnant women may also lead to insulin resistance resulting in a higher glucose level, a condition known as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus(GDM).  GDM could be diagnosed by OGTT.  According to international definition, a pregnant woman is diagnosed with GDM if her fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 5.1 mmol/L, 1-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 10.0 mmol/L, or 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 8.5 mmol/L1.

If a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes does not receive proper treatment, both she and her foetus can be seriously affected. (e.g. the baby being large for its gestational age, premature birth etc.), so follow dietitian and doctor advice on dietary control.

If a pregnant woman has the following risk factors, her chance of having gestational diabetes is higher.

• Over 35 years history of polycystic ovary syndrome
• History of gestational diabetes
• Had delivered a baby with birth weight over 4 kg
• Family history of diabetes in first degree relatives
• Overweight (BMI > 25)
  BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ (Height (m) × Height (m) )

If a pregnant woman with GDM does not receive proper treatment, both she and her foetus can be seriously affected (e.g. the baby being large for its gestational age, premature birth etc.). So, it is important to follow dietitian and doctor advice on dietary control.

Maintaining glucose levels is a significant part of managing gestational diabetes. High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can have a negative impact on both parent and child. Keeping your glucose levels within the target range as determined with your doctor helps reduce the likelihood that you or your child will experience complications during the pregnancy and after they are born.

One of the options for monitoring your glucose levels is using a CGM system such as Dexcom G7. Unlike using a traditional blood glucose monitor (BGM), using CGM for gestational diabetes allows you to get real-time glucose readings without routine fingersticks.

Maintaining a healthy diet can contribute to better glucose control and support overall health during pregnancy, and beyond.

Dexcom G7 can make it easy to see how different foods impact your glucose levels. By using CGM technology, you can easily spot changes in your glucose before and after you eat. With this information, you can better understand how eating certain meals at certain times affects your glucose control.

Physical activity can help to control glucose levels. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity over at least three days each week. Parents experiencing gestational diabetes should not try to lose weight during pregnancy, but gaining too much weight can increase the risk of complications.

Using Dexcom G7 during your pregnancy can make it easier to keep an eye on your glucose while you exercise, so you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to see how your glucose levels are changing.