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DIABETES IN PREGNANCY OVERVIEW - Page 2
The Effects of Gestational Diabetes on Pregnancy & Baby
The complications of gestational diabetes are manageable and preventable. The key to prevention is careful control of blood glucose levels just as soon as the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made.
There are certain things gestational diabetes does not usually cause. Unlike Type I diabetes, gestational diabetes generally does not cause birth defects. For the most part, birth defects originate sometime during the first trimester (before the 13th week) of pregnancy. The insulin resistance from the contra-insulin hormones produced by the placenta does not usually occur until approximately the 24th week. Therefore, women with gestational diabetes generally have normal blood glucose levels during the critical first trimester.
*O'Sullivan, J. B. Establishing Criteria for Gestational Diabetes. Diabetes Care 3: 437439, 1980.
Fetal Macrosomia & High Maternal Glucose
One of the major problems a woman with gestational diabetes faces is a condition the baby may develop called "macrosomia." Macrosomia means "large body" and refers to a baby that is considerably larger than normal. All of the nutrients the fetus receives come directly from the mother's blood. If the maternal blood has too much glucose, the pancreas of the fetus senses the high glucose levels and produces more insulin in an attempt to use the glucose. The fetus converts the extra glucose to fat. Even when the mother has gestational diabetes, the fetus is able to produce all the insulin it needs. The combination of high blood glucose levels from the mother and high insulin levels in the fetus results in large deposits of fat which causes the fetus to grow excessively large, a condition known as macrosomia. Occasionally, the baby grows too large to be delivered through the vagina and a cesarean delivery becomes necessary. A large baby can have birth trauma injuries due to size. This is a more common problem in a hospital birth than in a homebirth where forceps and vacuum extraction is not used and shoulder dystocia (stuck shoulders) are managed through position changes and technique rather than by brute force. A cesarean is often considered when a physical examination by external fetal palpation or by an ultrasound suggests the fetus may be 9 lb or greater. Many women have adequate pelvic room to deliver a large baby and are very capable of delivering a 10, 11, or 12 lb baby without incident.
Gestational diabetes, by itself, is not an indication to perform a cesarean delivery, but sometimes there are other reasons your midwife or health care provider may elect to do a cesarean. For example, the baby may be too large (macrosomic) to deliver vaginally, or the baby may be in distress and unable to withstand vaginal delivery. You should discuss the various possibilities for delivery with your midwife so there are no surprises.
Hypoglycemia
In addition to macrosomia, gestational diabetes increases the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in the baby immediately after delivery. This problem occurs if the mother's blood glucose levels have been consistently high causing the fetus to have a high level of insulin in its circulation. After delivery the baby continues to have a high insulin level, but it no longer has the high level of glucose from its mother, resulting in the newborn's blood glucose level becoming very low. Your baby's blood glucose level will be checked by your midwife after the birth and if the level is too low, it may be necessary to give the baby glucose intravenously. Infants of mothers with gestational diabetes are also vulnerable to several other chemical imbalances such as low serum calcium and low serum magnesium levels. If your blood sugars were not elevated during the 24 hours before delivery, there is a good chance that hypoglycemia will not be a problem for your baby. Nevertheless, your midwife, neonatologist, or other health care provider should check your baby's blood sugar level and give extra glucose if necessary.
Long Term Effects Of GDM For Baby
A large baby may also have an increased risk of being overweight throughout life and of developing diabetes in the future (Type II), as a teenager or adult, especially if they were larger than 9 lb at birth. Therefore, one of the best gifts you can give your child is healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle.
NeoNatal Jaundice
Another problem that may develop in the infant of a mother with gestational diabetes is jaundice. Jaundice occurs when extra red blood cells in the baby's circulation are destroyed, releasing a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is a pigment that causes a yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice). A minor degree of jaundice is common in many newborns. However, the presence of large amounts of bilirubin in the baby's system can be harmful and requires placing the baby under special lights (or sunlight) and dedicated, frequent breastfeeding which help get rid of the pigment. In extreme cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
All of these are manageable and preventable problems. The key to prevention is careful control of blood glucose levels in the mother just as soon as the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made. By maintaining normal blood glucose levels, it is less likely that a fetus will develop macrosomia, hypoglycemia, or other chemical abnormalities.
