The "Life with Diabetes" program provides education to women with diabetes who are planning a pregnancy or pregnant already and to women with gestational diabetes.

About Diabetes and Pregnancy

At one time, doctors discouraged women with diabetes from getting pregnant. Diabetes was thought to cause a number of problems including a higher risk of birth defects and newborn jaundice, in addition to making babies very large and difficult to deliver.

Today, however, 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. Central Baptist provides individual or group classes on gestational diabetes since the key to control is self-care.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Class

At Central Baptist Hospital, we specialize in the needs of all women. Women who have PCOS, or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, often do not have resources to which to turn. 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 physical therapist, 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

About Central Baptist Hospital's 'Life with Diabetes' Program

The "Life with Diabetes" program at Central Baptist Hospital 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); and
• strategies to achieve a healthy pregnancy outcome for both mother and baby.

A free meter may be provided for monitoring during pregnancy.

For More Information

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

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