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.
|
