GD Index Page

Gestational Diabetes:

Frequently Asked Questions

by Kmom

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your health care provider. Please see Website Disclosure Information below.

Please note: The information in the GD section of this website is not as up-to-date as some of the other sections. Four children and a health crisis in the extended family has made it difficult to keep up to date with everything on this site, and this part of the site has been one of the more neglected areas.

Do keep in mind, though, that the information here is still good, but newer references need to be added and the writing style needs revising. This will be done in time, but for now, keep in mind as you read that some of this information needs updating.

*Important: If you are new to GD, then read the 'Introduction' first, then 'GD: What is It?',

and 'Basic Treatment Protocol' sections for an overview

A. Introduction to Gestational Diabetes

Introduction (read this first) - purpose of this FAQ, who wrote it and why, special notes and links to other gd websites

B. Basic Information About Gestational Diabetes

GD: What Is It? - An overview of what gd is, how it happens, a summary of the main controversies, treatment approaches, basic study references to read
GD: Who Is At Risk? - risk factors for gd, rates of occurrence
GD: Basic Treatment Protocols - standard of care you are most likely to encounter, what you probably can expect, basic overview of most common treatment controversies
GD: Basic Treatment Protocols References - extensive references for Treatment Protocols
GD: Can It Be Prevented? - proactive measures to take if you don't have gd but are at risk
A Short History of Gestational Diabetes as a Clinical Entity - how the 'gd' concept came about

C. Testing and Gestational Diabetes

GD: Glucose Testing Information - different types of tests, diagnostic cutoffs, testing alternatives, debate over testing issues, study references
GD: Ketone Testing - what are ketones, their importance, how to test, troubleshooting problems
GD: Blood Glucose Meters and Self-Testing - hints for use/testing, taking care of your glucometer
GD: The Numbers Game - what all the numbers mean, considering context, common misunderstandings, what is normal?

D. Treatment of Gestational Diabetes (be sure to read GD: Basic Treatment Protocols first, above)

GD: Nutrition Questions - basic info, what are carbs/how to count them, 'eating diabetically', sample food plan, vitamins and herbs etc., artificial sweeteners, fast food choices
GD Providers: Who To See? - OB vs. midwife vs. family doctor, other personnel if needed, the importance of doulas, where to birth, childbirth education choices
GD: Troubleshooting High Readings - practical tips to try, common mistakes, reading errors, things that can give you an artificially high or low reading, when insulin is needed
GD and Exercise - how exercise may lower the risks, what's appropriate, hypoglycemia concerns
GD: What If I Need Insulin?- when insulin is needed, prophylactic insulin debate, practical tips on insulin use, perspectives from moms who have needed insulin

E. After the GD Pregnancy

GD: Post-Partum Care and Concerns - recovery from a c-section if you have one, emotional recovery, follow-up testing protocols
GD: Birth Control Decisions - special considerations after gd, general info, options when nursing
GD and Breastfeeding: A Special Relationship - special benefits for the gd mom and baby, getting a good breastfeeding start despite common gd protocols
GD and Breastfeeding: References - extensive references for the GD and Breastfeeding FAQ
GD: Planning A Subsequent Pregnancy - special considerations, risks, early testing, being proactive, recurrence rates, nutrition, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, etc.
GD: Risk of Future Diabetes - chances of getting full-blown diabetes in the future, the weight loss dilemma, minimizing risks, changing lifestyles, being proactive, keeping a positive attitude

F. Further Gestational Diabetes Resources

GD Birth Stories - gd birth stories of all types: normal, inspiring, cautionary, c/s, VBAC, twins
GD: Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations - common terms, what the abbreviations mean

Note: This section on GD is very time-consuming to research/write; many parts still under construction. Be sure to check back periodically for new additions.

UNDER DEVELOPMENT

GD: Delivery Protocols - prenatal testing protocols, delivery controversies, avoiding inductions, pros and cons of various induction techniques, hints for handling inductions if necessary, neonatal tests
GD and VBACs: Can It Be Done?- yes, you can have gd and still have a VBAC! (how to maximize your chances)

Website Disclosure Information: This website is written and sponsored by Kmom, a childbirth educator and freelance writer who has read extensively about obesity, pregnancy, and related topics in both the lay and medical literature, as well as in 'alternative' childbirth education sources. This is not a commercial website; Kmom does not make any money off of this website and does not endorse any products mentioned herein.

It is important to remember that all health resources (and particularly those online) should be looked at with a discerning and critical eye. The purpose of this website is simply to present further information for women to consider in their healthcare treatment and give resources so that women can pursue their own investigation. This website does not offer any medical advice, and none should be inferred from it.

This website presents both facts and opinions, although opinions do not imply medical advice. The website tries in particular to present more than one point of view so that readers may see arguments for many sides of an issue. Kmom makes every effort to label opinions and personal experience as such, and also presents references and resource lists so that others may investigate further and make up their own minds. Caveat Emptor.

Many of these FAQs last revised: March-2002

Correspondences to: kmom at plus-size-pregnancy dot org