VIDON, AUBREY ROSE A.

April 18, 2020

BSN 2Y2-2

AMPLIFY THE LEARNING (OB) WEEK #9

1. How does diabetes alter food metabolism during pregnancy?

a. Early pregnancy - During early pregnancy, glucose tolerance is normal or slightly improved and
peripheral (muscle) sensitivity to insulin and hepatic basal glucose production is normal.

b. Late pregnancy- In the last trimester, elevated maternal insulin resistance and estrogen levels
produce multiple changes in lipoprotein metabolism.

2. Why is maintenance of a normal blood glucose level before and during early pregnancy
particularly important?

Normal glucose levels in pregnancy are important for setting glycemic targets in women with diabetes.
The first change that happens is a fall in fasting glucose levels which occurs early in the first trimester. In
second and third trimester glucose levels rise slightly due to insulin resistance.

3. Why is it recommended that a woman who has hypoglycemia avoid sucrose or unrefined sugar,
such as candy, to raise her glucose level to normal?

Sucrose, also known as “table sugar,” is a disaccharide composed of one glucose and one fructose
molecule and provides 4 kcals/gm. Available evidence from clinical studies shows dietary sucrose has no
more effect on glycemia than equivalent caloric amounts of starch. It’s important to note that excess
energy intake from nutritive sweeteners or foods and beverages containing high amounts of nutritive
sweeteners should be avoided, since they provide “empty” calories and can lead to weight gain.