Statistics revealed that 2-10% of pregnant women tend to suffer from gestational diabetes mellitus. It makes gestational diabetes one of the most prevalent health problems 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.
A body free from diabetes..
When the body functioning normally, this is what usually 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.
A problem occurs when the organ pancreas fails to release the required level of insulin or when the cells are having a hard time reacting to hormone insulin. Pregnancy is usually accompanied by drastic hormonal changes which lead the cells to become less responsive to the hormones produced by the pancreas. In the long run, this results to the heavy accumulation of glucose in the blood instead of being converted into energy or fuel.
But of course, diabetic women can still produce healthy babies for as long as their blood sugar level is controlled, they have regular exercise, they maintain a desirable weight level and when they take healthy foods. But if left uncontrolled, babies can also be negatively affected.
What are the risks associated with babies who are born to diabetic mothers?
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 may suffer from jaundice. It is a non-serious condition and is often treatable but it causes the white portion of the eyes to change colour and the skin urns yellow.
Respiratory distress syndrome may also be present. It is a condition where the patients are having difficulties which may sometimes require oxygen.
Some babies suffer from condition known as hypoglycaemia or low level of blood sugar. It can be stabilized through breastfeeding.
The baby may have low levels of minerals in their body which trigger cramping or muscle twitching.
How would I know if I am susceptible to suffer from gestational diabetes mellitus?
1. If you suffered from gestational in your past pregnancies.
2. If you are obese or your body mass index goes over 30.
3. If your family members also suffer from diabetes.
4. If you have sugar in your urine.
5. If you had an unexplained stillbirth.
6. If you are over 35 years old.
7. If you are suffering from high blood pressure.
8. If your baby has birth defects.
9. If you gave birth to a eight to nine-pound.
Gestational diabetes disappears after pregnancy but it may develop into Type II diabetes. Also, if you have suffered from gestational diabetes mellitus, you will more likely be diagnosed with the same health condition in your future pregnancies.
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.
A body free from diabetes..
When the body functioning normally, this is what usually 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.
A problem occurs when the organ pancreas fails to release the required level of insulin or when the cells are having a hard time reacting to hormone insulin. Pregnancy is usually accompanied by drastic hormonal changes which lead the cells to become less responsive to the hormones produced by the pancreas. In the long run, this results to the heavy accumulation of glucose in the blood instead of being converted into energy or fuel.
But of course, diabetic women can still produce healthy babies for as long as their blood sugar level is controlled, they have regular exercise, they maintain a desirable weight level and when they take healthy foods. But if left uncontrolled, babies can also be negatively affected.
What are the risks associated with babies who are born to diabetic mothers?
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 may suffer from jaundice. It is a non-serious condition and is often treatable but it causes the white portion of the eyes to change colour and the skin urns yellow.
Respiratory distress syndrome may also be present. It is a condition where the patients are having difficulties which may sometimes require oxygen.
Some babies suffer from condition known as hypoglycaemia or low level of blood sugar. It can be stabilized through breastfeeding.
The baby may have low levels of minerals in their body which trigger cramping or muscle twitching.
How would I know if I am susceptible to suffer from gestational diabetes mellitus?
1. If you suffered from gestational in your past pregnancies.
2. If you are obese or your body mass index goes over 30.
3. If your family members also suffer from diabetes.
4. If you have sugar in your urine.
5. If you had an unexplained stillbirth.
6. If you are over 35 years old.
7. If you are suffering from high blood pressure.
8. If your baby has birth defects.
9. If you gave birth to a eight to nine-pound.
Gestational diabetes disappears after pregnancy but it may develop into Type II diabetes. Also, if you have suffered from gestational diabetes mellitus, you will more likely be diagnosed with the same health condition in your future pregnancies.
About the Author:
What Next? Read the useful free info on the clinic's blog about pregnancy and diabetes. Discover about going for a pregnancy scan also, know why to go early and what to expect.. Unique version for reprint here: Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - Everything You Should Know.
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