Preeclampsia-Toxemia
Preeclampsia & Eclampsia (Toxemia)
Most women with gestational diabetes can complete pregnancy and begin labor naturally. Any pregnant woman has a slight chance (about 5 percent) of developing preclampsia (toxemia), a sudden onset of high blood pressure associated with protein in the urine, occurring late in pregnancy. If preclampsia develops, your midwife will attempt to correct the problem with treatment. If the problem does not resolve through treatment, your midwife or health care provider may recommend an early delivery. When an early delivery is anticipated, an amniocentesis is usually performed to assess the maturity of the baby's lungs.
Reducing Problems Associated With Gestational Diabetes
In addition to your midwife, there are other health professionals who specialize in the management of diabetes during pregnancy including internists or diabetologists, registered dietitians, qualified nutritionists, and diabetes educators. Your midwife may recommend that you see one or more of these specialists during your pregnancy. In addition, a neonatologist (a health care provider specializes in the care of newborn infants) may also be called in to manage any complications the baby might develop after delivery.
One of the essential components in the care of a woman with gestational diabetes is a diet specifically tailored to provide adequate nutrition to meet the needs of the mother and the growing fetus. At the same time the diet has to be planned in such a way as to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range (60 to 120 mg/dl). The meal plan will control blood sugar as well as provide optimal nutrition for pregnancy.
The meal plan controls blood sugar by controlling how much carbohydrate food is eaten. Carbohydrates, both sugars and starches, are converted into blood sugar in our bodies. Eating less carbohydrate prevents high blood sugar. Some carbohydrates are digested more slowly and therefore raise blood sugar less than others. In general, your GDM nutritional plan will follow these principles:
--A very small breakfast with little carbohydrate, such as 8 oz milk with one slice of toast and an egg or peanut butter for protein.
--3 small meals and 2-3 small snacks (smaller meals cause lower blood sugars).
--Avoidance of concentrated sweets and sugars, including fruit juice.
--Plenty of non-starchy vegetables.
--Low-fat protein foods such as chicken, tuna, or lean meat.
--Lower-fat food choices in general, to keep weight gain at a healthy level.
--Low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt or cheese for adequate calcium.
Your midwife or health care provider will determine the correct amounts of the different foods and design a menu based on your schedule, the foods you like, your blood sugar levels, and your nutritional needs in pregnancy. The breakfast is generally very small because the pregnancy hormones, which raise blood sugar, are at highest levels in the morning.
Exercise Is Important
Your midwife will suggest that you exercise regularly at a level that is safe for you and the baby. Exercise will help keep your blood sugar level normal, and it can also make you feel better. Walking is usually the easiest type of exercise and taking a walk after a meal can keep the blood sugar from getting too high since exercise burns up some of the glucose in your blood stream. But, swimming or other exercises you enjoy work just as well. Ask your midwife for some recommended activities.
If you're not used to exercising, at first try exercising 5 or 10 minutes every day. As you get stronger, you can increase your exercise time to 30 minutes or more per session. The longer you exercise and the more often you exercise, the better the control of your blood sugar will be.
You do need to be careful about how you exercise. Don't exercise too hard or get too hot while you are exercising. Ask your midwife what would be safe for you. Depending on your age, your pulse shouldn't go higher than 140 to 160 beats per minute during exercise. If you become dizzy or have back pain or other pain while exercising, stop exercising, and call your midwife. If you have uterine contractions (labor pains, like stomach cramps), vaginal bleeding or your water breaks, call your midwife right away.
Continue to exercise after the baby is born. Not only will this continue to regulate your blood sugar along with a nutritious diet, but it will encourage your body to get back into its pre-pregnancy fitness state.
