About Diabetes Diabetes And Pregnancy
| Diabetes And Pregnancy |
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During pregnancy the body undergoes a series of changes to facilitate the growth of the fetus. Different hormones will be secreted via the placenta to help the fetus to grow. In some women this can interfere with the chemical balances that keep her body operating. This can lead to the development of diseases as a consequence. Diabetes is one such disease that can occur during pregnancy. When this happens it is known as gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition in which a pregnant woman suffers from higher then normal blood glucose levels. Although science does not know the exact cause of diabetes during pregnancy it is believed that women are more at risk if they are :
Obese, Over 30, Have a family history of acquiring the disease, Have excess amniotic fluid (Polyhydromnios). Symptoms of diabetes during pregnancy can vary from none at all to the classic symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. These are : Frequent urination or polyuria, Excessive thirst or polydipsia, Extreme hunger, Unusual weight loss, Increased fatigue and irritability, Blurry vision. As the symptoms may not be apparent, part of regular checkups during the pregnancy is to check for diabetes. This is normally done towards the end of the second trimester at around 24 to 28 weeks. The way to test this is to do an oral glucose tolerance test. The woman drinks a specific quantity of glucose in the form of a drink. Her blood sugar level is checked after roughly an hour. If the glucose level is higher than recommended then another test is performed. This is a similar test except that the quantity of glucose is increased and the fasting goes on longer. If after this test, the blood sugar level is higher than normal then the woman has diabetes. Once diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the principle method of control is through diet and exercise. In terms of diet, it is advised to be low in fat, high in fresh vegetables and wholegrain foods. It should also be balanced to provide all the mineral and vitamins that are needed for the baby and mother. Exercise should be based on consultation with your doctor. The doctor will advise on the types of exercise and the length of exercise based on your condition and the stage of the pregnancy. Light aerobic exercise like walking is always popular. Some women will need insulin replacement therapy and blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly. It is important to keep the blood levels as constant as possible. Irregular high and low blood sugar readings can lead to numerous problems. For the baby, the most common outcome is a condition known as macrosomia, where the baby is abnormally large. This can lead to birth complications for the mother and in many cases Cesarean section is the method of delivery. The baby may also have low blood sugar because of persistent insulin in the blood. Jaundice may result because the liver is immaturely developed. The lungs may also be poorly developed leading to respiratory problems. However, once gestational diabetes is diagnosed it is fairly easy to manage the condition and give birth to a healthy baby. Management requires careful monitoring of the condition and close consultation with your doctor. It also requires strict adherence to a planned diet and exercise program. For more information on diabetic diets visit http://diabeticdietsplan.com
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