Gestational Diabetes
Our gestational diabetes specialists in New York are here for you. Our team of endocrine doctors near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your metabolic health and overall wellness.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, typically developing in the second or third trimester. Gestational diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This insulin resistance is primarily due to the hormonal changes and increased demands on the body during pregnancy. Many times, the diabetes goes away once the patient is no longer pregnant.
What Are the Causes of Gestational Diabetes?
Risk factors for developing gestational diabetes include:
Older maternal age (over 25 years)
Obesity or overweight before pregnancy
Family history of type 2 diabetes
History of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Gestational diabetes often has no obvious symptoms, but it can lead to the following health concerns:
Increased thirst and urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and other problems during pregnancy)
Large for gestational age baby (>9lbs) and risk of being overweight later in life
Neonatal hypoglycemia
Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed through a glucose tolerance test, which involves measuring the body's response to a sugary drink. This test is usually performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Those at increased risk of gestational diabetes are tested earlier in pregnancy.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Gestational Diabetes?
The primary treatment for gestational diabetes includes:
Dietary modifications to control blood sugar levels
Regular physical activity and exercise
Insulin or oral medication, if necessary, to manage blood sugar levels
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Gestational Diabetes?
At Well by Messer, we have skilled gestational diabetes specialists that work alongside other healthcare providers (such as a dietician and personal trainer) to optimize patients with gestational diabetes. Prompt detection and treatment initiation are crucial to minimize risks to the fetus and mother. Medication may or may not be necessary to treat this condition, however, lifestyle modification is essential. Our dietician can work with patients to develop a meal plan to limit blood sugar fluctuations and our trainer can help with an exercise routine that is safe during pregnancy. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is significantly increased in those with gestational diabetes, so we will also monitor patients very closely after pregnancy to decrease the risk of disease progression.
Meet the Well by Messer (WBM) Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your success and regaining your metabolic health at our metabolic centers in Manhattan.
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