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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Pregnancy & Prenatal Care / Gestational Diabetes: Reducing Your Risk

Gestational Diabetes: Reducing Your Risk

November 21, 2017 By Liliana Zapien

lowering your risk of gestational diabetes

Did you know that November is diabetes awareness month?

While awareness is typically targeted toward diabetes types 1 and 2, gestational diabetes affects between 2 and 10% of pregnant women. It’s considered one of the biggest health risks during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes puts both you and your baby at risk for many dangerous conditions, including preterm birth, large birth weight, stillbirth and preeclampsia.

What are the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes?

Risk factors include:

  • Being overweight
  • Being related to someone who had or has diabetes
  • Being Hispanic/Latina, African American, American Indian, Asian American, Alaska Native or Pacific Islander
  • Being over the age of 25
  • Having gestational diabetes or a very large baby in a previous pregnancy
  • High blood pressure or heart disease

How can I lower my risk of getting gestational diabetes?

Although you can’t control some of the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes, there are a few steps you can take to lower your risk.

What you put in your body is important during pregnancy. Here are some ways you can lower the possibility of developing gestational diabetes:

  • Increase your fiber intake. Eating lots of fiber has been shown to reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes. One study found that for every 10g of fiber a pregnant woman consumed, her risk of gestational diabetes lowered by 26%.
  • Avoid drinking soda. Another study suggested drinking 5 or more carbonated beverages per week could increase your risk of developing gestational diabetes.
  • Reduce your intake of animal protein. Replace your animal protein intake, particularly red meat, with vegetable protein. Several studies have shown that a diet high in animal protein is associated with an increased risk for gestational diabetes, while a diet high in vegetable protein decreases your risk. Read more about what to eat during pregnancy.
  • Exercise.  Staying active is important during pregnancy. Exercise helps keep your glucose levels healthy. If your doctor gives you the okay, aim to exercise 30 minutes 5 time a week to help control your glucose levels.

For more information on gestational diabetes, visit our OB/GYN Knowledge Center: Gestational Diabetes Overview.

Are you concerned about your risk for gestational diabetes? Do you live in the North Florida area? Schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable Gainesville or Lake City maternity care providers at All About Women today.

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  • Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
    Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Filed Under: Pregnancy & Prenatal Care Tagged With: nutrition, pregnancy care, prenatal care, Well Woman care

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Being a patient-centered practice goes well beyond seeing patients in our office. We want to help you find important answers before you even step in the door. Our OB/GYN blog helps us accomplish this goal but more importantly, helps women like you better understand your unique health needs. Browse around and learn more about pregnancy, general women’s health, exciting new research and more!

Contact Us With Any Questions

All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

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All About Women
Gainesville and Lake City, Florida Obstetrics & Gynecology

Offices conveniently located in the heart of North Florida (Alachua County & Columbia County). Serving women of all ages and backgrounds
in and around Ocala, Williston, Chiefland, Perry, Live Oak, Lake City, Starke, Palatka and Gainesville.