| Gestational
Diabetes
Gestational
Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy
and usually disappears after the baby is born. It is usually
detected at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy by a blood test.
In all
pregnancies, the placenta releases hormones that works against
the hormone insulin. Insulin is the hormone that moves glucose
(sugar) out of the bloodstream and into the cells. During
24-28 weeks of pregnancy the body is not using insulin as
efficiently, as pregnancy progresses this "insulin resistance"
continues. In most women, the body is able to just make more
insulin to overcome insulin resistance. In about 10-15% of
women, the body cannot make enough extra insulin and the blood
glucose gets too high.
| When
gestational diabetes is detected early, it can be managed
and controlled to prevent complications for both you and
your baby. The key is to keep your blood glucose as close
to normal as possible once gestational diabetes is detected.
This can be done through diet, exercise, and, in some
cases, insulin. |
Your
chances of developing gestational diabetes increase
if you:
* Have a family history of diabetes
* Had a previous birth of a baby weighing over 9lbs
* Are overweight
* Had an earlier pregnancy with gestational diabetes
* Have too much amniotic fluid
* Are older than 25 years |
|
If blood
glucose is not controlled your baby could grow too large.
This is a condition called macrosomia. If your blood has more
glucose (sugar) than normal, your baby responds by producing
its own insulin. This extra sugar and insulin causes your
baby to grow faster and bigger. This could lead to complications
during delivery. Another complication of gestational diabetes
is low blood sugar in your baby at birth. Once your baby is
born, the baby's extra insulin could still be present but
your baby is no longer receiving glucose (sugar) from your
bloodstream. This could cause a sudden drop in blood sugar
after birth. As a safeguard, your baby's glucose level will
be checked at birth and several times afterwards. Having gestational
diabetes does not cause your baby to have diabetes. Your child's
risk of developing diabetes is related to family history,
body weight, and lifestyle choices. |
