Gestational diabetes.
As the term indicates, gestational is the type of diabetes that  affects only pregnant women. The disease disappears after pregnancy but it can reoccur during a new one. Gestational diabetes is a very strong indication that the affected person is very likely to develop type 2 diabetes at some stage of her later life, since the chances are well above 50% for that. Nearly 6% of pregnant females are diagnosed with gestational diabetes in the developed countries.
The causes of gestational diabetes have not been identified yet. However, there is a speculation that changes in the hormonal state and increase in body weight, due to pregnancy, may impair the action or the secretion of insulin or both. If that happens, the required energy for bodily functions is obtained mainly by the metabolism of stored fat and not from ingested foods. In such a case, ketones will be released in the urine and this will be a good piece of information, whether gestational diabetes has developed or not.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes.
It has been mentioned already that only a small percentage of pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes. Physical condition, genetic background, personal medical history and age will determine whether there are any risk factors for a person to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
 Ethnicity is very important. In populations of African, Hispanic or North American Indian origin the incidence of gestational diabetes is far higher than the average rates.
Family history has been recorded, playing a key role. Women with first degree relatives, who have been diagnosed with any type of diabetes, are candidates to develop gestational diabetes.
Overweight females have 20% increased chances to present the disease, even if no other risk factor coexists.
If gestational diabetes has been diagnosed in the past, the chances for a lady to experience the disease in a following pregnancy are as high as eighty percent.
A delivery of a baby heavier than nine ponds (4 kilos) may be considered a risk factor for the mother to be affected by gestational diabetes in a future pregnancy.
A female who has been diagnosed with prediabetes has 60% increased chances to suffer gestational diabetes.
Women older that twenty five are more susceptible to the disease.
Smokers present 23% higher risk for gestational prediabetes.
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
Although gestational diabetes may remain asymptomatic, in many cases the typical signs are pretty much similar to the ones of the type 2 diabetes. If you experience frequent urination, excessive thirst, unintentional body waste, recurrent urinary tract infections, slow healing in minor cuts or injuries, excessive nausea or vomiting or blurry vision, you may have to be checked for gestational diabetes.
Although screening for gestational diabetes is part of the typical routine measures in most pregnant women, urine and lab tests are an imperative in cases that any of the above symptoms is present, especially if they are accompanied by one or more risk factors.
The best period of time for gestational diabetes to be diagnosed is between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, when urine and blood test will be ordered, if your doctor believes this is necessary for you.
The presence of ketones in urine will be checked. A positive result will be a strong indication that you may suffer from gestational diabetes. Blood tests, like screening glucose challenge and oral glucose tolerance, usually confirm the initial diagnosis and they can show how serious the problem is.
Consequences and risks due to gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is unlikely to cause birth defects, since the disease occurs after the organs of the fetus have been developed. However, certain problems for the mother and the infant can occur due to the disease.
Depending on the severity, gestational diabetes increases the chances for a miscarriage. Studies have shown that nearly 8% of miscarriages, recorded in developed countries, are related to elevated levels of maternal blood sugar.
Difficulties in delivery can occur because of the baby’s large size (macrosomia). Quite often, caesarean sessions are inevitable. Otherwise, instrumental manipulation may be needed or the delivery may be very long. In both cases, the safety of the mother and the baby will be compromised.
A mother suffering from gestational diabetes can present serious problems, like high blood pressure and eclampsia, especially if she is overweight.
New born babies may require additional post-partum care, since they may present breathing difficulties, relative hypoglycemia and jaundice. Apart from these problems, the restoration of electrolytes levels may be required.
In a long term, the predisposition for obesity and type 2 diabetes will be high, when these infants get in adulthood.
Management of gestational diabetes and further precautions.
Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean you and your baby will experience all the above problems. They can be minimized or avoided, if the disease is managed properly.
The main and perhaps the only important thing for you is to keep your blood glucose level in normal rates. This has to be done by all means. Be in regular contact with your doctor and follow consistently any diet and exercise plan you have been given. In a case you have been prescribed medications, you have to take them religiously.
On the other hand, frequent urine and blood tests along with ultrasound examinations and scans will be used to help your doctor to trace ketones, check your blood glucose levels and monitor your baby’s rate of development respectively.
Keeping your body weight within healthy limits is very important. It is well known that in many cases, the appetite increases dramatically as soon as the woman gets pregnant but when it comes to your safety and your baby’s long term health, some dietary sacrifices are really worthy.
After you give birth, your blood glucose levels will return to normal. Unfortunately, you are likely to get type 2 diabetes in later life. Thus, it is strongly recommended for you to have a blood test every three years, unless your doctor’s advice is different.
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