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PatiëntinformatieNutritional advice and control of your blood sugar
You are diagnosed having gestational diabetes due to an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Management of gestational diabetes starts with a diet. This brochure gives you information about nutrition during pregnancy. There are also some general nutritional advices, though specified for pregnancy. A healthy diet during pregnancy is important CarbohydratesAll carbohydrates are turned into glucose by our body. Glucose is fuel for our cells. Insulin makes sure that glucose can enter cells. When you consume too many carbohydrates at once, the body suddenly needs more insulin to let all the glucose pass the cell membranes. Normally, this is not a problem, but with a disturbed glucose metabolism, it is. The glucose will then stay in your bloodstream, which will lead to a high(er) blood glucose. Because glucose passes the placenta, the unborn baby will receive extra sugar. Due to an increased availability of glucose in the maternal bloodstream, children tend to grow faster than is desirable. Make sure you have a regular intake consisting of 3 main courses and 2 to 4 snacks. This way the intake of carbohydrates is divided throughout the day. “Carbohydrates” is a collective term for:
Limit the use of sugar and sugar rich products
Eat enough dietary fibersDietary fibers play an important role in our diet. Fibers are indigestible parts of vegetable foods. They are needed for an optimal functioning of the gut. Fibers from fruit, vegetables and legumes have a favorable effect on glucose and cholesterol levels in your blood. Nutrition during pregnancyA healthy diet during pregnancy is important. The baby is depending on the nutrition you take, though more than usual in not needed. During pregnancy you need more energy, but you also are less active which means you use less energy. When you eat the amounts mentioned below, you will receive enough nutrients for you and your child. Required amounts a daySource: Voedingscentrum- eerlijk over eten During the pregnancy you have to be carefull with the following foods and drinks:
VitaminesThere are also some recommendations that are specific for pregnant women. The use of folic acid and vitamin D are advisable. Folic acid (400 μg= 0.4 mg daily) is needed from at least four weeks before the fertilization up to, and including the first eight weeks of the pregnancy. Extra vitamin D is needed during the entire pregnancy. Do not use a combined vitamin A-D preparation. This is to prevent an overdose of vitamin A. You can also choose to take multi-vitamin specific for pregnant women, such as Gravitamon/Davitamon mamma. This contains the extra recommended folic acid and vitamin D and all other micro-nutrients you need in your pregnancy. Glucose measurementsTo monitor the glucose (sugar) level in your blood during pregnancy, you should regularly take a daily glucose curve as explained to you by the nurse. Measurements are taken for four times a day:
After the first week of your diet, you will measure your glucose levels and inform the nurse of the Transmuraal Vrouwen Dagcentrum of the results. The nurse will (after possible conference with the doctor) advise on further policy. Thereafter, you will measure a glucose curve once a week. The glucose levels need to be maintained within normal range. For normal ranges see the patient information on glucose measurements. If the glucose levels are not within the normal range, you need to contact the nurse of the Transmuraal Vrouwen Dagcentrum. It is also desirable to communicatie once a month your blood glucose levels. Example of a healthy dietIf you are already being treated by a dietician, your diet may deviate from this examble menu. Then do not use this example menu, but follow the advice of your dietician. ContactWhen you have questions regarding this information you can contact: Transmuraal Vrouwen Dagcentrum Nurse practitioner Diabetes contacted via the Brugpoli Laatst bijgewerkt op 25 oktober 2021 Can you be incorrectly diagnosed with gestational diabetes?As with most screening tests, a false-positive diagnosis of gestational diabetes is of course possible. Research suggests this may be more common when gestational diabetes is diagnosed earlier in pregnancy with a glucose tolerance test [GTT]2,3.
What is the normal blood sugar level for a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes?We suggest the following target for women testing blood glucose levels during pregnancy: Before a meal: 95 mg/dl or less. One hour after a meal: 140 mg/dl or less. Two hours after a meal: 120 mg/dl or less.
How often should I check my blood sugar with gestational diabetes?You may need to test your blood several times a day. Generally, these times are fasting (first thing in the morning before you eat) and 2 hours after each meal. Occasionally, you may be asked to test more frequently during the day or at night.
Is gestational diabetes low blood sugar or high blood sugar?Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health.
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