Pregnant Women and Gestational Diabetes

There are a few different types of Diabetes however none are as confusing as Gestational Diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes is not a common form of Diabetes. Unlike Types 1 and 2, Gestational Diabetes targets only a select few pregnant women. Statistics indicate that only four percent of pregnant women are affected by Gestational Diabetes, in the United States, one hundred and thirty five thousand pregnant women are diagnosed each year.

When you are diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, it may seem like your world is crashing down around you. A million thoughts run through your head, and you fear for the health of your child. It is important that you learn all you can about this disease and understand that you can have a normal healthy child with no risk to yourself or baby if you follow your physician's instructions.

There are no known causes for Gestational Diabetes, however studies indicate that the problem lies in the mothers ability to process insulin during pregnancy. This is called insulin resistance. Hormones from the placenta work against the mothers body by not allowing it to process insulin. However her body keeps producing it in large quantities.

Gestational Diabetes affects pregnant women from all ethnic backgrounds even if there is no history of Diabetes in the family. It strikes in mid to late pregnancy and can cause a great deal of harm to both mother and baby.

While the mother's body continually produces insulin, this alone cannot harm the baby. Insulin from the mother cannot enter into the baby because the placenta. What harms the baby is the extraordinary high levels of glucose that the baby ingests through the placenta. Macrosomia know as fat baby syndrome, can develop in the baby and cause serious complications at birth both for the baby and the mother. Babies born with Macrosomia face potential breathing problems, obesity and are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

It is critical to have regular prenatal care when you are pregnant to ensure the health of your baby. Without proper prenatal care, Gestational Diabetes cannot be detected and you could be harming yourself as well as your child.

Treating Gestational Diabetes as soon as you are diagnosed is critically important. Often, it is just a matter of special menu options, monitoring your glucose level and exercise to keep it under control. More serious cases may also include daily insulin injections. Treating Gestational Diabetes will reduce the risk of 'fat baby' syndrome and a Cesarean section delivery.

There is an upside to Gestational Diabetes; it disappears after the baby is born. Just as suddenly as it comes on it goes away. However, research has shown that women who develop Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy are twice as likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes later in life. Research indicates that both types of diabetes are insulin resistant.

For women who have had Gestational Diabetes, it is recommended that lifestyle changes be made to include a healthy diet and exercise. This can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. It is also recommended that you maintain a healthy weight.

Peter Geisheker is CEO of The Geisheker Group marketing companies. For more information on Diabetes and managing blood sugar, please visit santalsolutions.com.

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