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February 23, 2016 Alma B. Apostol
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops when the blood sugar (glucose) levels of a pregnant woman is abnormally high. Her body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells where it is converted into energy. If insulin is inadequate, sugar cannot enter the cells and sugar accumulates in the blood.
Unlike diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes is temporary. However, if not controlled, it affects the health of both mother and baby. The baby becomes large or have low blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, choosing healthy food and having regular exercise will prevent gestational diabetes.
Some gestational diabetes symptoms are similar to symptoms of pregnancy such as frequent urination and increased hunger. The way to protect both mother and child, is through gestational diabetes testing.
Some women have greater risk developing gestational diabetes than others. Some of these risk factors are: family history of gestational diabetes, women who are 25 years and older, women who are overweight. Race can also be a factor of gestational diabetes such as women who are Asian, Hispanic, Native American, and Black.
Part of prenatal care routine is the screening for gestational diabetes. Blood test known as glucose challenge test is done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. The blood sugar level is tested one hour after the pregnant woman was given a measured amount sugar solution. If the test result is high, further testing is needed.
The second test requires fasting for 8 hours. Blood is drawn and tested. Then, a more concentrated of measured sugar solution is given and blood is drawn after 1, 2, and, 3 hours. If the blood sugar levels are still high, then the individual is diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Complications of gestational diabetes that may affect the baby. The baby can grow too large causing complications during delivery. Too much insulin in the placenta can cause low blood sugar to the infant. Some babies born from a mother with gestational diabetes may become obese and develop type 2 diabetes in later life.
To have a healthy baby it is essential to control the mother’s blood sugar levels at all time during pregnancy by monitoring the blood sugar level four or five times a day and keeping a record of the readings, eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limiting the amount of fat and salt in the diet, avoiding alcohol, and regular exercises.
Gestational diabetes exercise
Exercise increase the sensitivity of insulin as well as lower blood sugar levels. Exercise can also prevent some pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, swelling, constipation, and muscle cramps. Doing physical activities such as walking, swimming, and gardening are beneficial to the welfare of both mother and child. If medication is prescribed, all doctor’s instructions should be followed. Monitoring the baby is essential during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Taking the necessary steps to control blood sugar levels, such as eating healthy foods, regular exercises, monitoring blood sugar levels, recording the readings, and avoiding stress will nourish the mother’s body as well as that of the baby.
I welcome questions and comments to this post.
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