Therapeutic Management in Gestational Diabetes

What is the benefit of specific treatment of gestational diabetes during pregnancy?

Decreases the risk of preeclampsia

Why are oral antidiabetic agents (glibenclamide or metformin) not recommended during pregnancy?

They may not be safe for use during pregnancy

What is the advantage of measuring glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) in pregnant women with gestational diabetes?

It reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 4 to 6 weeks

What is the upper normal level of HbA1 in pregnant women as a percentage of total hemoglobin?

65% Signup and view all the answers

Why might a urine culture be done each trimester for pregnant women with gestational diabetes?

To detect asymptomatic UTIs Signup and view all the answers

What effect does specific treatment of gestational diabetes have on the number of labor inductions?

Decreases the number of labor inductions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for a woman with diabetes mellitus during pregnancy?

Maintaining a balance between insulin and blood glucose levels Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a woman's insulin production is insufficient?

Body cells are unable to use glucose Signup and view all the answers

At what blood glucose level do the kidneys start excreting glucose in the urine?

150 mg/100ml Signup and view all the answers

Why do infants of women with unregulated diabetes often have birth abnormalities?

High blood sugar levels affecting fetal development Signup and view all the answers

How does the body attempt to increase serum glucose levels in the absence of insulin?

By converting glucose to glycogen stored in the liver Signup and view all the answers

What happens to serum glucose levels when body cells cannot use glucose despite its presence?

They rise (hyperglycemia) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason an ophthalmic examination is recommended during pregnancy for women with diabetes?

To detect and prevent retinal changes that can progress during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Why might a woman with diabetes need less insulin early in pregnancy?

Because the fetus is using more glucose for rapid cell growth Signup and view all the answers

When do women with gestational diabetes usually start insulin therapy?

If diet alone fails to regulate glucose levels Signup and view all the answers

Why are oral hypoglycemic agents not preferred during pregnancy?

They may harm the fetus by crossing the placenta Signup and view all the answers

How should women administer short-acting insulins before breakfast?

30 minutes before breakfast in a 2:1 ratio Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended distribution of daily insulin doses for pregnant women?

Two thirds in the morning, one third in the evening Signup and view all the answers