Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes (GD), also known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is a diabetic disorder that affects 4% of pregnancies making it one of the most common health complications of pregnancy. This condition usually occurs during the second or third trimester when the pregnancy hormones start to take place then fortunately disappears after the child is born. Increased glucose levels in the blood result from when a woman’s body does not produce enough insulin. In most cases, women with Gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies if proper health is managed.
During the course of pregnancy, the women’s placenta that is linked to the growing baby is also connected to the mother’s blood supply, which produces high levels of different hormones. Majority of the hormones impair the function of insulin in cells that increases the mother’s blood sugar. As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta produces more insulin-impairing hormones. Gestational diabetes usually does not cause symptoms or is life threatening. However, in rare occasions, pregnant women who have Gestational diabetes have symptoms that include: increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and frequent infections in the bladder, vagina, and skin.
According to the American Diabetes Association, “Risk assessment for GDM should be undertaken at the first prenatal visit. Women with clinical characteristics consistent with a high risk of GDM (marked obesity, personal history of GDM, glycosuria, or a strong family history of diabetes) should undergo glucose testing as soon as feasible. If they are found not to have GDM at that initial screening, they should be retested between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Women of average risk should have testing undertaken at 24–28 weeks of gestation.” Additional risk factors for GD include: history of high blood pressure, excessive amniotic fluid, and unexplained miscarriage or stillbirth.
Treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on making
Gestational diabetes (GD), also known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is a diabetic disorder that affects 4% of pregnancies making it one of the most common health complications of pregnancy. This condition usually occurs during the second or third trimester when the pregnancy hormones start to take place then fortunately disappears after the child is born. Increased glucose levels in the blood result from when a woman’s body does not produce enough insulin. In most cases, women with Gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies if proper health is managed.
During the course of pregnancy, the women’s placenta that is linked to the growing baby is also connected to the mother’s blood supply, which produces high levels of different hormones. Majority of the hormones impair the function of insulin in cells that increases the mother’s blood sugar. As the pregnancy progresses, the placenta produces more insulin-impairing hormones. Gestational diabetes usually does not cause symptoms or is life threatening. However, in rare occasions, pregnant women who have Gestational diabetes have symptoms that include: increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and frequent infections in the bladder, vagina, and skin.
According to the American Diabetes Association, “Risk assessment for GDM should be undertaken at the first prenatal visit. Women with clinical characteristics consistent with a high risk of GDM (marked obesity, personal history of GDM, glycosuria, or a strong family history of diabetes) should undergo glucose testing as soon as feasible. If they are found not to have GDM at that initial screening, they should be retested between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Women of average risk should have testing undertaken at 24–28 weeks of gestation.” Additional risk factors for GD include: history of high blood pressure, excessive amniotic fluid, and unexplained miscarriage or stillbirth.
Treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on making