Gestational Diabetes

Over 130,000 pregnant women develop gestational diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association. While the cause has not yet been determined, there are some signs that may be attributed to this condition.

The placenta contains hormones which contribute to the baby’s development. However, these hormones also prevent the build-up of insulin in the body which then causes the condition known as “insulin resistance.”

As a result, when a woman cannot utilize the insulin during pregnancy, this type of diabetes occurs. What this means is that without sufficient insulin, blood sugar which would normally leave the blood, will build up and cause high blood sugar levels.

Therefore, diagnosis usually occurs in the late stages of pregnancy. The treatment for this condition is immediate and includes a special diet and exercise program. It is meant to keep the blood sugar levels down. Once it is diagnosed, your doctor will monitor the progress you are making to ensure that the health of you and your baby is maintained. If warranted, insulin injections may have to be given because one of the problems associated with this particular type of diabetes is to reduce the risk of a cesarean section. The good news is that this type dissipates once the baby is born. However, there is a chance that you may develop this same condition if you become pregnant again. There is evidence, however, that women who have this condition during pregnancy may develop a more serious form of diabetes later on. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women engage in a diet and exercise program which allows the body to use up the glucose that is present. Regular check-ups with your ob-gyn doctor is recommended to determine not only your over-all health, but to check the blood sugar levels as well.

While gestational diabetes may occur only during pregnancy, it is nonetheless a condition which can result in Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes later on in life.

Is gestational diabetes hereditary? Read Diabetes Hereditary to find out.

From Gestational Diabetes to Diabetes