Occasionally, nutrition therapy, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring are not enough to control the blood sugar. In this event, insulin injections are also needed. (The pills some people take for diabetes cannot be taken in pregnancy.) Usually, one shot a day is enough, but some women may need to take 2 or more shots. You will have your health care provider or midwife teach you how to give yourself insulin if your health care provider decides it is necessary. Taking insulin for GDM does not mean you will necessarily need insulin later.
Other Tests Used to Monitor Gestational Diabetes
There is an array of simple, safe tests used to assess the condition of the fetus before birth and these can be particularly valuable during a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes. Tests that may be given during your pregnancy include:
ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound uses short pulses of high-frequency, low-intensity sound waves to create images. Unlike x-rays, there is no radiation exposure to the fetus. Occasionally, the date of your last menstrual period is not sufficient to determine a due date. Ultrasound can provide an accurate (or relatively accurate) gestational age and due date that may be very important if it is necessary to induce labor early or perform a cesarean delivery. Ultrasound can also be used to determine the position of the placenta if it is necessary to perform an amniocentesis.
AMNIOCENTESIS
Amniocentesis is a method of removing a small amount of fluid from the amniotic sac for analysis. Either the fluid itself or the cells shed by the fetus into the fluid can be studied. In mid-pregnancy the cells in amniotic fluid can be analyzed for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Many women over the age of 35 have amniocentesis for just this reason. Another important use for amniocentesis late in pregnancy is to study the fluid itself to determine if the lungs of the fetus are mature and able to withstand early delivery. This information can be very important in deciding the best time for a woman with Type I diabetes to deliver. It is not done as frequently to women with gestational diabetes.
Amniocentesis can be performed in a health care provider's office or on an outpatient basis in a clinic or hospital. For genetic testing, amniocentesis is usually performed around the 16th week when the placenta and fetus can be located easily with ultrasound and a needle can be inserted safely into the amniotic sac. The overall complication rate for amniocentesis is less than 1 percent. The risk is even lower during the third trimester when the amniotic sac is larger and easily identifiable.
FETAL MOVEMENT & ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT
This assessment is a non-invasive method of monitoring the well-being of the fetus in utero. It has been observed that when something is wrong with the fetus. This is because the baby is conserving needed energy for vital functions in a weakened state.
However, the quality of fetal motions usually changes from small sharp movements to larger, smoother movements as space in the uterus is taken up in late pregnancy. You and your midwife will be checking to see if there is an overall reduction of your baby's NORMAL pattern of movement. In many cases this is a sign that the baby needs to be born soon.
FETAL MONITORING
Fetal monitoring can be performed using a stethoscope, fetascope (a special stethoscope to pick up the fetal heart tones through the mother's abdomen), or a doppler (a portable hand-held type of ultrasound microphone). Science has modern instruments which make it possible to monitor the baby's heart rate before delivery. Currently, there are two types of fetal monitors: internal and external. The internal monitor consists of a small wire electrode attached directly to the scalp of the fetus after the membranes have ruptured. The external monitor uses transducers secured to the mother's abdomen by an elastic belt. One transducer records the baby's heart rate by a sensitive microphone called a doppler. The other transducer measures the firmness of the abdomen during a contraction of the uterus. It is a crude measure of the strength and frequency of contractions. Fetal monitoring is the basis for the non-stress test and the oxytocin challenge test described below.
NON-STRESS TEST
The non-stress test refers to the fact that no medication is given to the mother to cause movement of the fetus or contraction of the uterus. It is often used to confirm the well-being of the fetus based on the principle that a healthy fetus will demonstrate an acceleration in its heart rate following movement. Fetal activity may be spontaneous or induced by external manipulation such as rubbing the mother's abdomen or making a loud noise above the abdomen with a special device. When movement of the fetus is noted, a recording of the fetal heart rate is made. If the heart rate goes up, the test is normal. If the heart rate does not accelerate, the fetus may merely be sleeping; if, after stimulation, the fetus still does not react, it may be necessary to perform a stress test (oxytocin challenge test).
