A Sweeter Choice for Expectant Moms with Diabetes
Gestational or pregestational diabetes affects approximately 3% of all pregnant women.
Gestational diabetes is when a woman becomes diabetic as a result of pregnancy.
Pregestational diabetes is when a woman with diabetes becomes pregnant.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body's ability to use sugar and as a result increases your risk for health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and atherosclerosis. As a diabetic, you should be under a doctor's care and should regularly monitor your blood sugar levels.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is important for all pregnant women. As a woman with diabetes, it is particularly important for you because you are at increased risk for complications during pregnancy. Diabetic women tend to give birth to larger babies, and therefore are more likely to need a Caesarean section. There is also an increased chance that your baby will be born with low blood sugar levels and may need to be treated in the intensive care unit following delivery.
Can you minimize the complications associated with diabetes?
You can prevent many of the complications associated with diabetes simply by controlling your blood sugar levels during pregnancy. To control your blood sugar levels you will need to modify your diet, exercise regularly, and you may need to take insulin.
Kapi'olani Offers You "A Sweeter Choice"
Kapi'olani's Fetal Diagnostic Center developed this special program to help expectant mothers minimize the risks associated with diabetes. It is designed to help you monitor and control your blood sugar levels.
- Diabetes Management Class
A key component of this program is an educational session that will cover:
- Diabetes and its effects on pregnancy.
- How to manage your diet.
- Lifestyle changes that can help you control your blood sugar.
- How exercise can help you control your blood sugar.
- How to monitor your blood sugar levels.
- How to administer insulin.
- Coordinating with Your Physician
We will work closely with your doctor to help ensure that you receive optimum care throughout your pregnancy.
- Support Services
A nurse who specializes in treating diabetes will be available to answer any questions you may have. Also, throughout your pregnancy, we will frequently check in with you by phone to monitor your diet and your blood sugar level.
- Other Services
Additional evaluations such as genetic consultation, social services, and lab tests may be necessary to maximize your care. If these evaluations are required, we will be pleased to provide genetic consultation and social services free-of-charge. However, lab tests remain your financial responsibility.
- Supplies
We will provide you with all the initial supplies you need, including a glucose monitor to measure your blood sugar level.
Why choose Kapi'olani?
Kapi'olani's Fetal Diagnostic Center is the first obstetrical center in Hawaii to provide fully integrated, comprehensive services for high-risk pregnant women. It is staffed by highly qualified, board-certified physicians who are specialists in this area.
For more information
Call the Fetal Diagnostic Center at 983-8559. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have in regard to the program, schedule or cost.
Scheduling an Appointment
Your doctor will need to enroll you in the program by calling the Fetal Diagnostic Center (phone: 983-8559) between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Location
"A Sweeter Choice" is offered by Kapi'olani's Fetal Diagnostic Center, located on the fifth floor at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children in room 540. Please report there for your initial visit. Parking is available in the multi-level parking garage, which is entered on Bingham Street.
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