Gestational diabetes --- one more pregnancy condition to watch out for

by Bob Fleming

What is gestional diabetes?

Even if you've never had diabetes, gestational diabetes can be one more condition that appears when you're pregnant. As in the general diabetic population, with gestional diabetes the body is either not able to produce enough insulin, or is not able to effectively use the insulin it does produce. During pregnancy, the hormones in the placenta that contribute to the development of the baby can also contribute to reduction in the mother's ability to use the insulin for normal bodily functions.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes usually occurs later in pregnancy, when the baby's body has formed but is still growing. It is not generally a major cause of birth defects, but nevertheless it can hurt the baby if not treated. Glucose and other nutrients penetrate the placenta to serve the baby, and if you are producing too much glucose it will provide too much to the baby. This converts to too much energy in the baby, and it is stored as fat. This can lead to a condition known as macrosomia, or "fat baby" syndrome. These babies' shoulders can be damaged during birth, and they can also develop breathing problems. They are, not surprisingly, also at higher than normal risk to develop diabetes themselves as adults.

How will I know if I've got diabetes gestational?

Similar to other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes has the following symptoms:

	more than usual thirst
	oftener than usual urination
	weight loss that occurs even though you are hungrier than ever
	unusual tiredness
	nausea and vomiting
	fuzzy vision
	frequent infections

How can diabetes gestional be treated?

First, gestational diabetes must be treated as early in pregnancy as possible, so you should ask you doctor to check you out for it between weeks 24 and 28 of your pregnancy. If it is determined that you have gestational diabetesdiabetes management is similar to non-gestional forms of the disease.

First, you'll want to reduce your blood sugar levels to as close to a non-diabetic pregnant woman's as possible. Use a blood sugar monitor to keep track of your own glucose levels on a daily basis (here's a chance to get an excellent monitor absolutely free  Free Glucose Meter ). In general terms, these are the activities for keep in check diabetes, gestational or not:

	Eat a balanced diet, if necessary with the help of a registered dietician. It's particularly important that you control the amount of carbohydrates in your diet.
	Get regular exercise. Again, ask your health care professionals for help to make sure your exercise routine is appropriate for your pregnancy.
	Monitor blood sugar levels at least every day.

Delivery

It's quite possible that you will need to undergo a cesarean delivery, especially if the baby has developed macrosomia.

After the birth

In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, if you've had it once, you're more likely to develop diabetes gestational in future pregnancies, and you may also be more prone to Type 2 diabetes even when you are not pregnant. It's wise to continue to monitor your blood sugar at least occasionally even after the birth of your child.

Gestional diabetes is not a cause for undue worry, UNLESS it's not properly treated. Make sure you and your doctor make this a priority in your pregnancy care.