STRESS TEST (OXYTOCIN CHALLENGE TEST)
Labor represents a stress to the fetus. Every time the uterus contracts, the fetus is momentarily deprived of its usual blood supply and oxygen. This is not a problem for most babies. However, some babies are not healthy enough to handle the stress and demonstrate an abnormal heart rate pattern. This test is often done if the non-stress test is abnormal. It involves giving the hormone oxytocin (secreted by every mother when normal labor begins) to the mother to stimulate uterine contractions. The contractions are a challenge to the baby, similar to the challenge of normal labor. If the baby's heart rate slows down rather than speeds up after a contraction, the baby may be in jeopardy. The stress test is considered more accurate than the non-stress test. Nevertheless, it is not 100 percent fool-proof and your midwife or health care provider may want to repeat it on another occasion to ensure its accuracy. Most women describe this test as mildly uncomfortable but not painful.
After Baby Arrives
As stated above, 90-98% of the time, the diabetes disappears when the baby is born. Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (a pre-diabetic state) is more likely to persist when one or more of the following are true:
--The GDM was diagnosed early in the pregnancy (before 24 weeks).
--The mother needed insulin (especially more than 1 shot a day).
--The mother has several of the risk factors discussed above.
Every mother with gestational diabetes needs to have a post-partum blood sugar test 6 to 8 weeks after the baby is born. She should also have a blood sugar check once a year. Even when the diabetes disappears, the mother has an increased risk of developing Type II diabetes in the future.
Between 20-60% of women with GDM eventually develop Type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is the type which usually develops in adults. It is treated with nutrition therapy and exercise, followed by pills or insulin if needed. If it is detected and treated early, risk of complications is much reduced.
A healthy lifestyle is the best way a woman can reduce her chance of developing Type II diabetes in the future. Regular exercise improves your body's ability of handling of sugar (glucose tolerance). Most important, keeping your weight in a healthy range significantly reduces the risk of diabetes. If you have difficulty losing weight after pregnancy, see a dietitian or other health care provider for a post-partum meal plan.
MOONDRAGON'S DIABETIC DIET SUGGESTIONS
Dietary changes are an important aspect of the treatment and specific diet instructions will be provided. Following the prescribed diet will decrease the risks to mother and unborn child. A low fat, high fiber diet including raw vegetables and fresh vegetable juice is recommended. Avoid saturated fats and simple sugars. Avoid or restrict alcohol use.
These diet changes will involve increased fiber intake, fat restriction, elimination of concentrated sweets, and possibly the monitoring of caloric intake to prevent excessive weight gain.
Consultation with a dietician is often recommended for educational purposes, to answer your dietary questions and to provide follow-up encouragement.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
The nutrients below may be taken in combination with one another unless otherwise noted or as recommended by your midwife or health care provider. Those suffering from gestational diabetes should consult a midwife, health care provider or dietary consultant before using any supplement or herb.
Multi-vitamin & Multi-Mineral for Diabetics, Complete Diabetic Vitamin Formula, 90 Tabs, Iron Free, All Natural, Nature's Way, Vegetarian - Twice daily multivitamin formula for diabetics with Alpha Lipoic Acid, Fenugreek and GTF Chromium for daily support.
Once-A-Day Diabetic Multiple Vitamins, Alpha Betic, 30 Caplets - Alpha Betic vitamins are the multi-vitamin mineral supplement designed by doctors for people with diabetes, their families, and those On weight-reducing diets. In addition to Lutein, this formula contains chromium and 20 other diabetes specific nutrients.
Blood Sugar Formula w/ Gymnema Extract, Nature's Way, 90 Caps - Contains GTF Chromium part of an important cofactor for insulin as well as other herbs and minerals used in support of healthy blood sugar levels. This formula represents the powerful synergy of current scientific research and traditional herbal medicines.
Insulin Health X-Factors, Blood Sugar Supplement, 60 Tablets, trace Minerals - Insulin Health X-Factors is a revolutionary cutting edge dietary supplement specifically designed to support healthy insulin metabolism as well as cardiovascular function.
