Gestational Diabetes Tips

Gestational diabetes, as the name suggests, occurs during gestation or pregnancy when the blood sugar levels exceed the normal level. Gestational diabetes, like other form of diabetes, affects how your body cells use glucose or sugar during pregnancy, and usually disappears after you’ve given birth.

Causes and symptoms to look out for!

During gestation, the placenta produces hormones that lead to the accumulation of blood glucose. Under normal condition, the pancreas forms enough insulin to counter the buildup of blood glucose. The level of blood sugar rises when the pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin to manage your blood sugar.

Usually, women with gestational diabetes do not show symptoms. So, the presence of the condition can go unnoticed if they are not diagnosed during routine checkups and screening tests. Nevertheless, if the condition goes out of control, you may feel tired, feel thirsty or hungry, or feel the urge to urinate more often.

What are the risk factors?

About 2-10% of pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes every year. The following factors are likely to put you at risk of developing gestational diabetes-

1. Excess body weight- You may develop gestational diabetes if you were overweight or had gained excess weight (BMI equal to or greater than 30) before getting pregnant
2. Family history- Women who have a family history of diabetes are likely to have gestational diabetes.
3. Age- Women aged more than 25 years are at a greater risk of developing this condition.
4. Diabetic history- A slightly raised blood sugar level may act as the precursor to Type-2 diabetes, which in turn increases your chance of getting affected by gestational diabetes.
5. Previous pregnancy- Women who have previously given birth to a child weighing more than 4.1 Kg (9 pounds), or have delivered a stillborn child are likely to have gestational diabetes.

What is the treatment for gestational diabetes?

Urine tests are performed to check for ketones. In a non-diabetic person, glucagon, insulin and other hormones avert ketone levels in your blood from soaring up too high. Once you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s important that you consult your doctor for treatment. Uncontrolled blood sugar level can affect you and your baby’s health after birth. This condition can be treated in the following ways-

1. Keep a check on your blood sugar- During pregnancy, your doctor will have you tested for gestational diabetes 4-5times a day to keep a tab on your blood glucose level. For this, a small drop of blood is first drawn from the finger using a needle. The sample of blood is then placed on the test strip inserted into a device called the blood glucose meter to measure and monitor the level of blood sugar in your body.
2. Medication- Anti-diabetic medications and insulin are prescribed to control the amount of glucose or sugar in the bloodstream. Your doctor may also suggest oral medications like Diabeta and Glynase to manage your blood glucose level.
3. Healthy diet- Diabetic diet- one that helps control blood sugar levels- is highly prescribed by doctors during pregnancy. Cut down on carbohydrates and sugar and switch to food items that provide your body sufficient nutrients and calories.

Post treatment the blood sugar levels usually come down to normal within 4-6 weeks of giving birth.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that arises during the pregnancy and disappears after giving birth. It is usually diagnosed in the second stage by screening or blood test. It mostly occurs in the women who previously have some traits of diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects your pregnancy and your newborn baby health, but risk can be reduced if detected before and manage well.

Gestational diabetes is caused due to an excessive amount of blood sugar level, as at the time of pregnancy placenta excrete the glucose building hormones. The pancreas excretes enough insulin to manage if not this lead to the excessive amount of blood sugar. This can be prevented by adopting healthy habits before pregnancy. The mentioned below are the symptoms, causes and prevention of Gestational diabetes.

Symptoms
In most of the cases, Gestational diabetes does not show any sign and symptoms, but it can be diagnosed through the blood test or screening. Some women may develop symptoms if they are suffering from hyperglycemia. The common symptoms are:

Tiredness

1. Dry mouth
2. More pee than the daily routine
3. Increase thirst

These are some symptoms shown by the diabetic patient if you are experiencing any of them then consult your doctor. Regular checkup, test and screening should be preferred to avoid this serious problem. The problem can be well managed if detected at the time.

Who is at risk?
Any women can suffer from Gestational diabetes, but you are a great risk if:

1. Your body mass index is above 30, use a body mass calculator to workout and reduce the risk of Gestational diabetes.
2. Your previous baby is weighted more than 4kg or above at the time of birth, then you are more prone to Gestational diabetes.
3. If One of your parents has diabetes.
4. You have Gestational diabetes in previous pregnancy.

