Diabetes with its root inflexed in the modern era has been a major disorder affecting many throughout. The disease has its myriad of types of which we’d be gazing our eyes on. We here would specifically look into gestational diabetes and seek answers of the same.

Continuing as part of our informative series on diabetes, we’d be looking to present you with another great insight with our ‘Gestational Diabetes, its Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Diet’. Read along.

The Synopsis on Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes that is generally developed in during the pregnancy period. The disease is seen around in at least 4% of pregnant women around the globe. The disease is mostly diagnosed in the later stage of the pregnancy and is seen even in women with no prior historical attachment to the disease.

The Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes as known by occurs in pregnant women. Here are some factors that put them in the risk bracket for gestational diabetes.

Obesity

• Obesity is one of major risk factors for diabetes in all types. The same can be said of gestational diabetes where obesity during pregnancy has a greater risk of causing the disease.

High Blood Pressure levels

• Medical complications like high blood pressure levels or high glucose levels during the pregnancy put the person in the high-risk squadron for gestational diabetes.

Birth-Related issues

• The major birth-related issues for the risk of gestational diabetes are giving birth to a larger baby or to a stillborn.

A Family History of Diabetes

• Diabetes often runs in family genes and has been seen as a case for the cause of different types of diabetes for many people later in their life.

The Causes of Gestational Diabetes

The changes seen during the pregnancy in the women is one of the root cause of gestational diabetes. Normally as seen in pregnancy, the hormones level like cortisol, estrogen, and lactogen affects the body’s capacity to maneuver blood sugar. This results in the creation of higher levels of insulin resistance within the body.

Such insulin resistance, where the pancreas cannot produce enough of insulin will result in high blood sugar levels and shall cause gestational diabetes.

The complications associated with Gestational Diabetes

There are quite a few complications for mother and the child itself during gestational diabetes. We’ll look to list them out down below-

For the Mother

• Pregnant Women suffering from gestational diabetes require C-Section birth rather than the conventional way of birth.
• Gestational Diabetes may cause preeclampsia, where high blood sugar and protein in seen in urine levels.
• There are greater chances of having Type 2 Diabetes for women with gestational diabetes later in their life.

For the Child

• The child may grow too large, i.e. macrosomia which will increase the risk during the delivery.
• The newborn child may also develop jaundice and breathe related issues.
• The child is prone to overweight and Type 2 Diabetes later in the life.

The Diagnose Procedure

Gestational Diabetes as is the case with other diabetes is diagnosed mainly with blood tests. The tests are normally done in the weeks ranging from 24th to 28th of the pregnancy period.

The blood testing procedure involves glucose tolerance test where a sugary drink is to be consumed and then the blood test is done after an hour of it. The result shall showcase the glucose levels in the body.

Another test that may be performed is Glycosylated Hemoglobin, also known by as Hemoglobin A1C. The test helps monitor the blood glucose levels in the patient.

The Treatment Procedure

Gestational Diabetes needs to be treated properly so as to avoid any complications further on. The treatment procedure for this type of diabetes is based on proper diet, regular exercise, and nutrition intake. The said methods help curb the blood glucose levels and keep it at the required levels.

In times as of today, modern machines are readily available that help in the testing of blood glucose levels even at home or in other areas. A typical advice would be to check at least 4 times a day. However, in many cases, urine tests are conducted to determine the levels of ketones.

Almost in the majority of cases, diet and physical workout regime will help in the rightful maintenance of blood sugar. However, as seen in some cases, insulin therapy is conducted to balance the levels in patients where diet and workout alone doesn’t help.

The Diet Regime for Gestational Diabetes

Although specific diet plans aren’t something seen much for gestational diabetes, a proper nutrition and food intake goes a long way in being beneficial. We here would devise a proper meal plan for you. Read along.

• Always prefer small portions of food intake throughout the day at timely intervals rather than devouring the same at once. A good choice would be to have 3 small or moderate meals with 2-3 snacks throughout the day.
• Curb your calorie consumption and instead invest in nutrition based foods. A healthy diet would resemble complex carbs filled with fibers and all. A few examples of food high in fibers are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and more.
• Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks at all cost.
• Never skip meals and that creates a turbulence in the blood sugar and glucose levels.

Are there any preventive measures for Gestational Diabetes?

Although gestational diabetes cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled upon by following a few simple remedies. Shedding off body weight and staying away from obesity being one.

You can count on your nutritional intake to delay or decrease the chances of gestational diabetes in many cases. Care for your body and you’d be good to go for long.

An Advice on Gestational Diabetes

Although gestational diabetes isn’t controlled upon at once, but it can be managed well. The pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes after the rightful treatment help deliver a healthy baby in most cases.

The only downside in gestational diabetes is that the complications are seen only if blood sugar levels are nor managed well. Manage your blood sugar and glucose levels and you’d not counter any risks further on. This shall even limit your risks of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

Well, that’s all from us on this one. We hope to have helped you with the post. We will be back with another one in the nearest of times. Stay Tuned. Adios.