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Health care team roles
Women with GDM will likely be evaluated and treated by a variety of personnel in the allied health field. The obstetric nurse, physician, or nurse midwife will gather a detailed medical history, which may provide information suggesting the patient is at increased risk for developing GDM. Laboratory technicians play an important role in the diagnosis of GDM by testing urine and blood for excessive glucose levels. An amniocentesis conducted by an imaging technician is often performed in women with GDM because of the potential abnormal growth changes in the fetus.
Most patients with GDM can manage their blood sugar levels through dietary changes. A nutritional therapist plays a critical role in planning a regimen for these women. An exercise therapist can also play a significant role in the prevention and ongoing treatment of women with GDM. Exercise can help prevent excessive weight gain by the mother, which can reduce the severity of the diabetes. In addition, exercise tends to normalize blood glucose levels. If the patient requires insulin, then the nurse or physician will generally instruct the patient on how to administer the insulin. The nurse will also likely advise on how to perform blood glucose monitoring. The pharmacist can play a role in the education of the patient in this matter as well.
Prevention
There is no known way to actually prevent GDM, particularly since this condition is due to the effects of normal hormones of pregnancy. However, the effects of insulin resistance can be best handled through careful attention to diet, avoiding becoming overweight throughout life, and participating in a reasonable exercise program.
BOOKS
Ferris, Thomas F. "Gestational Diabetes." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, Ed. Anthony S. Fauci, et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998.
Goldman, Lee et al., ed. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2000.
Tierney, Lawrence M. et al., ed. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2001. New York: Lange, 2001.
PERIODICALS
American Diabetes Association. "Gestational Diabetes Mellitus." Diabetes Care 24, no. 1 (January 2001): S77.
Tolstoi, Linda G. "Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Etiology and Management." Nutrition Today (September 1999).
Wang, Jennifer M. "Glyburide Appears Safe for Gestational Diabetes." Family Practice News 31, no.4 (February 15,2001): 33+.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Diabetes Association, 1660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. (800) DIABETES (800) 342-2383. <http://www.diabetes.org>.
Mark A. Mitchell
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Author Info: Mark A. Mitchell, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 2002 |
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