Causes
During pregnancy, the placenta excretes the hormones that lead to building up of glucose in the body. The pancreas makes enough insulin to manage them if not, then sugar level rise and cause Gestational diabetes. Usually, the hormones build up during the pregnancy work against insulin and raise the blood sugar level in the body.

Precaution
There is no guarantee t prevent Gestational diabetes, but by adopting some healthy habits, reduce the risk of future pregnancy. The mentioned below are a habit that helps to prevent or reduce the risk of Gestational diabetes.

1. Eat healthy food, focus on food rich in nutrients and fibre that will help you're to achieve your goal
2. Always go for 30 min moderate exercise before and during pregnancy, this will protect you from the risk of Gestational diabetes.
3. If you are planning for pregnancy go for excessive weight loss this will help to attain the healthiest pregnancy ahead.

Conclusion
Gestational diabetes is not a major issue, it can be managed well if diagnosed on time. One can prevent this disease by just adopting healthy habits of balanced diet and exercise. Some women may require medical care so regular checkup and screening is important during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The symptoms of this disorder are mild and a blood test has to be conducted as a part of the diagnosis. In all cases, the women should be administered treatment to avoid medical complications associated with it and to be on the safer side. Proper diagnosis is absolutely essential in the case of women with prediabetes or those women who had diabetes prior to pregnancy.

When the insulin receptors fail to function normally, the blood sugar levels may rise. This is known to be one of the causes of gestational diabetes. Post-pregnancy, the symptoms of gestations diabetes disappear on their own; however, such patients are an in increased risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes at a later stage. Moreover, children born to mothers with gestations diabetes are at an increased risk of suffering from conditions such as jaundice, diabetes, and certain other health issues.

As a part of gestational diabetes treatment, the expecting mother is advised to consume a nutritious diet, practice a daily exercise regime, and monitor blood sugar levels on a regular basis. Nonetheless, if your blood sugar levels become extremely high, you may be advised to take specific medicines to control it and avoid complications.

The following are some of the treatment methods used to manage gestational diabetes:

1. Medical Treatment: Under modern medicine, the patients are prescribed antidiabetic drugs and insulin to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.
2. Natural treatment: Some of the ways to naturally manage gestational diabetes include the following:
   • Balanced Diet: According to several research studies, an erratic eating schedule can cause diabetes because the functioning of the body gets disrupted. For this reason, consuming a balanced diet becomes extremely important. In fact, eating small meals at an interval of two to three hours is recommended by the nutritional experts. Consequently, the body becomes accustomed to metabolizing the nutrients and blood sugar imbalances are avoided as well.
   • Exercise Regime: If you are suffering from gestational diabetes, then maintaining a regular exercise regime is beneficial. At the start, you can exert the body for 30 minutes and gradually, increase the time limit. Only the low-impact exercises such as swimming and walking are advised. However, be sure to consult your doctor beforehand.
   • Fiber-rich Diet: The intake of foods that are rich in fiber such as whole grains and flaxseeds is advised for women with gestational diabetes. This nutrient helps balance the insulin levels within the body by regulating the activity of the insulin receptors. During pregnancy, women are advised to increase their consumption of fiber-rich foods anyway to improve their cardiovascular and digestive health. However, the positive effect of fiber-rich foods on insulin receptors is crucial during the onset of gestational diabetes.
   • Additional Dietary Recommendations: During the gestational diabetes recovery period, foods that are sources of vitamin D (such as tofu, salmon, and mushrooms) must be consumed as they foster the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and helps to have a healthy pregnancy. Other foods that pregnant women with gestational diabetes can benefit from include foods rich in vitamin C and proteins. Also, foods that come under the category of complex carbohydrates must be consumed. Moreover, women with gestations diabetes should abstain from sugar-rich foods.

Conclusion: On a concluding note, you should note that the above treatments for gestational diabetes should be practised only after a thorough discussion with the doctor. Keep in mind that during pregnancy you have to adopt a precarious approach; by doing so, you can prevent you and your baby from getting adversely affected.

Gestational trophoblastic disease is a rare condition. It only happens when trophoblast cells abnormally grow inside the uterus. Also, this only happens after conception. These cells surround the egg which has been fertilized in the uterus. It is also worth note that the trophoblast cells usually connect the fertilized eggs to the uterus' walls and also form a part of the placenta. It is only when there is a tumor that this disease is diagnosed. There are many forms of gestational trophoblastic disease. Here they are:

Types

1.        Complete hydatidiform moles
2.        Partial hydatidiform moles
3.        Invasive moles
4.        Choriocarcinomas
5.        Placental-site trophoblastic tumors (PSTT)
6.        Epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (ETT)

It is worth note that most of these diseases have different stages. The stage of how far cancer has developed can be found out using the following techniques.

