At Carnegie Imaging for Women, we understand the importance of support for women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes before or during their pregnancy. We have created a Gestational Diabetes Support Program for these women, which includes diabetes education and counseling, fetal surveillance, glucose monitoring, and high-attention services to increase the chance of a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Gestational Diabetes Support Program Resources:

  • A perinatal consultation with a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist to learn more about perinatal risks to the mother and fetus, obstetrical risks, the pathophysiology of gestation diabetes, maternal and fetal surveillance, labor and delivery process, and post-partum evaluation.
  • Referrals to professional dieticians for nutritional education.
  • Our trained staff teaches patients how to use a glucometer and fingerstick.
  • Medication management with both insulin and oral anti-glycemic agents.
  • At least a weekly review of blood glucose levels with a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, who will have consistent communication with the referring physician.
  • Perinatal ultrasounds to analyze fetal weight and use of biophysical testing as indicated.

Contact Information for the Gestational Diabetes Support Program

If you have been or recently was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, please reach out to our Gestational Diabetes Support Program for more information.  (Please note that a referral from your primary obstetrician is required before we can enroll you in our service.) We look forward to working with you before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Referrals: (212) 722-7409 option 2
Fax: (646) 525-3670
For Patients: gdm@mfmnyc.com

Tools for Patients

Learn More on Healthful Woman

Glucose Intake Sheets

During pregnancy, it’s vitally important to monitor your blood glucose levels with the help of our PDF below. Please download to track your glucose intake: Glucose Intake Sheet 

GDM Resources for Patients

For more food tips, information, and how to lead a healthy lifestyle despite gestational diabetes, please look at our helpful resources for patients:

Gestational Diabetes Support Program FAQs

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes means that you experience an onset of diabetes during pregnant.  Similar to other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose), which can negatively affect your health and your baby’s.  

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is typically simply referred to as diabetes. It is a condition in which high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood causes health complications.  

What causes gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes occurs when the way a woman’s body responds to insulin changes during pregnancy. During any pregnancy, the cells of the body are always slightly more resistant to insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from the blood into the body’s cells to be used as energy. This is intended to make more nutrients available to the baby, and the mother’s body should typically produce more insulin to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. However, some patients do not produce enough insulin during pregnancy, resulting in gestational diabetes.  

Will I be tested for gestational diabetes?

All women are screened for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Your doctor will likely ask questions about your medical history and risk factors as well as order a blood test to measure glucose levels. This is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.  

If I develop gestational diabetes, will I have diabetes after pregnancy?

Most patients no longer have diabetes after giving birth. However, if you have gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of having diabetes later in life.  

Who is at risk of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is more likely for patients who are older than 25, overweight, have a personal or family history of gestational diabetes, have a very large baby, have had a previous stillbirth, or belong to certain ethnic groups. These include African American, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic and Latina patients.  

How can gestational diabetes affect pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes often sets in during the later stages of pregnancy, unlike women who have diabetes before pregnancy. This means it does not cause the same kinds of birth defects as those in women who had diabetes before becoming pregnant. However, the biggest risk with gestational diabetes is high blood sugar levels in your baby, which means that its body will store the extra glucose as fat during development.  This can increase the risk that you baby can be large at birth which can increase the risk of birth injuries and/or Cesarean delivery.   

What are the risks to babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes?

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of low glucose levels, jaundice, or breathing problems. For this reason, proper prenatal care and careful control of glucose levels are important to avoid these issues.  

What are the long-term effects of gestational diabetes for mothers and babies?

Women with gestational diabetes and their children are at a higher risk for diabetes later in life and should have regular diabetes testing. 

How can I control gestational diabetes?

Those with gestational diabetes must keep blood glucose levels under control by tracking them daily, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. In some cases, medication may also be necessary.  

Will gestational diabetes affect delivery?

Most women with gestational diabetes have typical vaginal births. However, some require a cesarean delivery or induction before the due date.  

If I had gestational diabetes, is there anything I should do after pregnancy?

After giving birth, you should be tested for diabetes at about 6-12 weeks postpartum. Assuming your glucose test is normal, you should then be screened for diabetes about every three years.