The frightening thought of gestational diabetes

While it is common knowledge that some pregnant ladies will take on a form of diabetes known as gestational diabetes this can be a very worrying time during what can be a very emotional period of a ladies life. Research shows that around 5% of pregnant ladies will develop gestational diabetes at some point during their pregnancy although the vast majority will only encounter the symptoms during pregnancy as the condition will more than likely to disappear after giving birth.

What causes gestational diabetes?

There are many different opinions as to what causes gestational diabetes but the general consensus appears to relate to the placenta and a hormonal called human placenta lactigen (HPL) which raises the blood sugar level. The amount of HPL produced by each person is different and in the extreme the body is unable to metabolise sugar in the blood so sugar levels remain constantly high throughout pregnancy unless treated.

Those more likely to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are those where family members have suffered in the past, they may be overweight or at the further end of the childbearing age cycle. Gestational diabetes is a very difficult condition to predict as it literally varies from person to person although it is fairly easy to control.

The symptoms of gestational diabetes

Unfortunately there are no visible symptoms of gestational diabetes and many people will suffer from this condition without ever knowing. This is why constant monitoring during pregnancy is vital in order that the diet of the sufferer can be adjusted accordingly to reduce any further complications. Many people will look and feel no different after developing gestational diabetes which can often be difficult for people to get their heads around.

Containing and managing gestational diabetes during pregnancy

While medical advice is a vital at the earliest stage possible the vast majority of cases of gestational diabetes can be controlled and managed by simple changes to the person’s diet. Simply by introducing a low-carb diet it is possible to reduce the levels of sugar taken into the body thereby reducing blood sugar levels almost instantly. However, as many people try to eat healthily during pregnancy by increasing their intake of fruit and fruit-based juices this can actually be detrimental to the situation because of the relatively high sugar levels in such items.

Gestational diabetes can be a very difficult condition for many pregnant women to come to terms with, on the back of the many other possible complications and discomforts a pregnancy can bring. While it is not necessary as common in pregnant women as many might have thought, affecting around 5%, the vast majority of cases are very easily managed and there is no reason to suggest it should have a major impact on the person involved. However, it is vital that checks are carried out as the condition needs to be managed as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.

By far and away the vast majority of pregnant women will see their gestational diabetes disappear after childbirth when the body’s hormone levels will return to normal.

Related posts:

1. Diabetes risk
2. GDM is a Risk during Pregnancy
3. Gestational Diabetes Have Increased Risks for both Mother and Unborn Child
4. Australian authorities report a sharp rise in gestational diabetes

Tagged as: gestational diabetes