Testing for cancer

1. Chest X-ray
This is simply an X-ray of the chest.

2. MRI 
An MRI is an abbreviation of magnetic resonance imaging. It makes use of a form of a magnet which transfers radio waves to a computer to find out what is going on within your body.

3. CT scan
This is similar to an X-ray except that more detailed and larger pictures inside the body can be taken and the scan has a slightly different procedure.

There are several ways to treat it depending on how far cancer has spread into the body. Here they are:

Treatment

1. Surgery
Surgery is usually done while the mole is still non-cancerous. The chances of the mole becoming cancerous are increased by pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial that you do not become pregnant until the surgery is complete.

2. Chemotherapy
This is a less-ideal option but has to be taken if the mole has become cancerous. 
 

Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. Diabetes is referred to a condition where your blood glucose or blood sugar is very high. Although, glucose is good as it used by your body for energy, but excessive glucose in your blood can be harmful for both you and your child.

Gestational diabetes is mostly diagnosed in the later stages of pregnancy. If gestational diabetes is diagnosed in the early stages of pregnancy, then it is quite possible that you may have had diabetes before you became pregnant. Treating gestational diabetes can help both you and your baby stay fit and healthy. You can protect both, yourself and your baby by controlling your blood glucose levels.

Here are 7 things that you need to know about Gestational diabetes:

1. Every three to eight out of 100 ladies tend to develop diabetes during pregnancy, a condition known as gestational diabetes. Fortunately, it can be dealt with and even kept away by maintaining healthy lifestyle choices. Eating leafy foods and avoiding sugar-rich things, is a vital step for both control and counteractive action. Exercise, after consulting your doctor can guarantee that you have a healthy pregnancy.
2. In diabetes, when your body's glucose or sugar levels get so high that the carbohydrates and sugars cannot be converted into energy, the excess starts accumulating in your body. This additional glucose can harm the vessels in your kidneys and all through your body, particularly in organs like eyes.
3. Two or three factors might cause danger for creating gestational diabetes, both inside and outside of your control. If you are overweight before you get pregnant or while you are pregnant or your family history shows that you are hereditarily inclined to the sickness, you will probably build up the condition.
4. One will have to stay on the right path as far as medication and insulin goes. Your specialist may prescribe that you require diabetic pills or insulin to help you control your glucose levels.
5. Your weight can bring about complexities during the delivery in case of gestational diabetes. So it is best to keep your weight in check in order to have a smooth sailing pregnancy and delivery.
6. Gestational diabetes can likewise put ladies at risk of contracting preeclampsia, which can bring about a number of side effects and complexities. Side effects brought on may start from swollen feet, legs, fingers, and hands to hypertension and even seizures or strokes.
7. Apart from the risks of having gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, it might affect the child later on. Your baby may have a higher danger of obesityas it develops, both in the teenage years and youth. Youngsters who are overweight may suffer from type 2 Diabetes in the long run.

During the time between 24th to 28th weeks of your pregnancy, you might develop a high level of glucose in your blood stream; this is known as gestational diabetes, and it affects the cells in the blood and how they absorb and use the glucose.

Ten best remedies which can prevent or control this problem are as follows:

