Let’s understand Gestational Diabetes and How to manage it
During pregnancy, some people experience high blood sugar. The name of this condition is gestational diabetes (GD). GD can typically be managed with a healthy diet and regular exercise, but insulin may occasionally be required. It can lead to health issues for both you and the fetus if untreated.
Many millions of women experience it. We are aware that the placenta sustains the developing fetus. In some cases, these hormones also prevent the mother’s insulin from working properly in her body, leading to a condition known as insulin resistance. The mother’s body finds it challenging to use insulin as a result of her insulin resistance. She may therefore require up to three times as much insulin to make up for this.
When the mother’s body is unable to produce and utilize all of the insulin required for pregnancy, gestational diabetes may also develop. Insufficient insulin prevents glucose from leaving the circulation and being converted to energy. Hyperglycemia is the term for when blood glucose levels rise.
When blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy, gestational diabetes (GD) can form. GD often manifests between 24 and 28 weeks into pregnancy.
Having GD does not imply that you had diabetes prior to becoming pregnant. The pregnancy causes the problem to manifest. When it comes to pregnancy, people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes each face unique obstacles.
How typical is pregnancy-related gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes affects 2% to 10% of expectant women.
What causes gestational diabetes?
Hormonal changes and the process through which our bodies turn food into energy are the causes of gestational diabetes.
The glucose (sugar) from food is broken down by the hormone insulin and sent to our cells. Our blood glucose levels are maintained at a healthy level by insulin. But if insulin doesn’t function properly or we don’t have enough of it, blood sugar levels rise and diabetes develops.
Hormones during pregnancy may affect how insulin functions. There is a chance that it won’t control your blood sugar levels as it should, which can result in gestational diabetes. Genes and being overweight (having a BMI over 25) could potentially be contributing factors.
Those who are susceptible to gestational diabetes
Any pregnant woman can acquire gestational diabetes. However, those of South and East Asian, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander origin over the age of 25 are at a higher risk.
Other elements that could raise your risk of GD include:
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Inactivity.
- Obesity.
- Personal or family history of GD.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Previous birth of a baby weighing nine pounds (lb) or more.
- Prediabetes (history of higher-than-normal blood glucose) (history of higher-than-normal blood glucose).
What signs and symptoms are there of gestational diabetes?
Usually, gestational diabetes has no symptoms. However, some people report:
- Nausea.
- Thirst.
- Tiredness.
- Frequent urination.
How will gestational diabetes impact my unborn child?
If you have gestational diabetes your infant is more vulnerable to
- Higher birth weight (weighing nine pounds or more).
- Issues with breathing at birth.
- Hypoglycemia. In infants, this may result in seizures.
- Obesity.
- Birth before maturity.
- Diabetes type 2 later in life.
How should my diet be altered to prevent gestational diabetes?
To manage gestational diabetes, you might need to change your diet.
Try to:
- Avoid junk food, processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Choose a protein, carbohydrate, fiber, and fat ratio that is in balance.
- Eat more frequent, smaller meals.
- Set a consistent time for your meals every day.
The treatment guideline for gestational diabetes
If gestational diabetes is identified in your pregnancy, you might require more frequent checks. Your blood sugar levels will be monitored often by your healthcare provider. You might need to use a device called a glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels at home. In addition that it is advisable to manage the health data and parameters in INIGIMA Cloud Diagnosis, you can track physiological data blood sugar and blood pressure during pregnancy and after giving birth and you will get a health report to estimate the current and future risks for you and your child.
In order to control gestational diabetes, some people need medication like insulin. However, the majority of people can control their blood sugar levels by changing their diet and engaging in regular exercise.
It’s crucial to take insulin exactly as directed if you must use it to manage your diabetes.
Key Points :
INIGIMA Digital Screening plays a very important role if you are suffering from multiple complications like diabetes, blood pressure, heart issues and obesity patient. It helps to maintain good health and helps to achieve a longer life. Book a session with an expert now
A review article by
(Clinical Research Director @ IEEARC Tech)
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