Nutrition for Gestational Diabetes (0.5 CME Point) by Kristina Vavura
An enlightening webinar on “Nutrition for Gestational Diabetes,” designed to provide comprehensive insights and practical strategies for managing gestational diabetes through dietary choices. This session is ideal for healthcare professionals, expectant mothers, and anyone interested in understanding the crucial role nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. We will explore the latest research, dietary guidelines, and practical tips to help manage blood sugar levels effectively, ensuring both maternal and faetal health.
Speakers
Kristina Vavura
RD, MDiet
My name is Kristina Vavura and I am Registered Dietitian with a dedication to educate both healthcare professionals and the general public about the essential part of nutrition in our daily lives and its impact on health span and longevity. I am also the Founder and CEO of Forever Young Academy. My experience spans acute and community settings, with special interests in weight management, diabetes (type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes), oncology, and health promotion. I am an active member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), Parenteral Nutrition Association (PEN), European Society of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition (ESPEN) as well as the Association for Study of Obesity (ASO). Currently, I am continuing my education as a functional medicine practitioner with the Association of Applied Functional Medicine in the US. I pursued my Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics at Robert Gordon University in Scotland, where I gained practical experience as a Dietetic Intern in NHS Tayside. Throughout ,my career, I have provided personalised dietary advice to patients managing various conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, malnutrition, paediatric nutrition pancreatitis, IBS, ulcerative colitis,, fatty liver disease, PCOS, food intolerances, autoimmune diseases, coeliac disease, and patients both pre- and post-operation. My internship included consulting on parenteral and enteral nutrition for complex neurological, oncological, and surgical cases. I have also received specialised training from NUTRICIA and Abbott Laboratories in parenteral and enteral nutrition. Additionally, I completed the SCOPE Training for obesity, cardiovascular issues and obesity, children with obesity and eating disorders in obesity management.
1) Understanding Gestational Diabetes: -Pathophysiology, risk factors, and potential complications of gestational diabetes for both the mother and the baby. -Diagnostic criteria 2) Nutritional Requirements and Guidelines -Understand the specific dietary needs and recommendations for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, including macronutrient distribution and meal planning strategies. -Explore the concepts of glycemic index and glycemic load, and how they influence blood sugar levels, to make informed food choices that help manage gestational diabetes. 3) Practical Meal Planning -Gain practical skills in creating balanced, nutritious meal plans that incorporate a variety of foods to maintain stable blood glucose levels while ensuring adequate nutrient intake for both mother and baby. 4) Lifestyle and Behavioural Strategies: -Learn about the importance of physical activity, stress management, and behavioural changes in conjunction with dietary modifications to effectively manage gestational diabetes and promote overall well-being.