Gestational Diabetes - A Broader Perspective

Gestational diabetes (or Gestational Diabetes ellitus, GDM) is a condition in which women have high blood glucose levels during pregnancy.It is a common problem that affects 3-10% of pregnancies and is temporary and reversible phase which disappears after pregnancy.

Studies say that the hormonesdefine produced during pregnancy reduce a woman's sensitivity to insulindefine, resulting in high blood sugar levels.The placentadefine supports the baby during the course of pregnancy. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop.

But these hormones make it difficult for the body to use insulin, by blocking its action in the body. The need for insulin increases and pancreasdefine makes more of it. Insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother's body to use it and sometimes she needs three times more insulin. When this demand is not met, blood glucose levels get too high, leading to gestational diabetes.

Once the baby is born, most women with gestational diabetes don't remain diabetic. But risk is with future pregnancies or becoming diabetic later in life.

Gestational diabetes is commonly diagnosed by screening and has very few symptoms. Diagnostic tests detect high levels of glucose in blood samples. Blood sugar is evaluated through glucose screening and tolerance tests in 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

There are 2 types of gestational diabetes: Type A1 where only diet modification is adequate to maintain normal glucose levels and Type A2 where Insulin or other medications along with diet are required to maintain normal range of blood glucose.

Gestational Diabetes affects the baby in late pregnancy. Infants born to diabetic women are at increased risk of complications like growth abnormalities and low blood sugar or can be at higher risk for jaundice. They can be obese and lead to delivery complications.Women with good control of glucose levels can cut down on the associated risks and give birth to healthy babies.

The baby is monitored depending on the severity of diabetes, especially during last trimester. The movements of baby will be monitored closely. If blood sugar is not under control or if insulin is needed, fetal heart monitoring is suggested. This ultrasound type is known as biophysical profile. The baby is routinely measured and weighed to check for any risks and complications.

You can have this medical condition if you're obese or you have a history of gestational diabetes or you have a family history of diabetes. Other factors where you might be at risk are - if the previous baby was big, if there was a still birth, if there has been a birth defect in the past or if you have blood pressure.

Women with gestational diabetes have greater risk of developing type 2 diabetesdefine after pregnancy and the infant is at risk of being obese and developing type 2 later in life. Most of the patients are treated with proper diet and some exercise during pregnancy and after delivery but, some cases are handled with anti-diabetic drugs like insulin.

Talk to your doctor for the level of physical activity you can acquire, for, exercise may not be advisable in all cases. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active to cut off the risks associated with gestational diabetes.