Gestational diabetes screening time

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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The screening time for gestational diabetes refers to all pregnant women undergoing a 75-gram glucose tolerance test between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to measure blood sugar levels and determine the presence of gestational diabetes. However, for pregnant women at high risk, including those with a history of gestational diabetes, delivery of a large fetus, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, a family history of diabetes, positive urinary glucose in early pregnancy, or unexplained recurrent miscarriages, fetal malformations, stillbirths, or even a history of childbirth with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, blood sugar should be monitored as early as possible to understand the situation.

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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 Liang Yin
Endocrinology
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How is gestational diabetes treated?

The treatment of gestational diabetes includes dietary therapy, exercise therapy, and insulin therapy. For dietary therapy, we mainly control the total calorie intake and supplement with elements such as calcium, iron, folic acid, and various vitamins; in exercise therapy, we aim to control the speed of weight gain, improve the peripheral tissues' utilization of glucose, and improve the lipid profile. For patients whose blood glucose levels do not meet the standards after two weeks of diet and exercise therapy, we initiate insulin therapy. The goal of insulin therapy is to control fasting blood glucose below 5.3 and postprandial blood glucose below 6.7. The methods of insulin therapy include twice daily injections, multiple daily injections, or the use of an insulin pump.

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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 Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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How to treat gestational diabetes?

The treatment principle for gestational diabetes is to control blood sugar and then ensure the normal development of the child. There are many methods to control blood sugar. First, it involves diet management guided by a doctor, adjusting the diet's structure and quantity, followed by post-meal exercise. If after a week of adjusted diet and post-meal exercise, blood sugar levels still do not meet the standards, insulin injections can be used to keep the pregnant woman's blood sugar within the prescribed range. This can help reduce the impact of diabetes on the fetus and the pregnant woman.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
45sec home-news-image

Gestational diabetes screening time

The screening time for gestational diabetes refers to all pregnant women undergoing a 75-gram glucose tolerance test between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to measure blood sugar levels and determine the presence of gestational diabetes. However, for pregnant women at high risk, including those with a history of gestational diabetes, delivery of a large fetus, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, a family history of diabetes, positive urinary glucose in early pregnancy, or unexplained recurrent miscarriages, fetal malformations, stillbirths, or even a history of childbirth with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, blood sugar should be monitored as early as possible to understand the situation.