Gestational diabetes is a common health condition that affects pregnant women. This disorder can affect up to 10% of pregnancies. For this reason, all pregnant women must be screened for this disorder to prevent its serious adverse health effects.
Gestational diabetes occurs because pregnancy dramatically changes the needs for insulin within the body. As the baby grows, more glucose is needed to provide energy for the growth and development. As the body changes during pregnancy, more insulin is produced to keep glucose in normal balance.
In women who have some insulin resistance or cannot keep up with insulin production, high blood sugar levels result. Over time these high sugar levels can cause problems with the pregnancy.
Women who are obese, have a family history of diabetes or a previous history of gestational diabetes are at an elevated risk for this condition. It is important that these women see their doctor routinely and complete necessary screening tests when advised to do so. The majority of pregnant women will be screened for this condition using a two-step oral glucose tolerance test between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
The first step requires the patient to consume 50 grams of sugar and have their glucose checked after one hour. An abnormal reading on this test requires additional testing with a 3 hour oral glucose tolerance test. For this second step, the patient is asked to drink 100 grams of sugar and the blood sugar levels are checked every hour for 3 hours. Two or more abnormal readings are required to diagnose gestational diabetes.
Following diagnosis, women are asked to stick to a strict diet plan to avoid hyperglycemia. In some cases medications may be prescribed to keep glucose levels low. The goal of treatment is to avoid complications from diabetes. These complications include maternal hypertension, pregnancy loss and diabetic complications. Complications for the developing baby include accelerated growth, birth complications, neonatal hypoglycemia and respiratory problems after birth.
To avoid the complications of this disorder, early detection is essential. It is also necessary that the mother stick to the treatment plan for her own safety and the safety of her child. It is important to keep all OB appointments and to have routine blood work and ultrasounds. Daily glucose monitoring is also very important to be sure that sugars are in a normal range.
Gestational diabetes can be easily managed to prevent complications in most cases but patient participation and adherence to the treatment plan is essential!
Gestational diabetes occurs because pregnancy dramatically changes the needs for insulin within the body. As the baby grows, more glucose is needed to provide energy for the growth and development. As the body changes during pregnancy, more insulin is produced to keep glucose in normal balance.
In women who have some insulin resistance or cannot keep up with insulin production, high blood sugar levels result. Over time these high sugar levels can cause problems with the pregnancy.
Women who are obese, have a family history of diabetes or a previous history of gestational diabetes are at an elevated risk for this condition. It is important that these women see their doctor routinely and complete necessary screening tests when advised to do so. The majority of pregnant women will be screened for this condition using a two-step oral glucose tolerance test between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
The first step requires the patient to consume 50 grams of sugar and have their glucose checked after one hour. An abnormal reading on this test requires additional testing with a 3 hour oral glucose tolerance test. For this second step, the patient is asked to drink 100 grams of sugar and the blood sugar levels are checked every hour for 3 hours. Two or more abnormal readings are required to diagnose gestational diabetes.
Following diagnosis, women are asked to stick to a strict diet plan to avoid hyperglycemia. In some cases medications may be prescribed to keep glucose levels low. The goal of treatment is to avoid complications from diabetes. These complications include maternal hypertension, pregnancy loss and diabetic complications. Complications for the developing baby include accelerated growth, birth complications, neonatal hypoglycemia and respiratory problems after birth.
To avoid the complications of this disorder, early detection is essential. It is also necessary that the mother stick to the treatment plan for her own safety and the safety of her child. It is important to keep all OB appointments and to have routine blood work and ultrasounds. Daily glucose monitoring is also very important to be sure that sugars are in a normal range.
Gestational diabetes can be easily managed to prevent complications in most cases but patient participation and adherence to the treatment plan is essential!
For more information about gestational diabetes tests and symptoms, visit us at http://www.gestationaldiabetesassist.com .Visit often as we expand our website to provide you with more information about diabetes and more!
