Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes – why testing is important...

Gestational diabetes during pregnancy usually only happens to approximately 4% of pregnant woman.

This disease is caused by the body not being able to process the insulin properly which causes high blood-sugar levels – similar to Type 2 diabetes.

It is an unusual type of diabetes.  It usually transpires during the fifth/sixth month of pregnancy and habitually vanishes when the baby is born.

If left untreated it can cause issues for both mum and baby so it is very wise to have gestational diabetes testing.

The baby could have problems such as lower than normal blood sugar levels, jaundice or a high birth weight (which could result in a caesarean).

If you have gestational diabetes, it is very important to talk to your doctor about a diet plan which works for your body.

Usually a doctor will suggest you cut down on sugary lollies to help keep the glucose intake low. Natural sugars such as those in fruit are usually still encouraged.

If you have not yet been given a guideline to follow, the best idea is to go with the food pyramid as this will give you a healthy and balanced diet.

It is also important to do regular exercise if you have gestational diabetes. This helps keep your blood sugar level consistent and makes you feel better.

It might seem difficult to do exercise while pregnant but walking is usually a good possibility and is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise!

If you exercise often and for a fair amount of time, your body will be able to keep its blood sugar levels easily in check. But don’t overdo it!

If you start to feel undue labor pains and cramps, (or even due ones) or vaginal bleeding or the breaking of your water, you must immediately call your doctor.

It is very important to have frequent blood sugar tests to make sure your blood sugar levels are right and you are dieting and exercising properly.

If you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your blood sugar levels should be less than 105 milligrams per deciliter when fasting for a number of hours before you take the test.

2 hours after eating a meal, your blood sugar levels should be less than 120 milligrams per deciliter.

If you are doing everything you can and still have blood-sugar levels which are too high, your doctor may prescribe external insulin to help your body work through the glucose.

After giving birth, gestational diabetes is usually gone after a few weeks. About 1 or 2 months after birth, you should have a blood test to see if your blood-sugar levels have returned to normal.

Although it may go away after a pregnancy, gestational diabetes is always quite likely to come back during another pregnancy and it will mean a higher chance of having sugar diabetes when you are older.

So exercise lots, eat well to stay healthy and avoid the disease of diabetes.

Next we look at some more ways on How to Control Diabetes.