WHAT IS GDM ?
GDM stands for gestational diabetes mellitus. It’s a condition that develops during pregnancy when your body can’t produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps your cells use blood sugar for energy. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can be harmful to both mother and baby.
*Onset: Develops during pregnancy, most likely in the second trimester but can occur in any trimester.
*Cause: Increased resistance to insulin due to hormones produced by the placenta.
*Symptoms: Often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms, but some may experience increased thirst, urination, or fatigue.
*Risks: If uncontrolled, can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby, such as pre-eclampsia, large baby size (macrosomia), birth defects, and breathing problems in the newborn.
*Management: Typically involves a combination of healthy diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. In some cases, medication may be needed.
*Diagnosis: Diagnosed through blood sugar tests, usually a fasting blood sugar test and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO CHECK BLOOD SUGARS FREQUENTLY IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS (GDM)
*To monitor blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day: Blood sugar levels can rise and fall throughout the day, even for people with GDM who are carefully managing their condition. Frequent monitoring helps identify these fluctuations and make necessary adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication.
*To adjust insulin doses based on current blood sugar levels: If you’re using insulin to manage your diabetes, checking your blood sugar levels regularly will help you determine if you need to adjust your dosage. This is especially important after meals, as well as before meals especially in GDM’s.
*To identify and address potential problems early on: High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby. By checking your blood sugar levels regularly, you can identify any potential problems early on and take steps to address them.
*To make informed decisions about food choices and activity levels: Knowing your blood sugar levels can help you make informed decisions about what to eat and how much to eat. This can help you keep your blood sugar levels in the target range and improve your overall health.
*To improve overall diabetes and pregnancy outcomes: Good blood sugar control is essential for both mother and baby’s health. By checking your blood sugar levels regularly and making necessary adjustments to your diet, exercise, and medication, you can help improve your overall diabetes and pregnancy outcomes.
It’s important to note that the specific frequency of blood sugar monitoring for GDM patients may vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of the condition, the presence of other risk factors,