Sugar Balancer, TCM Formula, Huafen Yuxiao, 60 Caps - Chinese medicine uses the time-honored formula to supplement the Qi and Yin and to maintain healthy blood and urine sugar level and healthy functions of the autonomic nerve.
Diabetes Extract Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Truman's Diabetes Tea is targeted to enable the pancreas to produce its own insulin and to bring blood sugar levels to a safe range of somewhere between 110-140 without additional medication.
Diabetes Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - This diabetic formula may help decrease the amount of insulin required by the individual.
Reversing Diabetes, Revised and Updated, by Julian Whitaker, M.D. - This bestselling guide will arm you with safer and equally effective ways of treating diabetes through a sensible diet, exercise, and specific nutritional supplement suggestions. You can improve blood sugar control, reduce if not eliminate reliance on medication, decrease risk of complications and diseases associated with diabetes.
Sugar Control Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags - For maintaining normal blood sugar and blood fat level, urine sugar level.
Stevia Extract Powder, NOW Foods, 100 Packets per Box - This Stevia Extract Powder is a packeted form of Stevia rebaudiana, the "Honeyleaf" with zero fat, zero glycemic index, zero calories, and no bitter aftertaste. Stevia is an excellent all natural sugar substitute.
Liquid Flavored Sweetleaf Stevia, 4 Flavored Stevia Bottles, 6 ml, 60 Servings Each - Flavored Sweetleaf Stevia has four exciting all natural, zero calories, zero carbs, zero glycemic index. Flavored Stevia bottles at an exciting value of only one penny per drop.
All Natural Travel Size Stevia Sweetener, SteviaClear Liquid, 6 ml, 60 Servings - Stevia Sweetener is an all natural, no calories, no carbs, no bitter aftertaste sugar substitute sweetener with endless uses.
Noni Juice, Trace Minerals, 32 fl. oz. - Trace Minerals Noni Juice product may provide nutritional support for Bio-Electric Health and Body Mineral Balancing.
Omega 3 Fish Oil Mood Aid, EFA Gold, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 60 Softgels - Research suggests a correlation between consuming more omega-3 fatty acids from fish and better emotional health. MoodAide provides a convenient way to add an effective amount to your diet.
Flax Protein / Fiber / Lignan Cold Milled Powder Plus Omega 3, Certified Organic, Nature's Way, 16 oz. - With 6 grams of fiber, 300 mg Lignan and 5 grams Protein (including 18 amino acids) per serving, Nature's Way EFAGold is one of nature's richest sources of protein, fiber and essential fatty acids.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 60 mg, 120 Vcaps - Supports circulation to the brain as well as the extremities. This is achieved by maintaining healthy blood vessel tone and reducing blood viscosity. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba is a proven free radical scavenger and antioxidant.
Opuntia (Prickly Pear), Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps - Nature's Way Opuntia prickly pear flowers (Opuntia ficusindica) were traditionally used as medicine for male urinary discomforts. It was also used externally as an ointment.
Glucomannan (Konjac Fiber), Nature's Way, 665 mg, 180 Caps - Nature's Way Glucomannan (Amorphophallus konjac fiber) is a 100% dietary fiber source obtained from the root of the konjac plant.
Gymnema Sylvestre Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - For diabetes, hypoglycemia, and as a digestive tonic. Used for weight reduction, to help prevent tooth decay, and restore pancreatic function. Helps to block the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract.
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamonum verum), NOW Foods, 600 mg, 240 Caps - Experiments conducted by the USDA have shown that this - the variety we call "True Cinnamon" can lower blood sugar by mimicking insulin, activating insulin receptors and working with insulin in the cells to reduce blood sugar by up to 20 percent.
Bhumy Amalaki Powder (Phyllanthus niruri), 100% Organic, 8 oz. Bulk - Bhumy Amalaki is employed for numerous conditions including blennorrhagia, colic, diabetes, dysentery, fever, flu, tumors, jaundice, vaginitis, and dyspepsia.
Huckleberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Huckleberry leaf is used by Naturopathic Physicians to treat sugar diabetes and ailments of the kidneys and gallbladder. Huckleberry promotes insulin production.
