Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during the time of
pregnancy. Changing hormones and weight gain makes it hard for the
body to keep up with the need of insulin. In the past, it has been
viewed as a disease that wasn’t damaging and usually disappeared
after the birth of the baby. However, now it is considered a
warning sign for both the mother and the baby of metabolic changes
that may affect them for life.
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Why does gestational diabetes occur? The
placenta produces a hormone that goes against the affect of
insulin on blood sugar. Women who have a history of
diabetes in the family are also more sensitive to this
hormone. Mothers who have experienced gestational diabetes
should research and be aware of what the symptoms of Type 1
or Type 2 diabetes are and be aware of the steps to take to
avoid or delay this disease.
About 200,000 women develop gestational
diabetes each year in the United States. The statistics are
that five to ten percent of women will continue with Type 2
diabetes after the birth of the baby. Twenty to fifty
percent may develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Children
of mothers with gestational diabetes are more at risk for
obesity and developing diabetes as teens or adults.
Studies show that it is possible to reduce
the risks by watching their diet and experience. |
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In fact, women who went on to control their
weight, exercise, and their diet had a 58 percent decrease in
their risk for developing diabetes.
Women in the 26-28 weeks of pregnancy are
routinely checked for blood glucose levels. Every pregnant
woman is now checked during this time. Uncontrolled diabetes
may cause babies to have a delayed maturity level, stillbirth,
and poor placenta function. Women who carry large babies, nine
pounds or more are more at risk for developing gestational
diabetes.
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Other risks are women who are already
overweight when becoming pregnant, had gestational
diabetes during a previous pregnancy, and those who have
a damaged glucose tolerance.
Other potential risk causes come from
race, nationality, and cultural differences. Some of
these causes could be related to economic differences
and the difference in diets.
The women found to be at a higher risk
are American Indians, Asian Americans,
African-Americans, Pacific islanders, and Hispanics.
Knowing your risks and how to avoid them
makes a difference towards preventing or delaying the
onset of diabetes after the baby is born.
Diet is important.
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Drinking plenty of water,
with a diet high in fiber and low fats are necessary for a
healthy diet. Refined sugar should be cut out if possible, if
not, cut out as much as possible. Watch your fat intake also.
Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and low fat proteins.
Exercise is important, if you are already
exercising when you become pregnant, it is important you remain
active to the limits of your body. Low impact exercising, yoga,
or water aerobics are choices for those women who are not on a
regular exercise program.
If you have questions about gestational diabetes,
or have been diagnosed with it, talk to your doctor and ask
questions. Information abounds on the Internet about diabetes,
prevention of diabetes, treating the disease, and learning how
to control it.
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