Gestational diabetes is a medical condition in which the blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy causing temporary diabetes and goes away after giving birth. But it can affect the baby’s health and raises risk of mother getting type 2 diabetes later in life.
There are two classes of gestational diabetes. Women with class A1 can manage it through diet and exercise. Those who have class A2 need to take insulin or other medications.
Symptoms
Women with gestational diabetes don’t usually have symptoms or may chalk them up to pregnancy. Most find out that they have it during a routine screening.
Noticeable symptoms are:
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Excessive thirst
• Excessive hunger and eating more than usual
• Vaginal, bladder and skin infection
• Frequent urination
• Weight gain
• Snoring
Causes
Pancreatic Enzyme: insulin controls the blood glucose level. During pregnancy, the placenta makes hormones that cause glucose to build up in the blood and body can’t make enough insulin to control it, Thus, causing gestational diabetes.
Other causes may include:
• Insulin resistant during pregnancy
• Use of glucocorticoids
• High blood pressure before pregnancy
• Being overweight
• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes
• Gaining weight during pregnancy
Treatments
The treatment should be started as soon as possible to keep mother and baby healthy during your pregnancy and delivery. The doctor recommends
• Monitoring blood sugar level
• Keeping check on urine for ketones, chemicals that shows level of control over diabetes.
• Eating healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Insulin therapy
• Close monitoring of mother's health and baby’s development
• Flow up after delivery
• Yoga and exercise
Target Blood Sugar Levels for Women During Pregnancy
The American Diabetes Association recommends these targets for pregnant women who test their blood sugar:
• Before a meal: 95 mg/dL or less
• An hour after a meal: 140 mg/dL or less
• Two hours after a meal: 120 mg/dL or less
• Diet and Exercise for Gestational Diabetes
Simple steps to stay healthy
Eat a healthy, low-sugar diet. Follow a meal plan made for someone with diabetes. Talk to your doctor to be sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. Trade sugary snacks like cookies, candy, and ice cream for natural sugars like fruits, carrots, and raisins. Add vegetables and whole grains and watch your portion sizes.
Exercise throughout your pregnancy. Get active as soon as possible. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. Running, walking, swimming, and biking are all good options.
