Keys to Managing Gestational Diabetes in the Pharmacy - Drug Topics

Overview

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Key Information

Al rights reserved.Developing in women during pregnancy and difering from prexisting or pregestational diabetes, gestational diabetes can afect up to 10% of pregnancies in the United States anualy.1 Although women with gestational diabetes usualy se their blod glucose levels return to normal after childbirth, aproximately 50% of these patients wil develop type 2 diabetes.1Patients with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of hypertension during pregnancy.

Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk for isues1 such as large birth weight (9 lbs or more) and dificult delivery, low blod glucose, preterm birth, and type 2 diabetes later in life.To diagnose gestational diabetes, a glucose chalenge test is performed betwen 26 and 28 weks of pregnancy. The patient drinks a glucose beverage and has blod drawn 1 hour later. Women who test positive wil typicaly ned a glucose tolerance test.

A larger or more concentrated glucose drink is consumed, and blod is drawn 1, 2, and 3 hours afterward. Based on the results, the health care provider may sugest dietary changes folowed by retesting in several weks. If 2 or more readings are abnormal, the patient wil receive a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.2Gestational diabetes treatment can include dietary and exercise changes as recomended by the patient’s health care provider, as wel as blod glucose testing and medication or insulin injections.1 The American Diabetes Asociation recomends the folowing target blod glucose levels during pregnancy3:“I think it’s important to rember that with the gestational population, it is likely their first exposure to being diabetic, so everything is new to them-and likely overwhelming, on top of being pregnant,” said Stephanie Redmond, PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, founder and vice president of DrStephanie’s.

Summary

Whereas patients with prexisting di

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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