Gestational diabetes is a common complication of pregnancy, which may bring many health risks to mothers and infants. It is very important to know the nursing methods of diabetes during pregnancy to ensure the health of mothers and infants.
1、 Know diabetes during pregnancy
There are two types of diabetes during pregnancy. One is "diabetes with pregnancy", that is, diabetes has been diagnosed before pregnancy; The other is "gestational diabetes (GDM)", that is, diabetes occurs or is diagnosed only during pregnancy after normal glucose metabolism or potential impaired glucose tolerance before pregnancy. In China, the incidence of GDM is about 1% to 5%, and has shown a significant increasing trend in recent years. Most pregnant women with diabetes can recover normal glucose metabolism after delivery, but the chance of suffering from type II diabetes will increase in the future. Diabetes in pregnancy usually has no obvious symptoms of more than three or less (more drinking, more eating, more urine, weight loss), but may be accompanied by vulva itching, repeated candida infection and other symptoms. During pregnancy, if the fetus is found to be too large and amniotic fluid is too much, you should be alert to the possibility of diabetes. Pregnant women with family history of diabetes, pre pregnancy weight ≥ 90kg, birth weight ≥ 4000g, and high risk factors such as polycystic ovary syndrome, unexplained abortion, stillbirth, macrosomia or malformation delivery history should be alert to the risk of gestational diabetes.
2、 Correct nursing method
1. Diet adjustment
For patients with gestational diabetes, diet adjustment is crucial. Doctors or nutritionists will develop personalized dietary plans based on the physical condition and blood sugar levels of pregnant women. Diet should focus on low sugar, high fiber, and high protein, avoiding excessive intake of high sugar and high-fat foods. Meanwhile, pregnant women need to maintain regular meal times and portions to avoid excessive hunger or overeating. This can control blood sugar levels and maintain physical health.
During the process of dietary adjustment, pregnant women need to pay attention to the following points: (1) Control carbohydrate intake: reduce the intake of high sugar and high starch foods, such as candies, desserts, beverages, etc. Appropriately increase the intake of protein, fat, and fiber, such as lean meat, fish, beans, vegetables, etc.
(2) Maintain an appropriate intake of dietary fiber: Dietary fiber helps to lower blood sugar levels and maintain intestinal health. Pregnant women can eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole wheat bread.
(3) Control of salt intake: diabetes patients in pregnancy are prone to hypertension and other complications, so it is necessary to control salt intake. Pregnant women should eat less salty foods, such as pickled products and salted fish.
2. Moderate exercise
Reasonable exercise can help pregnant women control their blood sugar levels, enhance their physical fitness, and reduce the risk of complications. Pregnant women can choose their own suitable exercise methods, such as walking, yoga for pregnant women, swimming, etc., but should avoid intense exercise and excessive fatigue. Before exercising, pregnant women should consult with a doctor or professional to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the exercise.
During exercise, pregnant women need to pay attention to the following points: (1) Choose the appropriate exercise time and intensity: Based on their own physical condition and the doctor's advice, choose the appropriate time and intensity for exercise. Avoid exercising immediately on an empty stomach or after a meal.
(2) Maintain an appropriate frequency and duration of exercise: Develop a reasonable exercise plan based on individual circumstances and maintain an appropriate frequency and duration of exercise. Avoid excessive exercise that can cause fatigue and injury.
(3) Pay attention to safety during exercise: Pay attention to safety during exercise to avoid falling or getting injured. If you feel unwell or experience abnormal conditions, you should immediately stop exercising and consult a doctor.
3. Medication therapy
In some cases, such as when dietary adjustments and exercise cannot effectively control blood sugar levels, doctors may recommend pregnant women to use medication therapy. Drug therapy includes insulin injections and oral hypoglycemic drugs.
Insulin injection is a common treatment method mainly used to control blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that promotes the absorption and utilization of glucose by cells, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. Pregnant women need to inject insulin according to the doctor's advice to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication.
Oral hypoglycemic drugs are also a treatment method, but they need to be used under the guidance of a doctor. Oral hypoglycemic drugs can promote the absorption and utilization of glucose in the body, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. However, it should be noted that oral hypoglycemic drugs may have certain effects on the fetus, so they need to be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Both insulin injections and oral hypoglycemic drugs need to be administered under the guidance of a doctor. Pregnant women should not make their own decisions and use medication to avoid adverse reactions or adverse effects on the fetus.
4. Keep a cheerful mood
Pregnancy diabetes may bring some psychological pressure and anxiety to pregnant women. Therefore, maintaining a happy mood is very important for the improvement of the body. Pregnant women can alleviate stress and anxiety by communicating with family and friends, attending maternity courses, reading relevant books and materials, and other means. Meanwhile, pregnant women can also relax their body and mind, relieve anxiety and stress through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other methods.
5. Regular antenatal care
Regular antenatal care is an important means to ensure the health of mothers and infants, especially for pregnant women with diabetes during pregnancy. Through regular prenatal check ups, pregnant women can timely understand the health status of themselves and their fetuses, and promptly detect and handle any possible complications or abnormal situations.
During the prenatal examination, doctors may conduct a series of checks and tests on pregnant women, such as blood glucose monitoring, urine glucose testing, glycated hemoglobin measurement, etc., to evaluate their blood glucose control. At the same time, doctors will also monitor the growth and development of the fetus, such as fetal heart rate monitoring, ultrasound examination, etc., to ensure the health of the fetus.
In addition to the doctor's examination and testing, pregnant women also need to pay attention to self-monitoring. Doctors may recommend pregnant women to use a blood glucose meter for self-monitoring in order to better control their blood sugar levels. Pregnant women can regularly measure their blood sugar at home, detect fluctuations in blood sugar in a timely manner, and take corresponding measures to adjust.
The nursing of gestational diabetes needs attention and efforts from many aspects. Through our previous reading, we believe that readers have already understood that blood sugar levels can be better controlled and maternal and child health can be ensured through dietary adjustments, moderate exercise, medication treatment, and maintaining a happy mood. At the same time, regular prenatal check ups are also necessary to ensure the safety and health of both mother and baby.