Type 2 Diabetes - Early Detection of Blood Pressure Problems In Pregnancy to Help Avoid Diabetes

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually defined as 140/90 or above. Prehypertension is defined as a systolic (top number) of at least 120 on two separate occasions or a diastolic of 80 or more, again on two separate occasions. High readings during pregnancy can be dangerous for mothers and their baby, as can Gestational diabetes. Scientists at Kaiser Permanente in Pasadena, USA, and Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, USA, looked at prehypertension during pregnancy. Their goal was to learn whether slightly high readings before or early in pregnancy, could be linked with hypertension and Gestational diabetes.
Their study, published in the Journal of Hypertension in June, 2015, included 7,802 women delivering their baby at Kaiser Permanente Hospital between the years 2005 and 2010. It was found women who had prehypertension before or during early pregnancy, were 2.65 times more likely to develop hypertension during pregnancy than were the expectant woman with normal readings. They were 2.17 times more likely to develop preeclampsia or eclampsia, a condition in which expectant mothers have convulsions, and 20 percent more likely to develop Gestational diabetes, compared to patients with normal blood pressure readings.

From these results it was concluded there is a need for more screening for early blood pressure elevations and interventions to prevent pregnancy-related hypertension and Gestational diabetes.
High blood pressure readings are a common complication of pregnancy. Two to three percent of pregnancies are troubled by the condition. When hypertension is accompanied by swollen ankles and protein in the urine, preeclampsia is diagnosed. The condition can lead to eclampsia, or convulsions, and delivery becomes immediately necessary...

• the placenta can break away early: a dangerous condition requiring surgery.
• fetal growth can be restricted.
• mothers diagnosed with high blood pressure readings during pregnancy are at risk for further high readings later in life.

To prevent hypertension...

• it is best to attain normal weight before pregnancy and gain only the recommended amount during the pregnancy.
• a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables not only helps prevent too much weight gain, but provides nutrients needed by both mother and baby.
• taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and calcium is thought by some to help prevent high blood pressure readings. It is certainly helpful for preventing birth defects and providing for bone growth. Every woman planning for pregnancy needs to take a prenatal vitamin each day.
• walking every day can also be helpful for keeping blood pressure under control, if it is recommended by the obstetrician or midwife.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

Type 2 Diabetes - Children Are Also At Risk for This Disease!

Finding out your child has Type 2 diabetes is one of the most difficult things for a parent to deal with. Here are some answers to questions you may be facing...
Why did my child develop type 2 diabetes? It's hard to tell exactly. There are several risk factors for children developing Type 2 diabetes. Some of the risk factors, like gender, race, and family history, can't be controlled - but the other risk factors can. These include a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides (blood fat), and being overweight or obese.
I also have type 2 diabetes. Is that why my child got it? Your child is slightly more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, since family history and race are risk factors. Researchers aren't sure why, but people who are Native American, African-American, Asian American, or Hispanic are more likely to get Type 2 diabetes. However, lifestyle factors, like your diet, exercise, and weight, actually play a much bigger role in whether or not your child will develop diabetes.

How can I manage my child's diabetes? Your doctor will likely recommend managing your child's diabetes through a healthy diet, exercise, and metformin (an oral medication). Your doctor may also recommend your child takes insulin through injections or an insulin pump.
What diet will my child have to follow? There isn't one specific diabetes diet your child will have to follow. A healthy eating plan - one the whole family can follow - is best. This plan should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. Your child's dietitian can help you make sure the carbohydrate intake is spread out throughout the day, which will help keep blood sugar levels steady.
What type of exercise can my child do? Any type of exercise! Exercise is great for managing Type 2 diabetes. When you child exercises, his body can more easily use glucose for energy, which prevents high blood sugar. Work with your doctor or diabetes care team to figure out how to adjust your child's meal plan and insulin when he exercises.

Can my child's diabetes be reversed? Yes - this is the best news for parents to hear! It's been shown Type 2 diabetes can be reversed through weight loss. It's important to work with a dietitian to help your child lose weight through a combination of a healthy diet and exercise. The dietitian will help make sure your child loses weight safely and slowly - which will make it more likely your child won't gain the weight back. And remember, children are still growing, so just stabilizing your child's weight as he or she grows taller may be all that's necessary.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.