1. Regular monitoring of the level of blood sugar: Prevention is always better than cure, especially if you are at risk. When you are an expecting mother, you need to monitor the blood sugar level before having food and after two hours of the meal as many times as you can in a day. Fasting sugar level must not exceed 95mg/dl and the postprandial level after 2 hours must be within 120mg/dl.
2. Healthy start to the day with a healthy breakfast: You must have a low-fat breakfast like yoghurt, oatmeal, cereals made of whole grains and porridge. Your breakfast should have an adequate amount of starch as well as protein, and you must avoid milk during the meal. Even fruits are not good for your body in the early morning.
3. Maintaining the carbs: If you have gestational diabetes or want to prevent it, the best way is to manage the intake of carbohydrates in your meals. You should have the complex Carbs as they prevent fluctuation in the insulin levels and thus the blood sugar level is controlled.
4. High fibrous food: For maintaining the blood sugar level during pregnancy, you need to have an adequate amount of fiber in your meals. It helps in controlling the sugar level in the blood by inhibiting the excess release of the insulin. You can have beans, cereals, pulses, dried peas and the fruit and vegetables with the low glycemic index.
5. Exercise can help all: Exercise is the way to prevent any diabetes and so is gestational diabetes. Moreover, exercise is mandatory during pregnancy to have a healthy term and baby. Pregnant women must ask their trainer which activities are suitable for them. The blood sugar level is controlled through proper glucose metabolism, and also it reduces the resistance to the insulin.
6. Go sugar-free: It is better to use sugar-free products and consciously lessen the amount of sugar in your food items if you want to control gestational diabetes.
7. Cinnamon tea your best friend: To stimulate the metabolism rate of glucose, you can have cinnamon as it has bioactive elements which control the glucose, cholesterol, etc.
8. Get sufficient sleep: Listen to your body and give it the rest it needs and it will help maintain good health in general which included a stable blood glucose level.
9. Stress management: The most important way to control glucose level is to manage the stress in your mind.
10. Take your medicines on time: If you have gestational diabetes, take the prescribed medication promptly as per your doctor's advice.

Diabetes is often referred to as diabetes mellitus by physicians, which is used for describing a group of metabolic-related diseases. Diabetic patients have high blood sugar (blood glucose) in the blood, the cause of which might be either the inadequate production of insulin or because the body is unable to use the insulin properly. Diabetes might also be a result of the combination of both.

There are three types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes which was formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile onset diabetes due to the fact that the symptoms are typically diagnosed in young children and children in their teens. Approximately 10%diabetic patients are Type 1 diabetic where the body is unable to produce insulin.
2. Type 2 diabetes was also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes, as it occurs mostly in adults. Approximately 90%diabetic patients worldwide are Type 2 diabetes, which occurs because the body is unable to produce the required amount of insulin for proper functioning. Overweight and obese people suffering from central obesity or abdominal obesity are more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than people who have a healthy body weight, as obesity forces the release of chemicals which may destabilize the cardiovascular and metabolic systems of the body. The risks of developing Type 2 diabetes also increases as one grows older.
3. Another type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which mainly affects pregnant women who have high glucose levels in their blood. The bodies of these women are unable to produce the required amount of insulin to transport all the glucose to their cells leading to the progressive increase of glucose. Studies have revealed that women who have animal fat and cholesterol-rich diet before pregnancy are at more risk of developing this type of diabetes.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, dehydration, increased urination and hunger. Symptoms may also include fatigue, skin problems, slow healing wounds, blurred vision and tingling in the feet.  
Solutions

1. Patients who are afflicted with Type 1 diabetes will have to take insulin injections for life. Proper blood glucose levels have to be maintained throughout by following a strict diet and regular blood tests need to be carried out.
2. Patients with Type 2 diabetes need to keep their weight in check. They are generally treated with tablets, but sometimes insulin injections are recommended. These diabetic patients need to follow a healthy diet strictly, exercise regularly and keep monitoring their blood glucose levels. Another option for obese people to reduce symptoms is Bariatric surgery.
3. While gestational diabetes can be controlled with proper diet and regular exercise, there are 10 - 20%of diabetics who will need medications to control blood-glucose. Undiagnosed and untreated gestational diabetes raises the risks of complications during childbirth and may result in a baby who is bigger than he / she should be.

Acute complications of diabetes may include hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia while chronic complications may include diseases of the blood vessels which could damage the eyes, nerves, kidneys and the heart. If you think you have symptoms which suggest diabetes, consulting a doctor at the earliest would be your best option.

Gestational trophoblastic disease is a rare condition. It only happens when trophoblast cells abnormally grow inside the uterus. Also, this only happens after conception. These cells surround the egg which has been fertilized in the uterus. It is also worth note that the trophoblast cells usually connect the fertilized eggs to the uterus' walls and also form a part of the placenta. It is only when there is a tumor that this disease is diagnosed. There are many forms of the gestational trophoblastic disease. Here they are:

Types

1. Complete hydatidiform moles
2. Partial hydatidiform moles
3. Invasive moles
4. Choriocarcinomas
5. Placental-site trophoblastic tumors (PSTT)
6. Epithelioid trophoblastic tumors (ETT)

It is worth note that most of these diseases have different stages. The stage of how far cancer has developed can be found out using the following techniques.

