Question

How should pregnant women with diabetes self-test their blood glucose?

Answer

Pregnant women with diabetes should be aware that their blood glucose monitoring differs from the standard guidelines for other times. It is recommended to undergo a review of fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance tests. If the fasting blood glucose exceeds 5.8 mmol/L, the blood glucose one hour after the test is over 10.6 mmol/L, the blood glucose two hours after the test is over 9.2 mmol/L, or the blood glucose three hours after the test is over 8.1 mmol/L, it can be diagnosed as gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes may lead to risks such as miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, polyhydramnios, macrosomia, difficult labor, uterine contractions with insufficient strength and bleeding. Additionally, newborns may experience respiratory distress syndrome and hypoglycemia. Under stable blood glucose control, the impact is minimal. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should visit a diabetes specialty hospital for a detailed examination to facilitate accurate disease assessment and individualized treatment. During pregnancy, women with gestational diabetes typically use insulin therapy instead of oral hypoglycemic drugs to avoid potential risks to the fetus from medication and high blood glucose. It is advised that patients correctly understand diabetes and follow the doctor’s guidance for treatment and blood glucose control.