Gestational Diabetes

[jljerge]

Hello everyone, I am a nursing student at the University at Buffalo. Recently while in my clinical on a mother/baby unit a woman came in for a non-stress test due to the fact that she had developed gestational diabetes. This was her fourth child and so this was nothing new to her. However when I asked her what she had for breakfast she stated "a candybar". I left the room quite shocked since the fact that the only reason she was there was because of her gestational diabetes and certainly a candybar is not a good breakfast for her or anyone in that matter. My question is...is there a specific diabetic menu to follow with gestational diabetes, or can mothers simply follow a generic one. Also is this common for women to not take the matter of gestational diabetes very seriously because the research does show that gestational diabetes can affect the health of the mother and the baby as well develop into Type II diabetes for the mother if not properly treated and taken care of.

Thanks!!! Jenna

[SmilingBluEyes]

YES they generally are to follow an 1800 or 2200 kcal (depending on weight) Diabetic diet as prescribed by their physician or a qualified dietician. This girl is either falling through the cracks in her care--- or ----(more likely) is non-compliant in her self-care. We see this all the time and it's a shame. I have seen women admitted with sugars in the 700-800 mg/dl range----a couple of whom lost babies at 35-38 weeks' gestation due to ketoacidosis. It's a tragedy, but they ultimately control this.

Lots of non-compliance out there. I wonder about her living situation, as well as ability to afford and access healthy foods for her diet. Is she on WIC? If not, can she be enrolled? This would certainly help, but in the end, it will be UP TO HER to take care of her diabetes. Education is key, as well.