Patient's question:
At 26 weeks of pregnancy, I first underwent a 50-gram glucose test, with a result of 9.11, indicating high blood sugar. Then, I had a glucose tolerance test, with the following results: fasting: 4.73, one hour after eating: 11.87, two hours after eating: 8.47, and three hours after eating: 5.The obstetrician said it's not yet at the level of diabetes and that diet control is sufficient. However, the urologist said it's a confirmed diagnosis of gestational diabetes and that insulin shots are needed. I'm unsure who to listen to. Could you please clarify whether this can already be diagnosed as gestational diabetes? Do I need to take insulin, or can diet control alone suffice?
Doctor's answer:
Dietary therapy is the most important and fundamental treatment method for gestational diabetes. 85% of patients only need simple dietary therapy to achieve good blood sugar control. Experts note that, unlike general diabetic patients, dietary control standards during pregnancy are relatively lenient because they must also meet the energy needs of the pregnant woman and the fetus.1. Choose more coarse grains. Taking bread as an example, the GI (Glycemic Index) of white bread is 70, but bread mixed with 75-80% barley kernels is only 34. Therefore, it is recommended to use bread made from whole grain flour with crushed grains instead of refined white bread.
2. Keep it simple. Vegetables should not be cut if possible, and grains should not be ground if whole grains can be used.
3. Eat more dietary fiber. Within the permissible portion size, consume more high-fiber foods, such as: replacing white rice with brown rice or mixed-grain rice, increasing vegetable intake, eating fresh fruit instead of drinking juice, etc. This can slow down blood sugar rise, help control blood sugar, and provide a greater sense of fullness. However, it is crucial not to eat unlimited amounts of fruit.