Dietary Guidance for Gestational Diabetes

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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The dietary principles for gestational diabetes are consistent with those for non-pregnant diabetes. Firstly, the total daily caloric intake should be balanced, with carbohydrates accounting for 50%-60%, proteins for 15%-20%, and fats for 20%-30%. The overall principle is to eat smaller, more frequent meals, ideally adding two to three snacks to the three main meals per day. Common foods primarily include milk, proteins, egg whites, and fruits. Then, generally maintain the level of diet before pregnancy without overly restricting it. It is advisable to consume a significant amount of vegetables, no less than 500 grams daily, to supplement vitamins and fiber.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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High-risk factors for gestational diabetes

High-risk factors for gestational diabetes include: women older than 35 years, those with a history of gestational diabetes, history of delivering large babies, obesity, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, first-degree relatives with a family history of diabetes, early pregnancy checks showing fasting hyperglycemia or positive glucosuria, patients who have had multiple spontaneous miscarriages without obvious causes, fetal malformations, stillbirths, and patients with a history of delivering newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. Women with the above high-risk factors should undergo early testing for fasting blood glucose and a 75-gram glucose tolerance test to diagnose gestational diabetes and initiate early intervention.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Diabetes during pregnancy, compared to diabetes outside of pregnancy, still presents symptoms such as polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria, but does not manifest as weight loss. Due to the increase in body weight from the enlarging uterus, fetus, and amniotic fluid during pregnancy, signs of weight loss are not evident. There are generally two types of diabetes in pregnancy. One is when diabetes pre-exists before pregnancy, which is termed diabetes mellitus with pregnancy; the other is when blood sugar levels were normal before pregnancy and diabetes develops during pregnancy, known as gestational diabetes. Over 90% of pregnant women with diabetes have gestational diabetes. Those with gestational diabetes have abnormal glucose metabolism, but most can return to normal after childbirth; however, the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future increases.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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What are the symptoms of a baby born to a mother with gestational diabetes?

During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman suffers from high blood glucose, it can potentially impact the fetus's growth and development. After the baby is born, this may result in a larger size of the fetus, and a decrease in the baby's immune system, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. If high blood glucose occurs during pregnancy, it is important to control the diet promptly, eat less sugary food, and also control the portion of food. If necessary, medical treatment under the guidance of a doctor can also be conducted to maintain blood glucose at a stable level. If blood glucose is well-controlled during pregnancy, the baby will be just like other healthy babies after birth.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Exercise for Gestational Diabetes

Exercise can increase insulin sensitivity and can lower blood sugar independently of insulin. Therefore, patients with gestational diabetes can also exercise appropriately, which is beneficial for the utilization of blood sugar and helps lower it. The exercise for gestational diabetes generally involves regular, rhythmic aerobic exercises, which can include upper body exercises, gymnastics, and previously mentioned activities. The duration of exercise should generally be around 20-30 minutes, and it is advisable to exercise about one hour after meals. The frequency of exercise should be three to five times per week. During exercise, the heart rate should not exceed 120 beats per minute to avoid intense physical activity.

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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.