In diabetes, the body is unable to convert the sugars and starches (carbohydrates) consumed as food into energy. To convert those sugars and starches into energy, the body either produces insufficient or no insulin, or it cannot utilize the insulin that is produced. As a result, the blood's sugar levels increase. The three primary forms of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: the absence of insulin production by the body. A hormone called insulin facilitates the uptake of blood sugar into cells for cellular energy utilization.
Type 2 diabetes: despite producing insulin, the body does not effectively utilize it.
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes.
Diabetes can cause issues for pregnant women and their unborn children.
Though increased thirst and frequent urination are potential markers, you won't often encounter any overt signs or symptoms of gestational diabetes throughout pregnancy.
Book an appointment with your gynaecologist right away if you experience any of these symptoms, or you are just concerned about gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes develops when your body is unable to produce enough. If any of the following apply to you:
You previously experienced gestational diabetes
Had a child who weighed more than 9 pounds when they gave birth
Have excess weigh
Age is greater than 25
Have a history of type 2 diabetes in your family
Suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition
After giving delivery, gestational diabetes typically disappears; nevertheless, it raises your chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Those with an average risk of gestational diabetes may require a screening test in the second trimester (between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy), but women with a higher risk may have a test at the first prenatal appointment.
Initial glucose challenge test.: This test requires you to consume a sweet glucose solution. You'll undergo a blood test an hour later to check your blood sugar level. Pregnancy-related diabetes is indicated by a blood sugar level of 190 mg/dL. (For this test, the normal range is <140 mg/dL).
Follow-up glucose tolerance testing: Similar to the first test, only with more sugar in the sweet solution, and with hourly blood sugar checks for three hours. Gestational diabetes will be identified in you if at least two of the blood sugar values are higher than expected.
In most cases, your blood sugar levels return to normal shortly after birth if you had gestational diabetes while pregnant.
Treatment for gestational diabetes includes:
Modifications to one's way of life, such as eating well and staying active
Blood sugar monitoring: to make sure your level stays within a safe range, check your blood sugar four or more times a day, ideally just after meals and first thing in the morning.
Drugs since only a minor percentage of pregnant women with gestational diabetes require insulin to meet their blood sugar objectives.
With tested lifestyle adjustments, prediabetes can be avoided or reversed. Among them are maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity if you're overweight.
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