GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Case Study: Gestational Diabetes
In Australia, 1 in 5 pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Lifestyle management, including dietary intervention, is the first line of treatment for GDM, and a prenatal dietitian offers specialised expertise to guide women through this journey with confidence and clarity.
Client Background
Emma, a 32-year-old first time mother, was diagnosed with GDM at 26 weeks gestation following her routine oral glucose tolerance test.
Overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, she felt anxious about her baby’s health, confused about nutrition choices, and worried about the possibility of requiring medication. Her obstetrician recommended a prenatal dietitian referral, and Emma booked a series of consultations.
Dietitian Assessment and Intervention
The primary goal in managing GDM through nutrition is to stabilise maternal blood glucose levels to promote a healthy pregnancy and avoid complications to the mother and baby.
- During the initial consultation it was identified that Emma had:
- Elevated fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels
- Pre-pregnancy BMI of 31 kg/m²
- Confusion around safe carbohydrate choices
- Emotional distress about dietary restrictions
- Concern over the health of her baby
- Concern about future type 2 diabetes risk
Through evidence-based nutrition and supportive dietary counselling, a personalised diet plan was created to stabilise blood glucose levels, ensure adequate nutrition and build confidence about food choices. I provided education on lower GI food swaps, meal preparation and planning, portion guidance for meals and snacks, and pregnancy safe sweetener choices.
Nutrition advice was continuously refined as Emma’s pregnancy progressed, with personalised adjustments to suit her evolving needs.
Outcomes and Follow up:
Emma attended regular prenatal dietitian consultations during which I monitored nutrition intake, blood glucose levels, weight gain and physical activity. I collaborated closely with her obstetrician and midwife, ensuring care remained integrated and aligned.
Emma achieved healthy weight gain and was able to stabilise her blood glucose levels within the maternal target range through diet, no medication was required. She delivered a healthy baby boy at full term without complications.
*For this client no blood glucose control medication was required though for some oral hypoglycaemic medication and insulin may be needed in conjunction with dietary modification to achieve optimal blood glucose levels.
Seeing a prenatal dietitian is essential for managing GDM whether or not medication is prescribed.
I collaborate closely with your obstetric team to ensure any medication prescribed is complemented by a personalised, nutrient-rich eating plan. A prenatal dietitians role becomes even more crucial when medications are introduced; to help reduce side effects, prevent hypoglycaemia, and empower women to feel confident in their daily routines.