Every Pregnant Woman Should Know | Konsyl Natural Fiber Supplement

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What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know
By Gerardo Bustillo, M.D

Gestationaldiabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to diabetes occurring during pregnancy.In the United States, it is seen in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies,although in certain ethnic populations it may be significantly moreprevalent.Women who are obese at the time they become pregnant are atincreased risk of developing GDM. Individuals with gestational diabetescarry an increased risk of developing diabetes in later life.

Gestationaldiabetes poses significant risks to both the mother and her offspring.Pregnant women with GDM are more prone to hypertensive complications,such as toxemia. They are more likely to require Caesarean delivery.Infants of diabetic mothers are at high risk of being excessively largeat delivery, and they are more likely to suffer birth trauma, such asnerve damage and bone fracture during delivery. They are also atincreased risk for premature delivery, birth defects, stillbirth andvarious newborn complications, such as jaundice. It is possible thatpoorly controlled GDM in the mother may mean her infant will facelong-term obesity and diabetes in later life.

All pregnantwomen should be screened for GDM. Once it is diagnosed, appropriateinterventions can decrease the risks to mother and baby. Treatmentincludes an appropriate diet, exercise, self-monitoring of bloodglucose and the use of insulin or other medications, in certain cases.

Obstetricianswill monitor their patients closely and suggest they seek additionalcare from dieticians, nutritionists and perinatologists (physicians whospecialize in high-risk pregnancy). Fetal surveillance, such as fetalheart rate monitoring and ultrasound testing, is initiated in laterpregnancy and allows for monitoring of fetal well-being.

Thenutritional plan is a key component of successful treatment. Totalcalories are divided into several meals and snacks during the day.Carbohydrates are restricted to approximately 40% of calories, protein20% and fat 40%. The goal is to maintain a normal blood sugar levelthroughout the day. This can minimize GDM complications in the motherand her fetus.

Blood sugar levels after a meal are directlydependent upon what was eaten. Simple sugars may result in erraticswings in blood sugar levels, while complex carbohydrates, such asthose in starches and vegetables, are more likely to result in normalblood sugar levels. GDM patients want to blunt the rise in bloodglucose after a meal. An important ally in achieving this goal isadding soluble fiber (such as psyllium, found in Konsyl products).Fiber slows the rise in blood glucose after a meal and helps maintainnormal blood sugar levels, or normoglycemia.

In my obstetricalpractice, I encourage patients with GDM to increase their intake offiber and to use sugar-free Konsyl daily. In addition to helpingachieve normoglycemia, Konsyl helps prevent discomforts oftenassociated with pregnancy, such as constipation and painfulhemorrhoids. I have confidence in Konsyl because I know that there isno systemic absorption or concern of damage to the developing fetus.