Peter Loes, MD Lucy Conway was surprised to learn she was pregnant, but even more surprised to learn she was at risk for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes would mean that exactly that. That there s no pre-existing diabetes, either adult or juvenile onset. Like most people, yes, I ve gained more than ten pounds since high school. Some research shows women who gain 10 to 20 pounds between the age of 18 and the time before getting pregnant are at an increased risk for gestational diabetes.
Age is another factor.
Lucy is 39. But Dr. Loes says she can help protect herself, and her baby, by following doctor s orders. Maintenance of an ideal weight, watching calories, watching fat intake, avoiding obesity, and a normal, healthy exercise program, I believe does prevent a lot of this. Lucy is on a strict diet, and she s testing her blood sugars several times a day as she waits for her new arrival. Getting to meet and learn about this little being that s coming into our life, I think that ll be really fun.