Gestational diabetes dietary therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Randomized controlled trials suggest that the risk of GDM may be reduced by diet, exercise, and lifestyle counseling. Specific treatment will be determined by the physician(s) based on:

• Age, overall health, and medical history
• Severity of the disease
• Tolerance to specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
  

After diagnosis, treatment starts with medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, and weight management, depending on pregestational weight.^[1]
Target glucose control in gestational diabetes are:

• Fasting <95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L)

• One-hour postprandial <140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)

• Two-hour postprandial <120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L)

70-85% of patients have good glycemic control with life style modification.^[2]

Moderate amount of non-weight bearing exercise is an important adjunct to dietary advice. It is recommended that pregnant women exercise for about 20-30 minutes everyday/most days of the week.

• Many randomized controlled trials suggest that the risk of GDM may be reduced by diet, exercise, and lifestyle counseling.^[3][4]
• All women diagnosed with GDM require nutritional counseling for the appropriate amount of weight gain during pregnancy. Women with a normal BMI (20-25kg/m²) can consume about 30kcal/kg/d, while those who are overweight or obese [BMI >25-34] should restrict their diet to 25 kcal/kg/d and those that have a BMI >34 should consume 20kcal/kg/d or less.
• These patients should restrict fat intake and substitute simple or refined sugars in their diet for more complex carbohydrates.

Template:WH Template:WS