November is National Diabetes Awareness Month: What Women Should Know About Gestational Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. This is a crucial time to spotlight various forms of diabetes, especially Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), which affects expectant mothers. Understanding GDM is vital for a healthy pregnancy, and compassionate care is key to managing it effectively.

A close-up view of a woman seated at a wooden table using a white blood glucose meter and a test strip to monitor her blood sugar. In the foreground is a bowl of oatmeal with berries, suggesting management through dietary control.

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

GDM is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who didn't have diabetes beforehand. It occurs when the body can't produce enough insulin to handle the pregnancy-related changes. Screening usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks. If you have risk factors, your Gynecologist in Sarasota may recommend testing earlier.

A smiling pregnant woman in athletic wear sits cross-legged on a yoga mat with her hands in a prayer pose. The bright, modern kitchen background features fresh fruits and vegetables, emphasizing healthy diet and exercise during pregnancy.

Potential Risks for Mother and Baby

Uncontrolled GDM can pose risks, including preeclampsia for the mother and excessive birth weight (macrosomia) for the baby. Our patient-centered approach ensures clear communication about these risks, guiding you through dietary changes and necessary monitoring to keep your pregnancy on track. Our goal is always to support low-intervention labor when safe and appropriate.

A smiling pregnant woman is seated, looking at a nurse who is drawing a blood sample from her arm. This image represents the screening process for conditions like gestational diabetes.

The Screening Process

Diagnosis often involves an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If the test results indicate GDM, our experienced team will work with you immediately to create a flexible, personalized management plan. This typically starts with monitoring blood sugar levels and implementing nutritional adjustments.

A smiling new mother wearing a light blue dress sits in a comfortable chair, tenderly holding her newborn baby who is swaddled and sleeping. The scene is softly lit, symbolizing a positive outcome and postpartum well-being.

Management and Postpartum Care

GDM is usually manageable through diet and exercise, but sometimes insulin or other medication is required. The good news is that GDM often resolves shortly after delivery. However, women who experience it have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, making follow-up care with your Gynecologist in Sarasota essential.

Prioritizing Your Health

Your health and the health of your baby are our focus. If you have questions about GDM screening or require patient-centered prenatal care, trust the compassionate team at University Park OBGYN. Schedule an appointment with a leading Gynecologist in Sarasota today.

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Tags: Gestational Diabetes Sarasota OBGYN Prenatal Care