Discover the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for managing gestational diabetes, and learn how the Vively app can support women in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Key takeaways

• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows real-time tracking of blood sugar levels, enabling better management of gestational diabetes.
• Pregnant women with the condition can benefit from using a CGM to optimise their diet and exercise regimen.
• The Vively app can help women monitor their glucose levels and make informed decisions about their health.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, affecting women without existing diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring can be a useful tool during pregnancy for managing the condition and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes may occur when the body is unable to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, to meet the increased demands of pregnancy.

As a result, blood sugar levels become elevated, which can pose risks to both the mother and baby. Gestational diabetes typically arises in the second half of pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born. However, women who have experienced gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The exact cause of gestational diabetes is not fully understood, but it is believed that hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance. This makes it harder for the body to effectively use insulin.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition, such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, being over 25 years of age, or belonging to certain ethnic groups, including Asian, African, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations.

What is the gestational diabetes reading range?

In Australia, all pregnant women without diabetes or gestational diabetes should undergo a standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

According to the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) and the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG), the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes is one or more of the following:

• Fasting plasma glucose: ≥5.1 mmol/L
• 1-hour plasma glucose: ≥10.0 mmol/L
• 2-hour plasma glucose: ≥8.5 mmol/L

Glucose management during pregnancy

In Australia, the management of gestational diabetes is focused on ensuring the health and well being of both mother and baby. The approach involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including GPs, obstetricians, endocrinologists, and diabetes educators.

Managing diabetes during pregnancy is crucial to avoid serious health complications such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and cancer, among others. Consult a health professional specialising in gestational diabetes before getting pregnant.

Key components of management may include:

• Regular blood glucose monitoring with a blood glucose meter and/or a CGM
• Following a balanced diet
• Engaging in physical activity
• Medication and insulin injections as needed
• Education and support

After the baby is born, ongoing monitoring and support are offered to help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and to promote overall health for both mother and child.

What is a CGM?

A CGM measures your blood sugar levels in real-time throughout the day and night. By using a small sensor inserted under the skin, it collects glucose data from the interstitial fluid. The CGM device wirelessly transmits our glucose data to a mobile application to display the information. They can provide you with real-time insights into your blood sugar and help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle.

CGM for gestational diabetes

Monitoring your blood glucose levels may be recommended by your doctor if you are diagnosed. Your health care provider may recommend using a CGM like the FreeStyle Libre System.

CGM data can provide can help women by providing:

• Patient autonomy in managing blood sugar levels
• More freedom to adjust meal plans and exercise routines
• Minimising the need for traditional finger prick methods

It's important to work closely with your doctor to determine what is suitable for you and your pregnancy before using a CGM device.

The Vively app can be a valuable tool for women, providing support in monitoring glucose levels and making informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional to learn more about using the Vively app and CGMs to manage your glucose effectively.