What is gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition causing high blood sugar (diabetes), which begins during pregnancy. It affects approximately four percent of all pregnant women, causing potentially serious complications if not managed. Your OB/GYN can detect this condition during routine screenings, and help you manage it for a healthy pregnancy, and a healthy baby. This is one of many reasons to schedule an appointment as soon as you think you might be pregnant.

Causes

Hormonal changes naturally occurring in pregnancy inhibit the action of insulin. This is normal, preventing the mother’s blood sugar levels from dropping as nutrients are diverted to the developing fetus. As the pregnancy progresses and these hormones increase, glucose levels raise. In response, the mother’s pancreas produces more insulin, keeping a delicate, healthy balance. However, sometimes the mother’s pancreas is unable to produce the levels of insulin needed to counteract increasing hormones. When this happens, blood sugar levels continue rising, and gestational diabetes develops.

Diagnosis

Every pregnant woman should be tested for gestational diabetes by the 28th week of pregnancy, if not sooner. High-risk patients are often tested earlier, and more often. Dr. Taryll Jenkins, your OB/GYN in Katy, TX, will examine your current condition, medical records, and risk factors to determine when you should be tested. Common risk factors include:

Impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetic)
Family medical history including diabetes
Previous gestational diabetes
Having given birth to a baby over nine pounds, or a stillborn baby in the past
Obesity

Treatment

One of the most important steps in managing any form of diabetes is a healthy diet. Dr. Jenkins will explain what foods are healthy right now, what should be avoided, and how to make wise choices. He will also help you learn the balance between too much strain, and too little exercise.

Call our office

New patients please call:
855-346-8610

Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600

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In many cases, these careful lifestyle alterations can keep the condition under control. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and urine ketones will alert you, and the doctor, if the condition worsens. If this happens, you may need to take insulin.

Dr. Jenkins will be there with you, every step of the way. Whether you have a complication-free pregnancy, develop gestational diabetes, or any other condition, he will provide the highest level of medical care, expert advice, and genuine compassion.

If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you need a caregiver who actually cares. Call Dr. Jenkins at 855-346-8610 today.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.