According to research, gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the most common health problems of women during pregnancy. In fact, statistics revealed that around 2-10% of women tend to suffer from this condition during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the three types of diabetes. Its onset only occurs during pregnancy. The body of a pregnant woman usually demands for more insulin. The pancreas releases the amount needed by the body. Problem occurs when the organ no longer has the capacity to release the required amount of the body. This results to the heavy build-up of glucose in the bloodstream.
When the body is free from diabetes..
In normal situation, this is what happens.
When the food is taken, it is broken down into glucose by the body's digestive system. Glucose is a type of sugar that enters the bloodstream and through the hormone produced by the pancreas known as insulin, the cells can use glucose as fuels.
However, problem occurs when the pancreas is incapable of releasing the required amount of insulin or whenever the cells are having a hard time responding to insulin hormones. Pregnancy accompanies substantial hormonal changes which cause the cells to become less responsive towards insulin. This can trigger the heavy buildup of glucose in the bloodstream which are supposed to be converted into fuel or energy.
It is still possible for a diabetic woman to give birth to a healthy baby provided that she controls her blood sugar, exercise regularly, maintain a health weight level and eat healthy and balanced foods. However, the baby may also be negatively affected by gestational diabetes mellitus if left uncontrolled.
What are the potential risks for babies whose mothers are diabetic?
The following are the potential risks of babies who have diabetic mothers:
The baby may be born larger than usual which may require a caesarian section. This condition is properly termed as macrosomia.
The baby is prone to jaundice. This is a non-serious condition wherein the skin turns yellow and the white portion of the eye changes its colour.
Respiratory distress syndrome may also be present. It is a condition where the patients are having difficulties which may sometimes require oxygen.
The baby may suffer from hypoglycaemia or low level of sugar in the blood. Normal level of blood sugar can be restored through breastfeeding.
The baby may suffer from cramping and muscle twitching due to insufficiency of minerals in the body.
Am I at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus?
1. If you suffered from gestational in your past pregnancies.
2. If you are obese or your body mass index goes beyond 30.
3. If diabetes is in your bloodline
4. If your urine has high sugar content.
5. If you have experienced an unexplained stillbirth
6. If you are at least 35 years old.
7. If you suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension.
8. If your baby is born with birth defects.
9. If you gave birth to a eight to nine-pound.
Gestational diabetes mellitus usually disappears after giving birth. If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, you are prone to suffer from such condition again in your future pregnancy and it may develop into Type II diabetes later.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the three types of diabetes. Its onset only occurs during pregnancy. The body of a pregnant woman usually demands for more insulin. The pancreas releases the amount needed by the body. Problem occurs when the organ no longer has the capacity to release the required amount of the body. This results to the heavy build-up of glucose in the bloodstream.
When the body is free from diabetes..
In normal situation, this is what happens.
When the food is taken, it is broken down into glucose by the body's digestive system. Glucose is a type of sugar that enters the bloodstream and through the hormone produced by the pancreas known as insulin, the cells can use glucose as fuels.
However, problem occurs when the pancreas is incapable of releasing the required amount of insulin or whenever the cells are having a hard time responding to insulin hormones. Pregnancy accompanies substantial hormonal changes which cause the cells to become less responsive towards insulin. This can trigger the heavy buildup of glucose in the bloodstream which are supposed to be converted into fuel or energy.
It is still possible for a diabetic woman to give birth to a healthy baby provided that she controls her blood sugar, exercise regularly, maintain a health weight level and eat healthy and balanced foods. However, the baby may also be negatively affected by gestational diabetes mellitus if left uncontrolled.
What are the potential risks for babies whose mothers are diabetic?
The following are the potential risks of babies who have diabetic mothers:
The baby may be born larger than usual which may require a caesarian section. This condition is properly termed as macrosomia.
The baby is prone to jaundice. This is a non-serious condition wherein the skin turns yellow and the white portion of the eye changes its colour.
Respiratory distress syndrome may also be present. It is a condition where the patients are having difficulties which may sometimes require oxygen.
The baby may suffer from hypoglycaemia or low level of sugar in the blood. Normal level of blood sugar can be restored through breastfeeding.
The baby may suffer from cramping and muscle twitching due to insufficiency of minerals in the body.
Am I at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus?
1. If you suffered from gestational in your past pregnancies.
2. If you are obese or your body mass index goes beyond 30.
3. If diabetes is in your bloodline
4. If your urine has high sugar content.
5. If you have experienced an unexplained stillbirth
6. If you are at least 35 years old.
7. If you suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension.
8. If your baby is born with birth defects.
9. If you gave birth to a eight to nine-pound.
Gestational diabetes mellitus usually disappears after giving birth. If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, you are prone to suffer from such condition again in your future pregnancy and it may develop into Type II diabetes later.
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What Next? Learn the brilliant free info on the clinic's blog about pregnancy and diabetes. Find out about going for a pregnancy scan also, know why to go early and what to expect.
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