Pregnant woman getting glucose test at doctor's office

Pregnancy and Diabetes: Clinical Guidelines for Optimal Outcomes

Diabetes during pregnancy presents unique challenges for both healthcare providers and patients. This comprehensive course equips nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage gestational diabetes and pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy. Covering pathophysiology, maternal and fetal complications, evidence-based management strategies, and postpartum care, this course emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to optimize outcomes for both mother and child. Through case studies, clinical scenarios, and practical guidance, participants will learn to implement best practices in screening, monitoring, nutrition, pharmacologic therapy, and patient education, while fostering long-term health for mothers and their babies.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

  1. Explain the pathophysiology of diabetes and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
  2. Identify risk factors and screening methods for gestational diabetes.
  3. Recognize maternal complications associated with diabetes in pregnancy.
  4. Describe fetal and neonatal risks related to maternal diabetes.
  5. Identify the components of a multidisciplinary approach to GDM management.

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Introduction to Diabetes and Pregnancy

  • What is Diabetes?
    • Types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes
    • Pathophysiology of diabetes and its effects on the body
    • Prevalence and statistics of diabetes during pregnancy
  • Overview of Pregnancy Physiology
    • Hormonal changes and metabolic alterations during pregnancy
    • The role of insulin in pregnancy

Chapter 2: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

  • What is Gestational Diabetes?
    • Definition, diagnostic criteria, and screening
    • Risk factors for GDM
    • Prevalence and impact on maternal and fetal health
  • Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes
    • Insulin resistance in pregnancy
    • Placental hormones and their role in GDM
  • Diagnosis and Screening Methods
    • Glucose tolerance test (GTT)
    • Diagnostic thresholds for GDM

Chapter 3: Maternal Health Concerns and Diabetes

  • Maternal Complications of Diabetes
    • Hypertension, preeclampsia, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
    • Increased risk of cesarean delivery
    • Infections and delayed wound healing
  • Managing Diabetes in Pregnancy
    • Blood sugar monitoring techniques
    • Pharmacological management (insulin therapy)
    • Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise)

Chapter 4: Fetal and Neonatal Health Concerns

  • Fetal Impact of Diabetes
    • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) vs. macrosomia
    • Risk of birth defects and congenital abnormalities
    • Risk of preterm birth and neonatal complications
  • Neonatal Hypoglycemia
    • Pathophysiology, signs, and symptoms
    • Treatment and prevention strategies
  • Long-term Effects on the Child
    • Risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome later in life

Chapter 5: Managing Gestational Diabetes: A Multi-disciplinary Approach

  • Collaboration Between Healthcare Providers
    • Role of obstetricians, endocrinologists, dietitians, and nurses
  • Patient Education
    • Importance of self-monitoring blood glucose
    • Lifestyle interventions: Diet and exercise
    • Preparing for labor and delivery
  • Postpartum Care
    • Screening for diabetes after delivery
    • Preventing future diabetes
    • Postpartum glucose testing for the mother

Chapter 6: Case Studies and Clinical Scenarios

  • Case Study 1: Early Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes
    • Scenario, diagnosis, and management plan
  • Case Study 2: A Complicated Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes
    • Scenario, potential risks, and care strategies
  • Case Study 3: Postpartum Management of Gestational Diabetes
    • Scenario, follow-up care, and future prevention

Chapter 7: References

  • References
  • California BON Required Implicit Bias Information

Price: $12.00

Contact Hour: 1

Pregnant woman getting glucose test at doctor's office

Course Author

Author photo for Kendall Moore

Kendall Moore

Kendall is a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate from Tyler Junior College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She has a deep passion for nutrition and hormone health, is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, and is currently enrolled in Pacific College's RN-to-BSN in Holistic Nursing program. Upon graduation, Kendall intends to begin a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program to further expand her expertise.

In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Kendall serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Pedagogy, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the company while simultaneously attending school and authoring educational courses. Her unique blend of leadership, clinical knowledge, and dedication to holistic health reflects her commitment to advancing both patient care and healthcare education.

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