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Diabetes and pregnancy quite often go hand in hand. When a pregnant woman develops diabetes it is referred to as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or GDM. This type of diabetes is quite unique as it only lasts during the pregnancy; after the birth it generally tends to disappear. There is some risk that those women who have had gestational diabetes may suffer later with type 2 diabetes, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to your health before this happens.
Symptoms unfortunately do not always make themselves very clear. This can lead to pregnant women being undiagnosed. Some symptoms include feeling thirsty all the time, excessive urination even feeling more hungry than usual. High blood pressure might also be a symptom as can frequent infections. The problem here is that all these symptoms can also be simply associated with pregnancy itself.
This particular form of diabetes is probably caused by certain hormones that are produced during pregnancy. These hormones can block the action of insulin in the mother’s body. Added to that some women experience food cravings during their pregnancy. This can include sweet foods such as ice cream, colas, cakes and biscuits. If a woman with GDM eats these foods it can put her and her baby at risk. Gestational diabetes diets are similar to those recommended for all diabetics, healthy whole grains, low fat proteins, omega 3, vegetables and plenty of water. Make sure you space meals out evenly throughout the day. Your doctor can advise you if you need to take extra supplements while pregnant.
Any woman can develop GDM, however those most at risk tend to be overweight, over the age of 35, have high blood pressure and maybe a family history of diabetes. If you are planning a pregnancy and have these risk factors, see your health carer to assess your risk. At the same time you can follow diabetes prevention diet to minimize your risk.
If you have been diagnosed with don’t panic! It can be managed quite easily by simple diet and lifestyle changes. Careful monitoring will be necessary throughout the pregnancy. If you live a clean healthy lifestyle without excess alcohol, cigarettes or junk food, you should be able to manage quite easily. If GDM is not diagnosed until later in the pregnancy, medication may be needed.
Opinion on this is mixed. Some medical specialists believe that if you have a family history of diabetes then GDM is a greater risk for you. Others say there is absolutely no connection and that gestational diabetes is not genetic. However there is a risk of later developing type 2 diabetes.
Sometimes babies can grow larger because of the effects of GDM. This is only a risk at the time of birth because if the baby is too large, then a Caesarean section may be necessary.
The best way to prevent gestational diabetes is to make sure you are in the peak of health before you become pregnant. Don’t let the disease stress you out, look after yourself, eat healthy and everything should be just fine!
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