What is Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that is experienced by women during pregnancy. This condition can be detected by high levels of glucose in the blood during pregnancy. Based on research, gestational diabetes affects about 4% of pregnant women worldwide and between 2 to 5 percent of pregnant women in the United States.
Gestational diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually develops in the third trimester (after 28 weeks) and usually disappears after the baby is born. However, pregnant women with gestational diabetes may be able to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Read more : Understanding Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
Usually gestational diabetes have no symptoms at all. If there is, then the symptoms are very mild and often associated with the natural situation during pregnancy. The level of blood sugar (glucose) will return to normal after delivery. Symptoms that may arise are:
- Blurred vision.
- Fatigue.
- Often have an infection in the wound area, skin and vagina.
- Frequent urination.
- Nausea to vomiting.
- Feel thirsty.
- Weight loss, despite increased appetite.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
The cause is similar to diabetes mellitus type 2. Therefore, gestational diabetes is a subtype of type 2 diabetes. Related causes include obesity, family history of diabetes, high levels of amniotic fluid, high blood pressure, or have gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, ever gave birth to a large baby weighing 4.5kg or more, stillbirth, or birth with birth defects also affect how the body reacts against the current pregnancy.
Read more : What Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes
Knowing the risk for gestational diabetes can help you make better decisions about diet and exercise before and during your pregnancy. Every woman can develop gestational diabetes, but some women have a greater risk. Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
- Significantly overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
- Having gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
- Women at high risk of gestational diabetes if a family member has diabetes.
- Of certain ethnic groups, such as Mexican-American, American Indian, African-American, Hispanic / Latino, as well as individuals from Asia, India, or other Pacific islands.
- High blood sugar before pregnancy.
- Age over 30 years while pregnant.
Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be done by a screening test. Screening in pregnant women is the best way to identify all cases of gestational diabetes. Screening tests are routine tests during pregnancy to check blood glucose levels in pregnant women. Screening tests include: Taking your medical history, examine certain risk factors, glucose challenge test (GCT), glucose tolerance test (GTT).
Read More : Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes
Complications of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is more harmful to the developing fetus than the mother. If left untreated, the baby may develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), have excessive size at birth (Macrosomia), develop jaundice or yellowing of the skin, or have trouble breathing. In some cases, the baby may be born dead after 28 weeks of pregnancy or die early in infancy (miscarried).
Read more : Gestational Diabetes Risk For Baby
Prevent Gestational Diabetes
Many people ask about how to prevent gestational diabetes so that they can have a healthy pregnancy and childbirth, but basically gestational diabetes can happen to anyone.
To prevent yourself from gestational diabetes is not difficult, you just need to maintain a healthy lifestyle every day by consuming large amounts of healthy foods and avoid sugary foods or other sweeteners.
Read more : How to Prevent Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Treatment
Treatment for gestational diabetes have to make choices with a healthy way of life. Started by choosing to eat healthy foods and exercise often to keep blood sugar levels in accordance with the target range.
Treatment for gestational diabetes during pregnancy include:
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly
- Checking blood sugar levels
- Monitor fetal growth.
- Get regular medical checkups.
- Using diabetes drugs and insulin shots.
To keep your body always active with exercise is also better, you can do light exercise such as walking daily, and swim for 30 minutes to improve your health. You also can reduce your risk by reducing your weight before you get pregnant, but do not ever try to do a strict diet when you are pregnant.
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