Diabetes happens when too much glucose (sugar) stays in the blood instead of being used for energy. When diabetes develops in pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. It is one of the most common medical disorders in pregnancy. Please watch video below for more information
You will get a glucose meter to self-test blood glucose levels every day. The meter measures blood glucose from a small drop of blood. You can collect this from the Diabetes day centre Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm (Excluding Bank Holidays.)
Target Ranges:
After you have attended the gestation diabetes webinar we will organise an appointment for you to be seen.
Public Patients – This combined clinic is run on a Wednesday morning in the Maternity Outpatient department. You will see both diabetes and obstetric doctors, midwife, phlebotomist, Diabetes midwife specialist (If commencing treatment). You no longer need to fast before any appointments. Please have your breakfast before attending clinic and have a snack and water with you.
Private Patient – Where possible you will be reviewed on a Thursday afternoon in out Virtual clinic from Diabetes Day Centre. Your blood tests will be sent from your obstetric consultants rooms.
Helpline Numbers
Contacts
Diabetes Midwives:
Diabetespregnancyresults.guh@hse.ie
Diabetes in Pregnancy Team – 091 542 039
It is possible to monitor your blood glucose levels with a CGM device. Dexcom one + and Libre 2 plus are some options. These are self funded and are not covered under the drug payment scheme or medical card at present.
An appointment will be arranged for you for a postnatal glucose tolerance test 3 months after you baby is born. This will be held in the general outpatient department or diabetes day centre (NOT MATERNITY OPD). Please see your appointment letter for location. You will receive written confirmation of your results.
Chronic disease management prevention programme-
Yearly HbA1c and Fasting glucose with your GP as you are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future
Some women develop diabetes for the first time during pregnancy — this is called gestational diabetes.
A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born. It’s diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), usually between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Women with a
Your GP and midwife will discuss screening with you.
Most women manage gestational diabetes with diet and physical activity. Some will need tablets or insulin. Your diabetes team will guide you through home glucose monitoring and what your target levels are.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery, but you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. You’ll have a follow-up glucose test a few weeks after the birth, and we recommend an annual check-up with your GP.
