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Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy among women who do not already have diabetes.
On the rise, experts are concerned.
Just last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a 30% increase in gestational diabetes (GDM), the official term for gestational diabetes, among women who gave birth during 2016. And in 2020.
The agency noted that gestational diabetes rates increased with maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and number of births per pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.).
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According to a CDC study, gestational diabetes rates in 2020 ranged from 4.7% in Mississippi to 12.6% in Alaska.
“Approximately 50% of women with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes,” warns the CDC.
Rates of GDM also varied by maternal race, with non-Hispanic Asians having the highest rate of 14.9% and non-Hispanic Black women having the lowest rate of 14.9% among the six largest racial and Hispanic groups surveyed. said it was 6.5%. to a recent report.
Insulin works less
“During pregnancy, the mother’s hormones ‘compete’ with hormones produced by the placenta, resulting in weaker or less sensitive insulin activity,” said Sue Ellen, national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Anderson Haynes said. We are headquartered in Chicago.
“When this happens, mothers are unable to keep their blood sugar levels in the normal range, and medical intervention is often required to stabilize blood sugar levels during pregnancy.”
“This is called insulin resistance,” she added.
“When this happens, mothers are unable to keep their blood sugar levels in the normal range, and medical intervention is often required to stabilize blood sugar levels during pregnancy.”
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There are important steps you can take to prevent it in advance.
Studies show that some ways to reduce the risk of developing GDM include seeking guidance from a Registered Dietitian Dietitian (RDN) who can help make dietary and lifestyle changes to safely lower blood sugar levels. Anderson-Haynes said that it has been shown that
Maintaining a healthy weight is important
She encourages women to maintain a healthy weight “by eating nutritious foods and engaging in regular physical activity most days” before conception.
Also, “Be careful of the food you eat,” she said.
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“Try to limit fried foods, ultra-processed foods such as potato chips and French fries, refined carbohydrates such as white rice, fatty foods, especially saturated fats, processed meats, and foods high in sugar such as sugary drinks. please,” added Anderson Haynes.
“Instead, make sure you eat a balanced diet of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy/dairy alternatives, and protein foods.
She notes that GDM nutrition is somewhat similar to that of type 1 diabetes (caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin) and type 2 diabetes (caused by weight gain-induced insulin resistance). and lifestyle factors).
The types of foods she recommends are high in fiber, healthy dietary fats, low-fat dairy (or dairy alternatives), and lean protein with an emphasis on a low glycemic index.
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She also recommended eating carbohydrates that slowly raise blood sugar levels.
“Individualized nutrition is key,” she said.
A full medical team may be required
However, if a mother develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy, Anderson-Haynes says the OB-GYN should refer an RDN, who is also an endocrinologist, maternal-fetal health expert, and certified diabetes care and education expert. It states that mothers can be introduced to a multidisciplinary team that includes:
“For many women, GDM can be managed with dietary and lifestyle interventions.”
However, if these changes don’t control your blood sugar levels, you may need insulin, according to the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Health Care Standards.
After pregnancy, women with GDM should be followed up with their diabetes health care team, usually at the postnatal visit 6-8 weeks after conception.
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This team ideally includes an endocrinologist and an RDN specializing in women’s health and diabetes.
When diagnosed with GDM, both providers and patients need to act quickly to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Treatment is individualized.
Some women need medication to manage their high blood sugar, while others just need to manage their diet and lifestyle, she noted.
The good news is that type 2 diabetes is preventable. Studies show that it can go into remission with medically supervised intensive care, he said, Anderson-Haynes.
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She recommends some nutritional “pearl” wisdom to follow in order to stay healthy.
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“Simple tips include focusing on plant foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains), limiting fried or ultra-processed foods, foods with added sugar, and sugar-sweetened drinks.
And remember to exercise most days of the week, maintain good sleep hygiene, and manage your stress appropriately.
According to the 2020-2025 US Dietary Guidelines, adults should aim for 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit or equivalent per day.
And according to the American Heart Association, women should limit their added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons (25 grams of sugar), while men should limit their intake to 9 teaspoons (36 grams of sugar) each day. .
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“Dried fruit has more sugar than whole fruit because the sugar is more concentrated because the water has been removed,” says Anderson Haynes.
“Fruit is good for you because it contains natural sugars and is rich in nutrients such as fiber and antioxidants.”
“Take it easy with smoothie bowls and fruit drinks”
However, too much fruit (especially in one serving) can cause blood sugar spikes if not balanced with other nutrients.
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“So take it easy on your smoothie bowl and fruit drink,” she advised.
Finally, when diagnosed with GDM, both providers and patients need to act quickly to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, she said.
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For more information, we recommend the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website, the American Diabetes Association website, or the “How an RDN can help with Diabetes” website when searching for RDN guidance.