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[파이낸셜뉴스] Diabetes, one of the most common diseases of modern people, can occur even during pregnancy. In particular, recently, as the number of cases of diabetes diagnosed among young pregnant women has increased, concerns and interest about this are growing.
Comedian Jeong Ju-ri, who is about to give birth recently, also received concern from many people after receiving the news that she had gestational diabetes. As gestational diabetes has become more common in people around us, interest in the risks of the disease, ways to prevent it, and ways to improve symptoms is increasing.
■Main causes of gestational diabetes
According to information from Seoul Asan Medical Center, gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant woman’s insulin function declines due to hormones secreted by the fetus. In order to overcome this, insulin secretion increases from the pancreas. At this time, if insulin secretion is not sufficient, gestational diabetes occurs. It is stated that it does.
If this disease is not managed from the beginning, it can cause various complications. For the fetus, the risk of malformation, macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and respiratory distress syndrome increases, and for the mother, it can lead to gestational hypertension, premature birth, and later develop into type 2 diabetes. Because the risk of developing diabetes increases, it is very important to thoroughly manage gestational diabetes.
Diet and exercise are important to prevent and manage gestational diabetes. Appropriate exercise plays a big role in lowering blood sugar, so it is a good idea to consistently practice light walking or stretching every day. As for diet, it is necessary to avoid foods high in sugar and fatty foods, and eat meals at regular times. Refined carbohydrates that are commonly consumed are known to cause rapid increases in blood sugar levels, which can be even more dangerous for pregnant women.
■Focus on ‘low-sugar grains’ as a way to prevent blood sugar spikes
For pregnant women who need to be more careful with medications or foods, a diet centered on ‘low-sugar grains’ can help manage fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels. A representative low-sugar grain is ‘faro’, which is grown in the Tuscany region of Italy. Tuscany is a high-altitude, cold, and dry region, making it a place with optimal conditions for farro cultivation. In compliance with EU laws, chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are not used, and the quality of the grain is improved because it is grown with a two-year rest period through crop rotation. It is said to be even better.
The sugar content of farro is 2.4g (based on 100g), which is one-third of kamut (7.84g), which is known as a low-sugar grain, making it effective in managing blood sugar levels. It is rich in resistant starch, which helps suppress sudden increases in blood sugar levels. This is a very useful ingredient in preventing and managing gestational diabetes.
Farro contains a variety of nutrients such as rich dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable while supplying the nutrition pregnant women need.
The arabinoxylan component contained in farro is a substance that helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is known that continuous consumption provides healthy carbohydrates and allows pregnant women to easily manage their blood sugar levels.
ancient grain farro
In this way, you can manage gestational diabetes in a healthy way through consistent exercise and a diet that uses low-sugar grains.
According to data from Seoul National University Hospital, gestational diabetes requires regular check of blood sugar levels and dietary therapy after nutritional consultation with a professional nutritionist. If blood sugar control is not good through diet alone, insulin is administered and insulin is adjusted based on self-blood sugar measurement results. Since it says that the dosage must be adjusted, it is necessary to check blood sugar levels regularly to check for changes.
[email protected] Reporter Lee Dae-yul
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**What specific dietary and lifestyle modifications, beyond simply reducing sugar intake, can expectant mothers implement to effectively manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes complications?**
### Gestational Diabetes: Understanding Risks, Prevention, and Management
**Welcome to World Today News. Today, we are diving into a topic that is increasingly affecting expectant mothers: gestational diabetes.**
Joining us are two esteemed guests:
**Dr. Emily Carter:** A leading endocrinologist specializing in gestational diabetes and maternal health.
**Laura Lee:** * A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with experience guiding expectant mothers in managing their nutritional needs.*
**Dr. Carter, let’s start with the basics. What is gestational diabetes and why has its prevalence been rising among young pregnant women?**
**[Dr. Carter responds]**
**Laura, could you elaborate on the specific risks associated with gestational diabetes for both the mother and the baby? You mentioned complications like macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia. Could you shed light on what these mean? **
**[Laura responds]**
**Section 2: Prevention and Lifestyle Management**
**Dr. Carter, the article highlights the importance of diet and exercise in preventing and managing gestational diabetes. Could you share some specific lifestyle adjustments that expectant mothers can make to lower their risk?**
**[Dr. Carter responds]**
**Laura, the article mentions “low-sugar grains” as a dietary strategy. Can you explain the role of carbohydrates in blood sugar management and what makes certain grains like farro particularly beneficial for pregnant women with gestational diabetes?**
**[Laura responds]**
**Section 3: The Role of Modern Nutrition and Medical Care**
**Dr. Carter, beyond lifestyle adjustments, what medical interventions might be necessary for managing gestational diabetes? What kind of ongoing monitoring is required?**
**[Dr. Carter responds]**
**Laura, how can technology, such as continuous glucose monitors, empower pregnant women to take a more proactive role in managing their blood sugar levels?**
**[Laura responds]**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead – Implications for Lifelong Health**
**Dr. Carter, gestational diabetes can sometimes increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. What are some ways expectant mothers who have experienced gestational diabetes can minimize this long-term risk?**
**[Dr. Carter responds]**
**Laura, what message would you like to leave our viewers with? What are the key takeaways regarding nutrition and lifestyle choices for a healthy pregnancy, particularly for women concerned about gestational diabetes?**
**[Laura responds]**
**Thank you both for this insightful conversation. We hope it empowers our viewers with knowledge and strategies for a healthier Pregnancy.**
