Helpful Diabetes Information

Diabetes in pregnancy can be very risky for mothers during which after delivery. The blood glucose levels of pregnant women become higher than usual. Even if women have no diabetes before, they tend to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This ailment will not only affect the pregnant woman but the unborn baby as well if not treated.

Gestational diabetes is characterized by the body’s resistance to insulin. The body is unable to use insulin which is necessary in maintaining normal blood glucose levels. This means that the body is resistant to the usual levels of insulin and requires more to be able to perform its functions. This kind of diabetes is similar to the Type 2 Diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes.

Some women develop gestational diabetes while pregnant while some others don’t. It is discovered that during pregnancy, the placenta releases hormones that trigger the body’s potential to deal with insulin. These hormones are needed for the growth of the baby and yet are responsible for the inaction of insulin in your body.

Gestational diabetes can affect the baby. The sugar levels in the blood are higher than normal. The surplus glucose goes to the placenta and also to the baby. The baby’s pancreas will attempt to produce insulin and in the long run, may not be able to function normally using the high sugar levels.

Macrosomia or excessive birth weight is among the effects of too much glucose in the baby. Delivery is usually very difficult such as the possibility of a cesarean section delivery and shoulder dystocia. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar will also result with the excess of insulin. The child may have seizures.

Women may have preeclampsia or the sudden increase of blood pressure during delivery and may result to death. The excessive protein in the urine will eventually result to bladder infections.

When left unchecked and untreated, gestational diabetes will build up into type 2 diabetes in both moms and babies.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed for women that are pregnant after 24 to 28 weeks of being pregnant through a glucose challenge test. After birth it is also advisable to have the blood glucose levels checked once again. Click http://diabetespregnancy.org/ for information.