Your Maternal Diabetes Dashboard
Welcome back, Mama! Here's your diabetes management overview during pregnancy.
Blood Glucose
📊Pregnancy Tracker
🤰Gestational Diabetes Care
First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)
Focus on early glucose control and nutritional needs
Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)
Increased insulin resistance, monitor closely
Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40+)
Highest insulin needs, prepare for delivery
Quick Actions
⚡Emergency Information
If you're experiencing severe symptoms like confusion, extreme thirst, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Local Emergency: 112 (Most African countries)
Maternal Health Hotline: +27 21 406 6811 (South Africa)
International Diabetes Federation Africa: Visit Website
Pregnancy & Diabetes Management
Monitor your gestational diabetes and pregnancy health.
Pregnancy Overview
🤰Pregnancy Milestones
Week 24-28
Glucose screening test typically performed
Week 28-32
Increased insulin resistance begins
Week 32-36
Peak insulin needs, frequent monitoring
Week 36+
Delivery planning with healthcare team
Fetal Health
👶How Diabetes Affects Your Baby
High blood glucose during pregnancy can lead to:
- Excessive fetal growth (macrosomia)
- Increased risk of cesarean delivery
- Low blood sugar in baby after birth
- Higher risk of obesity/type 2 diabetes later in child's life
Good glucose control reduces these risks significantly.
Postpartum Planning
🔄After Delivery
For most women, gestational diabetes resolves after delivery, but:
- 50% risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5-10 years
- Breastfeeding can help improve glucose metabolism
- Healthy lifestyle reduces future diabetes risk
Pregnancy Nutrition & Diet
Manage your diet with African-specific food database for gestational diabetes.
Meal Tracker
🍲Pregnancy-Friendly African Foods
🌍Nutrition During Pregnancy
During pregnancy with diabetes, focus on:
- Balanced meals with complex carbohydrates
- Adequate protein for fetal growth
- Healthy fats for brain development
- Fiber to manage glucose spikes
- Regular small meals to maintain stable glucose
Pregnancy Meal Suggestions
💡Diabetes & Pregnancy Education
Learn about gestational diabetes management with Africa-specific resources.
Gestational Diabetes Basics
📚What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when your body cannot produce enough insulin to handle the effects of pregnancy hormones.
Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy hormones cause insulin resistance, which normally helps provide more glucose to the growing baby. In gestational diabetes, this resistance becomes too strong, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
African women have a higher genetic predisposition to insulin resistance, increasing gestational diabetes risk.
Gestational Diabetes in Africa
Gestational diabetes is increasing across Africa due to:
- Urbanization and changing diets
- Higher rates of obesity
- Genetic predisposition to insulin resistance
- Limited screening in some regions
Managing Gestational Diabetes
Effective management includes:
- Regular blood sugar monitoring
- Healthy eating with traditional African foods
- Moderate physical activity
- Medication if needed (insulin is safe during pregnancy)
- Regular antenatal check-ups
Traditional Remedies & Pregnancy
🌿African Traditional Approaches
Many African communities have traditional remedies for diabetes during pregnancy. Caution is needed as some may not be pregnancy-safe.
Generally Safe Traditional Remedies:
- Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina): In moderation, may help lower blood sugar
- Moringa: Nutrient-rich, but limit to 1-2 teaspoons of leaf powder daily
- Ginger: For nausea, in small amounts
Remedies to Avoid During Pregnancy:
- Aloe vera: May stimulate uterine contractions
- Soursop: May be toxic in large amounts
- Strong herbal concoctions: May contain unsafe ingredients
Important Note
Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any traditional remedies during pregnancy.
Complications Prevention
🩺Potential Complications
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to:
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
- Large baby (macrosomia), increasing delivery risks
- Neonatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar in baby)
- Increased risk of cesarean delivery
- Future type 2 diabetes for mother and child
Prevention Strategies
To prevent complications:
- Maintain good blood sugar control
- Attend all antenatal appointments
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Follow recommended weight gain guidelines
- Prepare for possible early delivery if needed
Postpartum Care
After delivery:
- Get tested for diabetes 6-12 weeks postpartum
- Breastfeed if possible - helps with glucose control
- Maintain healthy lifestyle to prevent type 2 diabetes
- Get tested before future pregnancies
Your Profile
Manage your personal information and diabetes profile.
Personal Information
👤Diabetes Profile
🩸Settings
⚙️AI Pregnancy Diabetes Assistant
Get personalized gestational diabetes advice powered by AI.