Vanderbilt Diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications in pregnancy. It can occur in around 7-10% of pregnancies.

For information about the cause of Gestational diabetes, Maternal complications, Fetal complications and Treatment see our Health Topic listing for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes clinic at Vanderbilt

ADA recognition: The Vanderbilt Diabetes Center Gestational Diabetes Education Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for meeting the highest standards of care.

Gestational Diabetes Team:
Shubhada Jagasia, M.D. read about Dr. Jagasia

Dr. Jagasia has been at Vanderbilt since 1998. After completing her fellowship at Vanderbilt, she joined the endocrinology faculty in 2000. She is an expert in gestational diabetes as well as other endocrine diseases in pregnancy. She established the GDM clinic in 2000, which now receives referrals from obstetricians and midwives at Vanderbilt and also several other hospitals. Dr. Jagasia is also the Associate Program Director of the Endocrinology fellowship program at Vanderbilt.

more about Dr. Jagasia

Patricia Patterson, RN, CDE. read about Patricia Patterson

Patricia Patterson has been a registered nurse since 1988. She has been a certified diabetes educator since 1995. She offers diabetes education in the Vanderbilt Eskind Diabetes Clinic. Patricia has worked with Dr. Jagasia and the Gestational Diabetes Clinic to educate and manage blood sugar in pregnant women since 2005. She teaches patients on many aspects of diabetes care.

Jennifer Garland, MPH, RD, CDE. read about Jennifer Garland

Jennifer Garland is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator. She received her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Utah. She has been working with patients with gestational diabetes since 2000, and has been a certified diabetes educator since 2004. She enjoys working with clients and watching them lead healthier lives.

What to expect:
New patients can expect detailed GDM education at the first visit. You’ll meet with a doctor, dietitian and diabetes educator to learn about treatment, diet and diabetes care.

• You’ll learn how to test your blood glucose, record the results and send them back to us regularly.
• You can expect diet advice tailored to your needs. Our dietitian will work with you to make a healthy eating plan that fits your lifestyle and help you reach your blood glucose goals.
• We will work with your obstetrician to care for you and monitor your health. After delivery, you will be tested to see if you’ve become diabetic.

GDM Instruction Handout (Word Document)
Managing Gestational Diabetes - A Patient's guide to a healthy pregnancy (PDF)

Follow-up during pregnancy:
Follow-up is usually scheduled a week after the first visit to check on glucose control. More visits may be scheduled depending on your needs.

Postpartum followup:
Follow-up is about 2 months after delivery. At this visit, we test to make sure your blood glucose is back to normal. You should not eat or drink anything but water for 8-10 hours before this visit, which can take 2-3 hours. You can expect advice on how to manage your health for a healthy life after pregnancy.

Staying in touch:
Regular contact is a key part of treating GDM. You can be in touch with us through My Health at Vanderbilt, our convenient online patient tool, or by phone at 615-343-8332 and fax at 615-343-8346.

You can fax blood sugars using this form: Blood Glucose Log

Schedule an appointment: To make an appointment, please call (615) 343-VEDC [343-8332].

Contact us:  Call 615-343-8332 (VEDC) anytime. The contact person for the gestational diabetes program is Kristyn Wilson, Administrative Assistant.