Gestational diabetes

 Gestational diabetes occurs when the woman's blood sugar levels rise above the normal level during pregnancy. This can happen even when the mother has previously had no history of elevated blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes is not the same disease as Type 2 diabetes, although it usually acts the same.

When Gestational diabetes occurs, it produces a far-reaching and in-depth list of consequences for both mother and her unborn child and these can carry over long after the delivery. This form of diabetes is often a "warning" that unless lifestyle and dietary habits change between pregnancies, or after childbirth, Type 2 diabetes may be in the cards in the future.

Developing Gestational diabetes when pregnant is easier than you think since there are so many changes occurring in a woman's body that would not normally be taking place. Although there are several factors adding to the likelihood of acquiring diabetes, the largest contributor, by far, is weight gain.

Pregnant women who are obese or underweight and it is not directly associated with their pregnancy, are usually advised to stabilize their weight. It is also important you make your doctor aware of any significant changes in how you feel overall, especially if you feel:

• more fatigued than is even normal in pregnancy,
• extremely thirsty, or
• extremely hungry.

A few basic rules for pregnant women to live by are:

• calorie needs when only increase slightly.
• foods high in fat and sugars should be avoided.
• eating plans should consist of fruits and vegetables... dark green and leafy vegetables because of their high iron and calcium content.
• it is often recommended to only gain an additional 28 to 40 pounds (12.7 to 18.1kg) for underweight mothers, 25 to 35 pounds (11.3 to 15.9kg) for normal weight mothers, and 11 to 25 pounds (5 to 11.3kg) for obese mothers. Any more weight gain and it significantly adds to the likelihood of Gestational diabetes.

Many obstetricians perform blood sugar tests during the first part of a woman's second trimester... earlier if symptoms are present that could indicate an elevated risk.

The treatment for diabetes of pregnancy is usually:

• through diet,
• exercise,
• insulin if necessary, and
• blood sugar monitoring.

It is actually difficult to assess Gestational diabetes in some women because there are no concrete signs and symptoms. That is why it is important to see a doctor as early as possible if you suspect the condition or have any telltale signs.

In many cases, Type 2 diabetes disappears after delivery. Unfortunately, it is destined to return in following pregnancies up to 90 percent of the time unless the woman gets herself in good physical shape between pregnancies. There are also instances where Gestational diabetes is really the unveiling of Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is no longer a condition you must just live with. It need not slowly and inevitably get worse. Now is the time to take control of the disease... and take back your life. Gestational diabetes does not have to mean you will develop full-blown Type 2 diabetes.