What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Note to the Health Care Provider: Topics in this handout are discussed

in Chapters 2, 3, and 10

of the

American Dietetic Association Guide to

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

(1-3).

Counseling considerations for the initial visit after a diagnosis of

gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) include the following:

Explain how changes in eating habits may be necessary to

■

achieve euglycemia.

Explain that self-management is the key to achieving and

■

maintaining blood glucose control. Self-management includes

medical nutrition therapy, self-monitoring of blood glucose

levels, physical activity, and medication, if necessary.

Explain that medications may need to be added if medical

■

nutrition therapy cannot maintain normal blood glucose levels.

Assure the woman that in most cases blood glucose levels

■

return to normal after delivery