Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is also known as gestational diabetes mellitus. In this disease or medical condition, women who have not been diagnosed of having diabetes show elevated levels of glucose in blood when they are expecting. One can know that she is suffering from gestational diabetes after screening during pregnancy.
It is basically the diagnostic tests that indicate beyond norm augmented level of sugar in blood.
It has been researched that babies born to women who have gestational diabetes have a high probability of problems. Some of these problems are being large for gestational age, low blood sugar, and jaundice. The gestational diabetes is a medical condition that can be treated, and the potential risks can also be decreased if appropriate measures are taken.
There are 2 classifications, or subdivisions of gestational diabetes; type A1 and type A2. Type A1 is OGTT abnormal oral glucose tolerance test, however it can be controlled by some alterations in diet, and by being able to maintain normal levels of glucose in blood during fasting and 2 hours after the meals taken.
Type A2 is abnormal OGTT combined with abnormal glucose levels during fasting or after meals. In this case, insulin treatment and other medication are required.
Some of the most common risks for developing gestational diabetes are family history of diabetes in parents or siblings, gestational diabetes in any previous pregnancy, any birth defect in a previous pregnancy, obesity in woman ( to be accurate BMI more than 29), or pregnancy in an old maternal age ( more than 30). Others involve prior delivery of a baby of more than 9 pounds, history of pregnancy, which has a high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, hydramnios, etc.
Gestational diabetes is accurately diagnosed between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy where insulin resistance previously begins. An exact cure of diabetes has not been found yet. However, it can definitely be controlled. Controlling diabetes is essential, and it must be done through supervision of doctors. Properly preventing diabetes can help one escape from diseases like infections, kidney damage, eye damage, nerve damage to feet, and heart diseases.
Changing ones meal plans, physical activity, and insulin treatment can help treat gestational diabetes to an extent. Adapting a healthy lifestyle is mandatory, and it should be maintained if health risks are to be avoided. However, it is also important to maintain a sufficient diet during pregnancy.
The mother should take in essential calories. 2000 to 2500 calories with exception of carbohydrates should be maintained. The basic goal of having changes in diet is to avoid augmented levels of glucose in blood. It is important for the mother to be careful during pregnancy, and take all necessary steps to ensure that she, and her baby remains healthy during and after pregnancy. Proper advice is essential and the doctor should be concerned at all times.
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