Gestational diabetes is a disease that appears during pregnancy. It may create fear and anxiety in the minds of expectant mothers. However, the proper support, knowledge, and tools make it completely manageable. Among these, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems, including the Dexcom G7 CGM System, Freestyle Libre 2, and MiniMed 780G insulin pump, are the most effective tools available today for managing it. This blog will take you through the basics of CGM for Gestational Diabetes. How CGM can be of assistance, and how to care for this condition in pregnancy so that you and your baby stay healthy.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational starts in a woman during pregnancy, normally after the 24th week but before the 28th week. Like T2D, diabetes originates from the fact that the body cannot produce or functionally use insulin. The hormone that controls blood glucose. Some women who have gestational remain symptomless. However, some common symptoms include urinating more than normal and thirstiness.
People with a higher risk of getting gestational Diabetes
The causes of gestational are not well known, but some risks increase the chances of having this condition. Those are;
- Women aged 35 plus are at risk of getting diabetes
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- African, Arab, Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, or South Asian have more chances of gestational.
- Obese women whose BMI is 30 kg/m² or more are at risk of getting this disease
- Gestational diabetes previously
- Delivered a baby weighing over 4 kilograms (about 8.8 pounds)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
How to Manage Gestational Diabetes
Managing gestational involves keeping glucose levels, a healthy diet, and activity from exercise in daily routine. Here’s how you can achieve that by using CGM technology.
Monitoring Glucose Levels using CGM
The primary feature of gestational management is monitoring blood sugar. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby, and it can also cause hypoglycemia. According to Diabetes Canada, keep glucose at a lower level than 5.3 mmol/L before meals, less than 7.8 mmol/L one hour after meals, and below 6.7 mmol/L two hours after meals.
For many women, monitoring their blood sugar levels using a traditional BGM means multiple finger pricks in one day. With the Dexcom G7 CGM system, or Freestyle libre 3, glucose readings are continuous and real-time, with no routine fingerpricks. The amount of glucose in the body is continuously monitored using CGM systems. You will get alerts when the levels are too high or too low. So, you can take corrective action promptly and efficiently and stay within target ranges.
Healthy Dieting
Dieting can treat diabetes by helping to balance blood sugar levels. Otherwise, it might cause damage, especially while the baby is still in the mother’s womb. As Diabetes Canada points out, talking to a registered dietitian before designing an individualized meal plan makes perfect sense.
Consuming more low-GI foods will stabilize blood sugar instability. A rough estimate is to fill half of one’s plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and the other quarter with carbohydrates from whole grains. Never take sugary drinks; drink water instead.
A CGM like Dexcom G7 and G6 is helpful in that it allows you to quickly see how different types of food affect your glucose. By tracking your glucose before and after meals, you can determine which foods to eat most frequently.
Monitoring Exercise
Another highly effective way of managing this disease is through physical activity. Mild-intensity physical exercises like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can be maintained for at least 150 minutes three days a week to control glucose levels and support healthy weight gain in pregnancy.
For example, you will always know how your glucose level changes with the kind of exercise you are undertaking, ensuring you are constantly in the right range throughout activities. With real-time monitoring like this, you can then adjust your level of exercise if need be while still not disturbing the workout.
Benefits of Using CGM for Gestational Diabetes
All of pregnancy’s changes could be overwhelming in managing gestational diabetes. CGM systems like Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle Libre 3 make glucose level monitoring convenient and practical. Also, the Dexcom G7 system will supply you with constant glucose data on your smartphone or receiver. It will inform you of your trends in blood sugar so you can decide on your diet, your activity levels, or the general management of diabetes.
Although much work is needed to determine the utility of CGM for gestational diabetes, research in women with type 1 diabetes has demonstrated that CGM cannot only reduce A1C but also increase the amount of time spent in the target glucose range. Lowering A1C and maintaining glucose control may lead to a healthier pregnancy and better outcomes for your baby.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to ruin the excitement of pregnancy. Equipped with knowledge about gestational diabetes, armed with the latest tools available like continuous glucose monitors or CGM technology, and coordination with your health care provider very closely, you’ll be able to manage your condition better and ensure your health and that of your baby. Every pregnancy is unique, and so one must take time to establish a personalized diabetes management plan suited to one’s lifestyle and needs.
If you want to use a CGM system, like Dexcom G7, to manage your gestational diabetes better, discuss it with your doctor. With the proper aid, you will be able to control your diabetes and focus on the adventure of bringing your little one to life. Visit our website https://delivermymeds.com/ to get benefits from these CGM Devices.