Will gestational diabetes get better?

Written by Chen Li Ping

Endocrinology

Updated on December 03, 2024

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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.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun

Endocrinology

50sec

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Does gestational diabetes require hospitalization?

Patients with gestational diabetes who initially have adequate blood sugar control do not need to be hospitalized; however, those with poor blood sugar control require further hospitalization for observation and treatment. In addition to diet and exercise, medication control such as insulin therapy is currently recommended for managing blood sugar in gestational diabetes. Insulin therapy must be used under strict medical supervision to avoid hypoglycemia. Since both high and low blood sugar levels can have a dual impact on pregnant women and fetuses, the need for hospitalization for patients with gestational diabetes mainly depends on their blood sugar levels.

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Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 7sec

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Can pregnant women with gestational diabetes eat dragon fruit?

For patients with gestational diabetes, it is permissible to eat dragon fruit. Since dragon fruit contains relatively low sugar levels, it can be consumed. However, it should not be eaten in excess, as excessive consumption can still lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In the treatment of gestational diabetes, we should not cause the pregnant woman's weight to decrease, hence a low-calorie treatment is not advocated. Generally, the total calories are calculated based on standard weight, approximately 30 to 35 kcal per kilogram of body weight per day. Sugars should make up about 50%, proteins 20%-25%, and fats 25%-30%. It is best to divide these into three main meals and three snacks, adjusting the proportion and calorie content of the diet according to body type. Therefore, patients with gestational diabetes can eat dragon fruit, and it can be consumed as a snack between main meals.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

39sec

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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 Xu Dong Dong

Endocrinology

53sec

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What kind of milk should be consumed for gestational diabetes?

Patients with gestational diabetes can drink pure milk, which contains rich nutrients such as protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Milk protein contains essential amino acids for the human body, and milk fat mostly consists of short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily absorbed by the human body. Moreover, milk is rich in calcium, making it suitable for pregnant women to supplement calcium. The daily consumption of milk can be 500mL, taken in two to three servings, choosing either pure milk or skimmed pure milk. If unsweetened yogurt is available, it is also acceptable to drink. It is important to note that one should try to avoid buying milk powder, as it often contains some additives that are not conducive to blood sugar control.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

52sec

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Dietary Guidance for Gestational Diabetes

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.