What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

There are three types of diabetes - type 1 (diabetes mellitus), type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Perhaps you're already familiar with the first two types, so now you need to familiarize yourself with the third type which is the gestational diabetes.

What causes gestational diabetes?

This type of diabetes often develops during pregnancy, particularly on the late stages. Over 135,000 pregnant mothers develop gestational diabetes in the US and every year, the number keeps on growing.

Like the other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is characterized by high levels of glucose.

The exact cause of this disease is still unknown but there are several factors which seem to contribute to its development.

These things happen during pregnancy:

1. The placenta is the source of nutrition of the baby inside the womb. The placenta also releases hormones like cortisol and estrogen to protect the health of the baby. However, these hormones block insulin receptors thereby reducing the response of insulin. This situation is called insulin resistance. The normal response of the body is blocked and therefore problems arise related to metabolism and glucose absorption.

2. The body has a way of dealing with certain problems and if insulin resistance takes place, the pancreas tend to overwork and they produce more insulin until such time that the pancreas can no longer produce any insulin. To control gestational diabetes, the pregnant mother needs more than 3 times of insulin. This condition usually appears when you reach the 24 -26th weeks. At this time, placental hormones increase thereby creating an insulin resistance.

3. If you're more than 35 years during your pregnancy, you're more prone to gestational diabetes especially if you have a history of diabetes in the family. If the pregnant mother is obese or is exhibiting polycystic ovary syndrome, they are more at risk of developing the metabolic disorder.

The fact is, you can control this from happening. Not only that, the condition disappears after the mother gives birth.

Controlling the disorder is important because it can cause congenital defects, abnormal neurological and physiological development patterns, hypoglycemia, jaundice, and macrosomia. The delivery can become extremely traumatic for the mother. There are even times when hypertension or pre-exclampsia happens.

Just like the type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes should be taken seriously. Getting monthly check up is a good idea so that the doctor can monitor your condition and the health of your baby.

Your baby is a gift and you must ensure its safety until delivery. The pregnant mother should consult a doctor if they feel that they are developing gestational diabetes.

Now you know what causes gestational diabetes and you should ensure your safety and that of your baby's.

It would also help if you eat healthy food choices especially the ones which are rich in protein, vitamins, mineral, carbs, and other vital nutrients. Even if you're pregnant, you should still do some physical activity to get enough exercise; not only that, you should also avoid being stressed.

Talk to your doctor if you feel anything unusual. You can't just take any medication because it can affect your baby. Ask your doctor first even if you plan to use natural treatments. You must always think about your baby's safety first.

Fight gestational diabetes by being well informed.

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Charlene J. Nuble

For All the things you need to know about diabetes, please go to: All About Diabetes [http://www.yourdiabetes.org/]

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