WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for December, 1997: Re: Gestational Diabetes

Re: Gestational Diabetes

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 30 Dec 1997 19:43:37 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: D.H.: "Gestational Diabetes"

At Tue, 30 Dec 1997, D.H. wrote: >
>December 30. 1997
>
>My wife, Rachel, of 27 years developed gestational diabetes during her
>first pregnancy 7 years ago and again during her her 2nd pregnancy about
>4 and a half years ago. In both instances, she effectively controlled
>her sugar levels by diet. Her most recent pregnancy (last year) was
>again met with high levels of sugar but this time she needed insulin to
>control it.
>
>Rachel's mother developed gesational diabetes with her last pregnancy
>which later in life turned into type 2 diabetes (She was taking pills
>and is now taking insulin to control her diabetes.). She is Rachel's
>only blood relative with this condition.
>
>Thankfully all of Rachel's deliveries were trouble free and our children
>are thank G-D healthy. Our question is with respect to future
>pregnancies. Will additional pregnancies increase Rachel's risk of
>developing type 2 diabetes?

Nope.

>Could it be that her last pregnancy was met
>with harder to control sugar levels only because of her age?

Yup.

>Our questions are as follows:
>One one hand we feel that because she may develop full diabetes, as is
>common in over 50% of women with gestational diabetes, then why avoid
>having more children.

I've read 10% chance of diabetes in the general population (eventually) and 25% chance of diabetes in the future for gestational diabetics.

>On the other hand if she is at higher risk of
>developing type 2 as a result, or if additional pregnancies can speed up
>this process, we would consider not having more children.

Presuming the dibetes is not affecting the eyes (retina) or kidneys, another pregnancy, according to the literature shold not cause a long-standing that would not have occured anyway.

>Also, is
>there anything Rachel can do when she is not pregnant to help reduce her
>risk?

If there is any case of obesity, reduce to recommended weight, otherwise there is no pre-treatment I'm aware of.

>We have not been able to receive clear answers from Rachel's
>personal GYN/OB or endocrinologist regarding the above and are hopeful
>that you could answer our questions and share some experiences.
>
>Thank you from both of us.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>--
>D.H.
>

Does that stand for Dear Husband (see, you guys think I don't read all the posts and figure out your wacky abbreviations)?

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG
OBGYN.net U.S. Representative, New York
Great Neck, New York
http://www.obgyn.net/states/bios/marchbein.htm
http://www.obgyn.net/women/advisors/harveym.htm

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
and/or interventions.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Iron Supplements"
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In reply to: D.H.: "Gestational Diabetes"

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