GESTATIONAL DIABETES: DIAGNOSIS AND DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

Course overview

A woman with gestational diabetes mellitus can have a healthy pregnancy if the condition is well managed. Since GDM is increasing in the United States and globally, dietitians who work in maternal child health must have a good grasp of how pregnancy alters glucose metabolism, what risk assessment is required and what test results indicate a pregnant woman has crossed into GDM. Aside from the straightforward guidelines on diet and exercise, serum glucose parameters and fetal monitoring, the dietitian needs to pay attention to how the patient is handling the diagnosis of GDM and self-care regimens. Any complication with pregnancy, including GDM, is not welcome news.