While diabetes awareness is typically targeted toward diabetes types 1 and 2, gestational diabetes affects between 2 and 10% of pregnant women. It’s considered one of the biggest health risks during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can put both you and your baby at risk for many dangerous conditions, including preterm birth, large birth weight, stillbirth and preeclampsia.

Risk Factors:

• Being overweight
• Being related to someone who had or has diabetes
• Being Hispanic/Latina, African American, American Indian, Asian American, Alaska Native or Pacific Islander
• Being over the age of 25
• Having gestational diabetes or a very large baby in a previous pregnancy
• High blood pressure or heart disease

Lower You Risk:

Although you can’t control some of the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes, there are a few precautionary steps you can take to lower your risk.

What you put in your body is so important during pregnancy.

• Increase your fiber intake.

• Avoid drinking soda.

• Reduce your intake of animal protein. Replace your animal protein intake, particularly red meat, with vegetable protein. Several studies have shown that a diet high in animal protein is associated with an increased risk for gestational diabetes, while a diet high in vegetable protein decreases your risk.
• Exercise.  Staying active is important during pregnancy. Exercise helps keep your glucose levels healthy. If your doctor gives you the okay, aim to exercise 30 minutes 5 time a week to help control your glucose levels.

If you are you concerned about your risk for gestational diabetes, contact Women’s Care Group and schedule an appointment with us.