Gestational Diabetes
Overview
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It means your blood sugar is higher than normal because some pregnancy hormones do not let insulin work the way it should. Between 3-20% of women develop GDM during pregnancy.
Screening for GDM is done between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. GDM usually goes away after your baby is born. Women who have had GDM are at a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.
After completing routine testing for Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy, your health care provider will refer you to the Diabetes Team (Tanya, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator & Liz, Registered Dietitian). You are welcome to bring a support person along with you.
Appointment Details
Appointments are for rostered patients by referral upon diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes. Please call 519-524-6060 ex. 506 for more information.
When you meet with us, you can expect:
Day 1: Initial Meeting
- One hour meeting
- Start checking blood sugar 4 times daily, as directed
- Start following carbohydrate goals and tracking what you eat
Day 8: Phone Call Appointment
- You will be asked to provide a copy of your blood sugar readings by fax or email before this phone call
- We will review dietary changes and discuss opportunities to manage blood sugar readings
Day 14: Follow-up Meeting
- Review final blood sugar readings with the Diabetes Team
- If there is a trend of continued high blood sugar readings, you may be required to start insulin at this time
