A 50-year-old member asked:
is gestational diabetes hereditary?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Chuanswered
Endocrinology 25 years experience
Yes, but partially: Gestational diabetes, which is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes, has a strong hereditary genetic component. The tendency for the body to be insulin-resistant and insulin-deficient (leading to high sugars) are often transmitted in the genetic make-up. However, gestational diabetes is also strongly related to other non-hereditary factors like age, weight, physical activity levels, and diet habits.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ron Jonesanswered
Family Medicine 45 years experience
Not really: Not really, but is kind of one of those "runs in the family" type problems.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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A 34-year-old member asked:
What are the risk factors associated with gestational diabetes?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Megan Birdanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 19 years experience
A number of things: There are many risk factors. Some ethnic groups are more at risk than others. Being overweight also increases your risk. Overall, genetics play a huge role in developing diabetes. There are hormones in pregnancy that also interfere with your body. To reduce your risk, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
What are the treatments for gestational diabetes?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Megan Birdanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 19 years experience
Diet and exercise: We start with a diabetic diet and regular exercise. If your sugars are still high, we can try oral medications (like glyburide). If you have very high sugars, we use Insulin injections to control the sugars.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
What should I be eating in pregnancy if I have diabetes?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Protein: The goal is to maintain steady, stable blood sugars and avoid the spikes and falls that occur with simple carb intake. Every meal should have a protein, it helps maintain blood sugar levels. Avoid the "whites": sugar, rice and white bread. Eat complex carbs instead, brown rice and whole grain breads. Veggies are great, but watch the fruits, they can be high in sugar.
6.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
What are the serious vision problems that can result from diabetes?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
San Antonio, TX
A 36-year-old male asked:
Should I forgo western medicine and try chinese herbal medicine to treat my diabetes?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Juchauanswered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
No: I am a medical doctor a would have to say no. All the studies i know about tell me that western medicine works for diabetes. I don't know anything about chinese herbal medicine.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Last updated Jun 18, 2017
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