Diabetes Services for Women

About Our 'Life with Diabetes' Program

The "Life with Diabetes" program at Baptist Health Lexington is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting or exceeding national standards.

We offer education to women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy, to those who are pregnant already and to women who are experiencing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Topics covered include:

• A healthy nutrition plan
• Blood glucose control
• Acceptable weight gain
• Home monitoring (including glucose and ketone testing)
• Strategies to achieve a healthy pregnancy outcome for both mother and baby

A free meter may be provided for monitoring during pregnancy.

About Diabetes and Pregnancy

Women with diabetes can enjoy a healthy pregnancy by keeping tight control over their blood glucose levels before and during pregnancy. By keeping blood sugar in the near-normal range and receiving good medical care, the chances of a trouble-free pregnancy and healthy baby are excellent.

About Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects about 4 to 8 percent of all pregnant women. It occurs in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes occurs most frequently during late pregnancy, between the 24th and 28th weeks. Left untreated or poorly controlled, it can make your baby very large and may increase your newborn's risk of health problems. Baptist Health Lexington provides individual or group classes on gestational diabetes since the key to control is self-care.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Class

At Baptist Health Lexington, we specialize in the needs of all women. Women who have PCOS, or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, often do not have the needed resources. Our PCOS class can help the patient understand the syndrome and treatment guidelines as set forth by the physician. A physician can identify which treatment areas need to be reviewed by the education team to individualize the care of the patient.

The PCOS class is taught by a registered dietitian, a diabetes educator and a certified personal trainer, if needed. Topics include:

• Understanding the definition of PCOS
• Nutrition counseling
• Weight loss plan (if indicated)
• Exercise plan
• Understanding insulin resistance
• Blood glucose testing (if indicated)
• Insulin resistance medication use (if indicated)
• Resource information

For more information about diabetes education for pregnant women at Baptist Health Lexington, call (859) 260-5122.