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Will High Blood Sugar Levels Have An Effect On The Fetus?
Question: I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Till now, no medicines have been given for the same. I am regularly monitoring the sugar level, with help of self check(Accu check) kit. I take reading every third day (fasting/2hrs post breakfast/2hrs after lunch/2hrs after dinner). My last 3 set of readings are:
1. 83 / 100 / 123 / 149
2. 83 / 99 / 134 / 121
3. 76 / 106 / 89 / 175
My doctor has gone on unplanned vacation and will only be back after 2 weeks. Please suggest:
1. Is my sugar level high to effect my baby?
2. If I can wait for my regular doctor to return or the readings suggest immediate requirement for insulin/medication
1. 83 / 100 / 123 / 149
2. 83 / 99 / 134 / 121
3. 76 / 106 / 89 / 175
My doctor has gone on unplanned vacation and will only be back after 2 weeks. Please suggest:
1. Is my sugar level high to effect my baby?
2. If I can wait for my regular doctor to return or the readings suggest immediate requirement for insulin/medication
Brief Answer:
Gestational Diabetes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs. XXXXXXX
Thanks for your question.
After going through your capillary blood glucose readings-
- Fasting readings are under control.
- 2 hours Post breakfast readings are also under control.
- 2 hours Post lunch: Out of 3 readings 2 are above control level.
- all 2 hours Post dinner readings are above control.
If you are following diabetic diet recommended by nutrition specialist along with regular walking for more than 2 weeks, there is a need for starting small dose of regular insulin (short acting insulin) before dinner to keep 2 hours post dinner readings below 120. Also try to reduce calorie content of dinner.
Also if 2 hours post lunch readings remain persistently above 130 there may be need of insulin before lunch also.
If you are following diet for less than 2 weeks then continue medical nutritional therapy. And in that case you can wait for your doctor.
Along with blood sugar reading Ultrasound findings of fetal growth also influence need for insulin.
These blood sugar levels for less than 2 to 3 weeks may not affect your baby, but persistently high blood sugar levels may cause increased fetal growth, polyhydro-amniosis.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr. Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Gestational Diabetes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs. XXXXXXX
Thanks for your question.
After going through your capillary blood glucose readings-
- Fasting readings are under control.
- 2 hours Post breakfast readings are also under control.
- 2 hours Post lunch: Out of 3 readings 2 are above control level.
- all 2 hours Post dinner readings are above control.
If you are following diabetic diet recommended by nutrition specialist along with regular walking for more than 2 weeks, there is a need for starting small dose of regular insulin (short acting insulin) before dinner to keep 2 hours post dinner readings below 120. Also try to reduce calorie content of dinner.
Also if 2 hours post lunch readings remain persistently above 130 there may be need of insulin before lunch also.
If you are following diet for less than 2 weeks then continue medical nutritional therapy. And in that case you can wait for your doctor.
Along with blood sugar reading Ultrasound findings of fetal growth also influence need for insulin.
These blood sugar levels for less than 2 to 3 weeks may not affect your baby, but persistently high blood sugar levels may cause increased fetal growth, polyhydro-amniosis.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr. Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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