Diabetic Insulin Support Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - The Diabetic Insulin Support Formula provides synergistic support for the adrenals, kidneys and pancreas and may help those with insulin dependent diabetes.
Stevia Clear Liquid Tincture, Wisdom Herbs, 4 fl oz. - Stevia Clear Liquid Tincture is an excellent diabetic aid which nourishes the pancreas, helping to achieve healthful blood sugar levels.
Stevia Clear, Chocolate Raspberry Liquid Tincture, 2 fl oz. - The best selling SteviaClear has added delicious natural flavors to create the world's most amazing and versatile zero calorie, zero carb dietary supplement.
Stevia Clear, Vanilla Creme Liquid Tincture, 2 fl oz. - The best selling SteviaClear has added delicious natural flavors to create the world's most amazing and versatile zero calorie, zero carb dietary supplement.
Stevia Clear, Valencia Orange Liquid Tincture, 2 fl oz. - The best selling SteviaClear has added delicious natural flavors to create the world's most amazing and versatile zero calorie, zero carb dietary supplement.
Stevia Glycerite, Alcohol Free, NOW Foods, 2 fl oz. - Stevia glycerite is intended for dietary supplement purposes only. Stevia Glycerite can be mixed into water and diluted.
Stevia Extract White Powder, 25 grams - Stevia extract has a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is also an excellent diabetic aid which nourishes the pancreas, helping to achieve healthful blood sugar levels.
Manuka Honey Bio Active 10+, 500 grams - Comvita Bio Active 10+ Manuka Honey contains a high level of antibacterial activity not found in other honeys. For digestive health and to assist the digestive process.
Coral Calcium (Okinawa) Plus Magnesium & Vitamin D, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Vcaps - Okinawa Coral Calcium Plus with Magnesium, Vitamin D and 70 other trace minerals provides essential minerals, restores body alkalinity, supports the immune system, and is bio available for better absorption.
Buchu Leaves Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. AHH - Buchu leaves act as a diuretic and antiseptic, and today is used in treating inflammation of the urethra, blood in the urine, bladder infections, and other chronic urinary tract disorders.
Vanadium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz. - WaterOz Ionic Vanadium is a pure liquid Vanadium supplement. Vanadium regulates the circulatory system, helps reduce cholesterol levels and buildup in the central nervous system, lowers elevated blood sugar and is believed to help reduce the incidence of heart attack. Vanadium assists insulin in metabolizing glucose.
GlyMordica Bitter Melon, 100% Natural, 450 mg, 60 Caps - Bitter Melon is one of the few agents which has the potential to bolster a flagging pancreas. Bitter Melon regulates blood sugar levels. Known for it's ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV, also an excellent natural common cold remedy.
Alpha Lipoic Acid w/ Rosemary, Nature's Way, Pharmaceutical Grade, 50 mg, 60 Caps - Alpha Lipoic Acid from Nature's Way is central to recycling other antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and GSH glutathione. Alpha Lipoic Acid is used for the treatment of nerve damage and helps control blood sugar levels.
Alpha Lipoic Acid, NOW Foods, 250 mg, 60 caps - Alpha Lipoic Acid is a versatile water and fat soluble metabolic antioxidant. Another benefit is that is also acts as a potent free radical quencher and aids other vitamins in their antioxidant activities. Alpha Lipoic Acid is used for the treatment of nerve damage and helps control blood sugar levels.
Momordica Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - It has been suggested that Bitter Melon, Momordica, has anti-tumor and anti-viral actions. MAP 30 is a protein found in Bitter Melon that is believed to have multiple functions that could be beneficial in treating HIV infection. Bitter Melon regulates blood sugar levels.
Natural Treatments For Diabetes, By R.N. Ellsworth - This book offers essential information on the types of diabetes and symptoms, as well as dietary recommendations and current research.
Chromium Picolinate, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 200 mcg, 100 Caps - Nature's Way Chromium Picolinate is 100 percent natural, patented Chromium Picolinate. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Chromium Picolinate improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, consult your health care provider before taking chromium.
