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Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes and affects over 9% all pregnant women. While there are uncertainties as to the cause, scientists believe that the hormones that help a baby develop also restrict insulin’s activity in the mother’s body. This insulin resistance is the body’s inability to respond to and use the insulin it produces and results in elevated levels of blood sugar, also known as blood glucose.

 

Gestational diabetes starts when the body is not able to make and use the insulin it needs for pregnancy. The good news is that gestational diabetes typically goes away after the baby is born. It is important to know if you are at risk so that you can treat gestational diabetes and avoid health complications for your baby. Below we take a look at the risk factors and how gestational diabetes can be treated.

 

What are the risk factors?

     

  • You have had gestational diabetes before
  •  You are older than 25
  •  You are overweight or obese
  •  You have a family history of diabetes
  •  Non-caucasian race

 

How does gestational diabetes affect the baby?
 

If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may be at an increased risk of higher birth weight. The insulin in your bloodstream crosses the placenta and triggers the baby’s pancreas to make more insulin therefore making your baby grow larger. A larger baby can result in a c-section delivery. Another complication can include preterm delivery resulting in respiratory distress syndrome which makes breathing difficult.

 

How can I be treated?
 

The screening process includes drinking a syrupy glucose drink with a blood test to follow one hour later. Should your blood sugar be higher than normal, you will take a glucose tolerance test to see if you have diabetes. Once you have been screened by your doctor (immediately if you are high risk or between weeks 24-28 if you are not at high risk) and it has been confirmed that you have gestational diabetes, your doctor will have you check your blood sugar levels several times per day. You will also take urine tests to determine if your diabetes is under control. You may need insulin injections and you will be taught how to perform the procedure. Your doctor will also track your weight very closely.

 

How do I help lower my risk of gestational diabetes? 
 

One of the best ways to lower your risk of gestational diabetes is to exercise and make healthy food choices.

 

Exercise allows your body to lower your blood sugar by moving glucose into your cells, where it’s used for energy. Exercise also increases your cells’ sensitivity to insulin, which means your body will need to produce less insulin to transport sugar. With your doctor’s ok, aim for moderate intensity exercise most days of the week.

 

Eating the right kinds of food in healthy portions is one of the best ways to control your blood sugar. A healthy diet focuses on fruits, vegetables and whole grains- food high in nutrition and low in fat and calories. While it is not recommended to lose weight during pregnancy, making healthy choices during pregnancy can help lead to better choices post pregnancy.

 
The more healthy habits you can adopt before pregnancy will help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and lead to a healthier pregnancy. If you have additional questions about exercise and diabetes prevention, contact us.
 
References:
 
1. “Gestational Diabetes”. Accessed 24, April 2015. Mayo Clinic.http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/basics/definition/con-20014854

2. “What is Gestational Diabetes?”. Accessed 24, April 2015. American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/what-is-gestational-diabetes.html

3. “Gestational Diabetes”. Accessed 24, April 2015. Cleveland Clinic. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Diabetes_Basics/hic_Gestational_Diabetes

4) Image courtesy of patrisyu at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
 

Brent

Brent

President, Personal Training Manager at Body By Brent LLC
Brent
Brent
Brent