Steps for Gestational Diabetes Testing

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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The screening steps for gestational diabetes involve, for most women, the recommendation to undergo a 75-gram glucose tolerance test at the hospital between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. The method includes fasting blood draw, consuming 75 grams of glucose, and monitoring blood sugar levels one hour and two hours after glucose intake, to determine the presence of gestational diabetes. However, for pregnant women at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended to complete the 75-gram glucose tolerance test early in pregnancy to detect gestational diabetes early and initiate treatment promptly to reduce the risks to both the fetus and the mother.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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What to eat with gestational diabetes

The dietary control for gestational diabetes adheres to the same overall principles as non-pregnant diabetes management, mainly focusing on controlling total caloric intake and eating smaller, more frequent meals. This approach helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Additionally, it is important to consider the nutrients required for fetal growth and development. Generally, carbohydrate intake should make up 50%-60% of the diet, proteins 15%-20%, and fats should not exceed 30%. Foods that quickly increase blood sugar levels and are high in fat should be consumed minimally. Instead, it is beneficial to consume a lot of vegetables, at least 500 grams daily, to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and fiber.

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Written by Xu Dong Dong
Endocrinology
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Can you eat cherries if you have gestational diabetes?

Patients with gestational diabetes can eat cherries. Cherries have a relatively low sugar content and glycemic index, so eating them will not cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Additionally, cherries are rich in trace elements, particularly high in iron content, and consuming cherries can help supplement iron. Patients with gestational diabetes can eat cherries in moderation, but they should not consume too much at once, and it is recommended to eat between meals. There are also other fruits with low glycemic indices that patients with gestational diabetes can eat appropriately, such as apples, peaches, pears, oranges, and grapefruits.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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Does gestational diabetes require early delivery?

Patients with gestational diabetes primarily have higher blood sugar levels compared to normal pregnant women. For such individuals, strict blood sugar control is generally required. Poor control of blood sugar can significantly impact the baby and pose dangers during childbirth. However, for those patients with well-controlled gestational diabetes, it is possible to carry the pregnancy to full term without the need for early delivery. Early delivery, leading to a premature birth, can have a greater detrimental effect on the infant than the effects caused by high blood sugar. Therefore, patients with gestational diabetes do not need to deliver early. They can manage their condition through strict dietary control, including fetal monitoring and close monitoring of the baby’s vital signs, considering delivery only after reaching full term.

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Written by Chen Li Ping
Endocrinology
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Does gestational diabetes cause itching in the vulva?

During gestational diabetes, white blood cells have various functional defects, reduced chemotaxis, phagocytic action, and bactericidal activity. This can easily lead to infections during pregnancy or childbirth, and even develop into sepsis, often caused by bacteria or fungi. Therefore, when blood sugar is not controlled in gestational diabetes, there may be symptoms like vulvar itching, or even infections of the urinary or reproductive systems. If the infection is not further treated, it may cause preterm birth, or even septic shock. Therefore, in gestational diabetes, it is crucial to actively control blood sugar and prevent infections.

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Written by Chen Li Ping
Endocrinology
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Will gestational diabetes get better?

Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that appears or is diagnosed during pregnancy and is a distinct type of diabetes. Many women with gestational diabetes may see their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery as insulin resistance diminishes. It is recommended to conduct an OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) screening six weeks after childbirth, as the majority of women with gestational diabetes will have normal fasting blood glucose or OGTT values at six weeks postpartum. Approximately 25% to 70% of women with gestational diabetes may develop diabetes again within 16 to 25 years after delivery. Therefore, it is essential to continue monitoring the patient's blood glucose postpartum and to screen early for diabetes.