Garlicin Cholesterol Control, Odor Free, Nature's Way, 350 mg, 90 Enteric Coated Tabs - In clinical studies, garlic has been shown to lower serum cholesterol and help maintain circulatory efficiency. The greatest effect resulted from garlic products with standardized amounts of allicin release in doses of 5,000 mcg per day. Garlic improves circulation, enhances immunity and reduces blood sugar levels.
Siberian Eleuthero Root, Nature's Way (Eleuthero, Eleutherococcus Senticosus Root), 410 mg, 100 Caps - Siberian Ginseng Root improves physical and mental vitality. It is an adaptogenic herb, which helps the body to adapt to daily stress. It is an ideal supplement for those leading a demanding and hectic lifestyle. Ginseng Tea lowers blood sugar levels, but is not recommended for those with high blood pressure.
L-Glutamine Powder, 100% Pure Free Form Amino Acid & GH Releaser, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 1 lb. - L-Glutamine powder may be used for reducing fatigue and improving exercise endurance. L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine and Taurine help mobilize fat, reduce sugar cravings and assist the release of insulin.
Vitamin E (as d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 400 IU, 250 Softgels - Vitamin E is a major antioxidant and the primary defense against lipid peroxidation. It is particularly important in protecting the body's cells from free radical and oxidative damage.
Flax Seed, Whole, Certified Organic, 1 lb. Bulk - Flax seeds are an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, plus magnesium, zinc, and dietary fiber. Flax oil from flax seeds is the richest known source of linolenic acid.
Zinc Lozenges w/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges - Nature's Way Zinc Lozenges boosts cold season defense with zinc, widely recognized as an important nutritional support during the cold season, and echinacea purpura, clinically shown to support the immune system, and vitamin C. a vitally important vitamin for general health maintenance. Zinc has shown to be deficient in diabetic patients. Zinc is best absorbed as lozenges.
Spirulina Powder, 100% Natural, Certified Organic, NOW Foods, 1 lb. - Spirulina has numerous health benefits. In addition, it is the highest known vegetable source of B-12 and provides optimum levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, cell salts, amino acids and enzymes. Spirulina is an excellent natural food supplement that helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Quercetin, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Vcaps - Quercetin helps protect the membranes of the eye from high glucose levels.
Ultimate B, Vitamin B Complex Formula, Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs - Vitamin B-Complex with extra B-12 and folic acid helps improve the metabolism of glucose. B-12 assists in the prevention of nerve damage/neuropathy.
Dandelion Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Dandelion Root protects the liver. This plant produces a mild diuretic effect and reduces serum cholesterol levels. It is used to improve appetite and minor digestive problems.
Fenugreek Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Fenugreek reduces serum cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Evidence for Fenugreek helps combat diabetes by regulating the rate of which the body absorbs sugars. In addition, fenugreek increases breast milk production and has been used to treat arthritis, kidney problems and male reproductive conditions.
Aloe Vera Juice, Pure Aloe Force, Organically Grown Unprocessed Whole Raw Aloe Vera, 33.8 fl. oz. - The magnificent Aloe plant, that is designed to be self-sufficient and thrive in the desert, feeds us in unique ways with its 250+ naturally occurring constituents including: enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, glycoproteins, sterols, growth factors, and all sizes of uniquely complex aloe polysaccarides and mannans.
Aloe Vera Juice, Herbal Aloe Force, Organically Grown, Unprocessed, Whole Raw Aloe Vera, 33.8 fl. oz. - Herbal Aloe Force, Aloe Vera Juice, Re-Natures the cells, tissues, glands, organs and all the systems of the body to function as originally designed.
Diabetes Treatment Books - Books about Diabetes, Diabetics & Insulin Resistance and their treatment.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You are 24 to 28 weeks pregnant and have not had a screening test for gestational diabetes mellitus.
Following diagnosis of gestational diabetes, you develop any new signs or symptoms that cause you concern.
You have difficulty in following a recommended diet or exercise program.
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