Gestational diabetes check at how many weeks?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on November 22, 2024
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Screening for gestational diabetes is generally recommended between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, using a 75g glucose tolerance test to measure fasting blood glucose, blood glucose one hour after consuming glucose, and blood glucose two hours after consuming glucose. However, for pregnant women with high-risk factors, it is recommended to screen for blood glucose at their first prenatal visit. High-risk factors include women with a history of gestational diabetes, a history of delivering a large baby, obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome, those with a first-degree relative with a history of diabetes, positive fasting blood glucose or urinary glucose in early pregnancy, those who have had multiple unexplained miscarriages, fetal malformation, stillbirth history, and women who have given birth to newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. These women should all be screened for blood glucose at their first prenatal visit.

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incidence of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes that appears or is diagnosed during pregnancy, or any degree of glucose tolerance abnormality, which is classified as an independent type of diabetes. Diabetes combined with pregnancy or gestational diabetes can pose serious risks to the health of both mother and child. Before national screening of blood sugar levels during pregnancy was initiated, the detection rate of gestational diabetes was not very high, only 0.24%. However, with the widespread implementation of blood sugar screening during pregnancy, the current incidence rate of gestational diabetes is approximately 1% to 5%.

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Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to the abnormality of blood sugar levels that occurs during pregnancy, at which time it is called gestational diabetes. The reason for the occurrence of gestational diabetes is due to significant changes in the body's endocrine hormones after pregnancy. The body releases many hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can increase insulin resistance. Thus, a much greater amount of insulin is needed to maintain normal blood sugar levels. If the pancreatic beta cells are not sufficient to compensate for the increased insulin secretion needed to meet the normal metabolic requirements caused by these resistance factors, then elevated blood sugar and abnormal glucose metabolism occur, ultimately leading to gestational diabetes.

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What to eat for diabetic foot

For patients with diabetic foot ulcers, first, their diet should control blood sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index like porridge, glutinous rice, and rice noodle rolls should be avoided. Additionally, sweet foods are also off-limits; it's important for meals to be regular and measured. Second, as patients with diabetic foot ulcers need nutrients for wound healing, they can eat foods high in protein such as eggs, fish, fish soup, and lean meats to promote wound healing. Third, if the patient also has high blood lipids, it's advisable to maintain a light diet and avoid greasy foods.

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Type 2 diabetes daily diet

Type II diabetes requires careful daily dietary considerations. First, meals should be regular and moderate in portion; overeating is to be avoided. Second, ideally consume only three meals a day and avoid late-night snacks, which is a habit that many people have but is inadvisable. Third, the amount of carbohydrates per meal should be controlled; about 100 grams of staple food per meal is sufficient for those who perform moderate physical labor and do not engage in heavy physical activities. Fourth, sweet foods like pastries and cakes, which are high in sugar, should be completely avoided. Fifth, foods like porridge and glutinous rice, which have a high glycemic index, are not recommended. Lastly, very sweet fruits such as lychees, longans, durians, grapes, and bananas are too sugary and not suitable for consumption.

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Key Points of Diabetic Foot Care

First, a daily foot examination is necessary, including the top, bottom, and toes. Carefully observe the skin's color, temperature, and moisture level, check for edema, skin lesions, and assess sensory and motor reflexes. Second, maintain a daily routine of soaking the feet in warm water. The water temperature should not exceed 40°C, with the soaking time ideally between 10 to 20 minutes. Third, regularly trim your toenails. Long toenails can easily break and damage the surrounding tissue, thus it is important for diabetic foot patients to regularly trim their nails. Fourth, the breathability of shoes and socks is important. It is advised not to wear sandals or slippers that expose the skin of the feet since exposed skin is more susceptible to injuries. Fifth, never walk barefoot. Sixth, avoid using electric blankets, hot water bottles, heating by the fire, and cupping therapy, to prevent burns on your feet. Seventh, maintain proper skin moisture. For patients with sweaty feet prone to excessive sweating, fungal infections may occur. It is recommended to wipe the spaces between toes with medical alcohol during foot baths, and to add a small amount of vinegar to the footbath water, as a bifunctional environment discourages fungal growth. Eighth, actively control blood sugar levels in diabetes. Ninth, maintain moderate exercise. Frequently elevate the affected limb to facilitate blood return and improve circulation in the lower limbs.