CHAPTER II

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Review of Related literature:

Gestational diabetes ( or gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM is a condition in

which women without previously diagnosed diabetes exhibit high blood glucose levels
during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes generally has few symptoms and it is most commonly

diagnosed by screening during pregnancy. Diagnostic tests detect inappropriately high
levels of glocuse in blood samples. Gestational Diabetes affects 3-10% of pregnancies,
depending on the population studied. No specific cause has been identified, but it is
believed that the hormones produced during pregnancy increase a woman’s resistance to
insulin, resulting in impaired glucose tolerance.

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of problems
typically such as being large for gestational diabetes (which may lead to delivery
complications), low blood sugar, and jaundice. Gestational diabetes is a treatable
condition and women who have adequate control of glucose levels can effectively
decrease these risks.

Women with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2

diabetes mellitus after pregnancy, while their offspring are prone to developing childhood
obesity, with type 2 diabetes later in life. Most patients are treated only with diet
modification and moderate exercise but some take anti-diabetic drugs, including insulin.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gestational _Diabetes)
 Changing hormones and weight gain are part of a healthy pregnancy. But both
changes make it hard for your body to keep up with its need for a hormone called insulin.
When that happens, your body doesn’t get the energy it needs from the food you eat.

Untreated or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can mean problems for your baby,
such as being born very large and with extra fat; this can make delivery difficult and
more dangerous for your baby, low blood glucose right after birth, breathing problems.
(hhtp://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/#2)

High sugar levels in your blood can be unhealthy for both you and your baby. If
the diabetes isn’t treated, your baby may be more likely to have problems at birth. For
example, your baby may have a low blood sugar level, jaundice, or your baby may weigh
much more than normal. Gestational diabetes can also affect your health. For instance, if
your baby is very large, you may have a more difficult delivery or you may need a
cesarean section. Gestational diabetes also increases your risk of developing pre-
eclampsia, which is a condition that can be serious if left untreated.
(http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/complications/075.ht
ml)

Conceptual Framework:
 Sufficient Knowledge

regarding the disease

Normal Blood sugar

Level for Gestational Diabetes

Therapeutic regimen

(exercise and diet)

This illustration shows the positive effects of having sufficient knowledge regarding Gestational
Diabetes and knowing the Therapeutic regimens like regular exercise and proper diet.

Definition of Terms:

a. Gestation – pregnancy
b. Diabetes Mellitus – is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by elevated levels of
glucose in the blood resulting from defects in insulin secretions, insulin action, or both.
c. Insulin – a hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islets of langerhans of the pancreas
that is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
d. Gestational Diabetes – is any degree of glucose intolerance with its onset during
pregnancy.
e. Hyperglycemia – elevated blood glucose fasting level greater than 110mg/dl.
f. Glucose – the particular form of sugar existing in many animal and vegetable organisms.
g. Pre-eclampsia – It is marked by elevated blood pressure(hypertension), protein in
urine(proteinuria), and swelling(edema) that is strikingly noticeable in the hands and
face.
h. Macrosomia – Abnormally large size neonate.
i. Jaundice – a yellowish staining of the integument, sclera, deeper tissues, and excretion
with bile pigments, resulting from increased levels in the plasma.

Hypothesis
• Increased intake of fiber, decreases postprandial hyperglycemia and does lower insulin
requirements.
• Frequent exercise lowers the blood glucose of women with gestational diabetes.
• A woman with gestational diabetes refers high glucose level, that will develop anytime
during pregnancy that does not have diabetes.
• Why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat gestational
diabetes.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
 . (2009)Ultimate Reference Suite Chicago, Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
Britannica-Encyclopedia.

Nettina, Sandra M. MSN, RN, (2001), Manual of Nursing Practice 7th Edition
Philadelphia: Lippincott. Raven Publishers

Pilliteri, Adele, (1995) Maternal and child health Nursing care of the Childbearing and
Childbearing Family.
Sampaloc, Manila: C & E Publishing, INC.

GANNT CHART
Activities Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
1. Formulation of ✔
questions
1. Dissemination ✔
with in the area
concern.
1. Interviewing of ✔
participants
1. Collation of ✔
gathered data
1. Interpretation of ✔
collated data
1. Formulating of ✔
Interpreted data
1. Evaluation ✔