[Medical Q&A] How do “diabetic moms” manage their blood sugar after childbirth?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Zhao Jie, Chief Pharmacist Professor of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University

Gestational diabetes is a common blood sugar disorder during pregnancy. The good news for most women with gestational diabetes is that blood sugar levels usually return to normal after the baby is born. However, postpartum care is equally important.

Six weeks after delivery is a critical period for routine postpartum checkups, and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be performed again to assess whether the body's sugar metabolism has returned to normal. In addition, for long-term health, annual checkups are recommended to monitor the risk of diabetes.

Breastfeeding is especially beneficial for "diabetic moms". Breastfeeding not only enhances the baby's immunity, but also helps the mother consume calories, which helps further restore blood sugar levels. At the same time, attention should be paid to lifestyle improvements, including maintaining a healthy weight and proper physical exercise. These healthy habits not only help blood sugar control, but also reduce the risk of future problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Through these measures, mothers can better protect their health.