Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is a form of Diabetes that arises and is diagnosed once a person is pregnant. Then soon after birth the mother’s blood sugars return to normal. Gestational Diabetes can be traced back to a hormonal dysfunction of the placenta which impacts the insulin's ability to do its job. With proper testing and diagnosis, Gestational Diabetes can be managed with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.

Gestational Diabetes, like other types of diabetes, is when there is not enough insulin to transport the sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the cell. This leads to an increase of sugar in the blood. Those extra sugars in the body make their way to the baby and cause weight gain in the developing fetus. This results in macrosomia or a “fat” baby. While we want baby to be getting all the nutrients they need, too much sugar and excess growth could lead to the infant's pancreas being stressed while trying to make enough insulin to handle the sugar influx. It also increases the risk for obesity and or Type ll Diabetes later on in babe’s life.

Now that we know what Gestational Diabetes is and how it affects baby, how do we test for it? It is typically tested during weeks 24-48 of pregnancy via a one hour Glucose Challenge Test. Prior to the test you fast, consume the Glucose Drink, wait an hour and get your blood drawn. Some side effects include: nausea, vomiting, and or lightheadedness following the ingestion of the Glucose Drink. Aside from not being able to stomach the standard Glucose Drink the ingredients are not the most ideal either. Depending on the flavor the ingredients include: Red #40, Yellow #6, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), and artificial flavors. These ingredients are linked to hormone disruption, increased symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, and gut inflammation to name just a few of the negative effects the Glucose Drink ingredients have on the body. Thankfully there are other alternatives to the Glucose Challenge Test and the standard Glucose drink including:

• Continuous Glucose Monitoring
• A1C Test
• The Fresh Test

The Fresh Test is an easy swap when it comes to participating in the Glucose Challenge Test, simply replace the Glucose Drink with The Fresh Test and proceed with the blood draw as normal. It is that easy! It has a better taste and better ingredients. The Fresh Test is made from organic Non-GMO glucose, Crystalized Lemon, and organic Peppermint Leaf. It's all the things that are necessary without all the additives, dyes and preservatives.

When discussing the one hour Glucose Challenge Test with your provider it doesn’t hurt to bring up one of the alternatives, whichever best fits your needs. Some providers don’t offer The Fresh Test because they may not have heard of it. Other providers know about the alternatives and are happy to offer them. Voicing your concerns and needs are crucial for your health and pregnancy journey!! The Fresh Test is a FDA registered product for glucose testing just like the Glucose Drink.

The main way to acquire The Fresh Test drink is ordering online, however we are excited to offer it here at Back in Line Family Chiropractic & Wellness!

Call Back in Line if you have any questions!

Resources:

The Fresh Test. (n.d.). FAQs. https://thefreshtest.com/pages/faq-1

Gestational diabetes and a healthy baby? yes. Gestational Diabetes-Causes & Treatment | ADA. (n.d.). https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes

Glucose Ingredients . Mercedes Scientific. (n.d.). https://www.mercedesscientific.com/azer-scientific-glucose-drink-tolerance-orange-100g-2 4-cs

Integrative medicine and gestational diabetes: A multidisciplinary approach to management. Rupa Health. (2024, April 2). https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-medicine-and-gestational-diabetes-a-multidis ciplinary-approach-to-management

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, March 24). Glucose tolerance test. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/glucose-tolerance-test/about/pac-20394296