Last updated: September 14, 2022, 8:02 PM IST
During pregnancy, a woman’s body sees many hormonal and physical changes.
Diabetes that occurs as a result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes.
Diabetes is a common disease today because of the lifestyle choices people make. The problem is the increasing popularity of unhealthy foods, such as fast food, fried foods and canned goods. Sodas with corn syrup only add to the problem. Diabetes is even worse for women who are pregnant. Diabetes that occurs as a result of the body’s inability to produce enough insulin during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body sees many hormonal and physical changes. These cause the body to use insulin less effectively, and this condition is known as insulin resistance. While all women deal with some degree of insulin resistance, some of them already deal with it before they become pregnant and gain weight, starting their pregnancy with an increased need for insulin. These women are more likely to have gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes has no acute symptoms and can only be diagnosed through a blood test. The risk factor can only be calculated based on your medical history and your doctor can best help you with that.
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There are some health risks associated with gestational diabetes that can affect the mother and baby in the long term. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the risks the baby is exposed to include:
– Low blood sugar
– Born prematurely leading to respiratory and immune problems
– Very large (4 kg or more) leading to problems during delivery
– May develop type 2 diabetes later in life
About 2 to 10 percent of pregnant women could suffer from gestational diabetes. In addition, about 50 percent of women who have gestational diabetes may develop type 2 diabetes later in life. The risk can be lowered by monitoring your weight and blood sugar. Have your blood sugar checked every 6 to 12 weeks after delivery and every 1 to 3 years thereafter to make sure you don’t have type 2 diabetes.
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