Definition
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes which occurs during pregnancy. During pregnancy your blood sugar level may increase. This condition or problem is known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or gestational diabetes. This gestational diabetes may appear at any time of pregnancy but usually appears in 24th or 28th week. If you are attacked by gestational diabetes, this doesn't mean that you had diabetes before or you will have in the future. But it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Gestational problem can affect your health or your baby. But early detection and well management can reduce the risk.
Causes
During pregnancy, your body normally need more insulin than usual. When gestational diabetes affects your body, your body can't produce the required amount of insulin which is needed during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body produces some amounts of hormones. In course of time, these hormones increase in your body and become resistant to insulin. So, glucose can't go to your body cells and they remain unfed. And for this reason, the glucose increases in your bloodstream. During pregnancy, your body normally becomes insulin resistance. But if the resistance increases, your glucose also starts to increase in your bloodstream. That causes gestational diabetes.
Symptoms
Actually gestational diabetes doesn't appear with any symptoms. If you develop some risk factors, the your doctor may test you and ensure that you are affected by gestational diabetes. Some symptoms include:
- You feel thirstier than previous or usual
- Blurry vision
- A lot of urination
- Dry mouth
- You pee more than usual
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
Effects on baby
Your baby will remain in good health if you manage your blood sugar level in a proper way. When your child will be born, doctors will check the blood sugar level. If it appears low, then they will provide glucose until the level raises to normal. There is high possibility that your child will be larger than others. Baby may be attacked by jaundice inborn. But proper treatment can cut the problem. Also, your baby has a high chance to be attacked by type 2 diabetes than other children though this can be removed after proper treatment.
Treatment
If you are affected by gestational diabetes, your treatment depends on the blood sugar level. If are attacked you need treatment immediately to keep you and your baby healthy or in well health during pregnancy and delivery. Doctor will advise to monitor your blood sugar level after every meal. He may provide a blood sugar monitoring device. Blood sugar level can be reduced if you become active and if you can change your diet. You may take different types of exercises. That may include walking, swimming. But if you haven't taken any exercise before, consult with your doctor. You may also need to take medicines and injections. Ask your doctor how many times you need to take insulin injections per day and other details.
Prevention
It is overall impossible. But changing your life can be helpful in this case. If you're pregnant and develop a risk of being affected by gestational diabetes, then target to eat good and healthy food. Choose to take those foods which are rich in fiber and low in calories and fat. You can also choose fruits, vegetables and grain. Exercise can help you to prevent this diabetes. You are unable to do high exercise, then small exercises can also help you. For an example, walking. Reducing extra weight before pregnancy is also helpful. Your doctor may advise you to do certain things. Try to follow them. If you loss your weight, you will be able to lead a healthier life even during pregnancy. It is usual that you will gain more weight during pregnancy. But if you gain additional weight again, this may lead you to gestational diabetes. You can ask your doctor what weight is best for you.
Read more: type 1 diabetes
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