Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy - Case Study Example

Molly is more likely to develop gestational diabetes due to environmental factors and inherited predisposition. Among these factors include a family health history of gestational diabetes, being overweight, consumption of low fiber, and a high glycemic diet (Brown 136).

Diabetes Mellitus is classified into two: Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin Dependent), wherein the body stops producing insulin or produces too little insulin to regulate blood glucose level; and the other is Type II Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent), wherein the pancreas secretes insulin, but the body is partially or completely unable to use the insulin (Brown 134). Although gestational diabetes typically goes away after delivery of the baby, women who suffer from gestational diabetes are more likely to develop Type II Diabetes later in life because of previous experience with insulin resistance leading to continuous secretion of enough insulin to cope with the higher demands.

Glucose screening should be done upon Molly’s initial visit to the doctor to monitor closely the glucose level and to determine necessary actions that will prevent further aggravation of complications along with pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires careful medical supervision and patient’s compliance to the treatment to lower the chance of having gestational diabetes. In Molly’s case, the primary approach of the health care team should focus on informing Molly to undergo medical nutrition therapy which begins with staying at a healthy weight and not gaining too much weight during pregnancy. Regular exercise will also help keep blood sugar level within a target range and prevent gestational diabetes.