Of all the things that can go wrong in pregnancy, diabetes is the best one. Diabetes is best because you can actually DO something about it. YOU can be in control and improve the outcome for you and your baby. There are benefits for you and your future as well.
Diabetes in pregnancy will teach you…
- Healthy Eating
- Being Active
- Monitoring
- Taking Medication
- Problem Solving
- Healthy Coping
- Reducing Risks
Whether you had diabetes before pregnancy or it developed during pregnancy, your new skills will serve you well throughout your life. Women with gestational diabetes are at risk for getting Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. In a landmark study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, nearly 4000 people with glucose intolerance (now called pre-diabetes) were divided into groups. One group got some basic information and a placebo (fake pill), another group was given a drug, metformin 850mg twice a day, and the other group received “Therapeutic Lifestyle Change” or TLC. The TLC branch were offered group classes for diet education and physical activity, and given a lot of support to encourage their efforts; meetings, weekly phone calls, etc. The goal was modest weight loss (7% of current weight) and 150 minutes of activity each week. Most people chose walking for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. Results:
- TLC group – 58% fewer converted to T2 diabetes!
- Metformin group – 32% fewer people converted to T2 diabetes
- That is a 90% chance to prevent T2 diabetes
That study has been going on for over 20 years and many people are continuing to hold off T2 diabetes through diet, exercise, weight loss, and metformin. For people who already have diabetes, glucose control can be improved and maintained in the same way.
-Catherine Gray, CNS BC-ADM CDE