Testing for cancer

1. Chest X-ray
This is simply an X-ray of the chest.

2. MRI 
An MRI is an abbreviation of magnetic resonance imaging. It makes use of a form of a magnet which transfers radio waves to a computer to find out what is going on within your body.

3. CT scan
This is similar to an X-ray except that more detailed and larger pictures inside the body can be taken and the scan has a slightly different procedure.
There are several ways to treat it depending on how far cancer has spread into the body. Here they are:

Treatment

1. Surgery
Surgery is usually done while the mole is still non-cancerous. The chances of the mole becoming cancerous are increased by pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial that you do not become pregnant until the surgery is complete.

2. Chemotherapy
This is a less-ideal option but has to be taken if the mole has become cancerous. 
 

'Congratulations! You're pregnant!' Almost all women long to hear these words and nothing should come in the way, even diabetes. So, if you are a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic, here are a few things you should keep in mind to have a healthy baby.

Your blood sugar must be monitored regularly

The most important thing you can do to have a healthy baby is to keep your blood sugar as close to normal before and during your pregnancy. Testing is recommended a minimum of four times a day. Glucose passes through the mother's blood to the fetus and hence if your blood sugar fluctuates, so will your baby's. High blood sugar levels are especially harmful during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy when the baby's brain, heart, kidneys and lungs are formed.

Your pregnancy is considered high risk

High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of a miscarriage as well as the risks of your baby being born with birth defects. Diabetes can also increase the risk of developing preeclampsia during the second half of your pregnancy. This could result in a C section or premature birth. Thus, maintain regular checkups and keep your doctor in the loop of all your activities.

You should watch out for signs of ketosis

When you have low blood sugar, the body produces ketones that can be passed on from you to your baby. This production of ketones is a result of the body's burning of fat instead of glucose to provide energy and can develop a condition called ketosis. Symptoms you should watch out for are stomach aches, nausea, fatigue, muscle stiffness, frequent urination and fruity breath.

You need Vitamins and Supplements

Most women require vitamin and mineral supplements at the time of pregnancy. Of these, folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin D are the most important. These supplements help in the healthy growth of the baby.

You should exercise regularly

Maintaining a regular physical activity routine is very important for diabetics who are expecting a baby. This will help you regularize your blood sugar, relieve stress and strengthen your heart. Avoid activities that increase your risk of falling and aim for at least thirty minutes of daily exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga.

Check your medication

Some medication can be detrimental during pregnancy such as cholesterol and blood pressure medication. Consult your doctor to find a suitable alternative, if needed. You may also need to change the kind of insulin you take and its frequency and amount. As you get closer to the delivery date, your insulin requirement may even double or triple.

The key to preventing complications during pregnancy is controlling your diabetes. So take your insulin regularly, maintain regular checkups and eat healthy. You need to be seen by your obstetrician more frequently. Your pregnancy will be monitored closely by more frequent ultrasounds and NST. If your sugar level remains under control and pregnancy is advancing well, a natural onset of pains is aimed for and a normal delivery is expected.

Are you experiencing high blood sugar during pregnancy? This condition is known as gestational diabetes. It is associated with hormonal changes, which occur in your body during pregnancy. Women who are overweight, above the age of 25, and have a family history of diabetes are more likely to experience gestational diabetes. In most cases, the blood sugar levels return to normal after giving birth, and proper management enables you to keep away from any complications during pregnancy as well.

Here are ways by which you can control your sugar levels during pregnancy:

1. Develop an ideal diet plan. You should consult a registered dietitian for framing a diet, which is specific to your condition. Your overall health, age, and other health conditions, if present, are taken into consideration while shaping your diet plan.
2. Cut down your consumption of sugary food items and drinks. Avoid having candies, soda, cakes, cookies, and all food products, which contain simple sugar in large amounts. This can boost your blood sugar levels rapidly and worsen gestational diabetes.
3. Have three to four small meals regularly, and also eat snacks in between. Eating frequently prevents the crashing of your blood sugar levels between meals.
4. Reduce your amount of carbohydrate intake. Instead, consume a lot of food rich in fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole grain.
5. Drink a lot of water every day. Sufficient hydration of your body is important for stabilizing your blood sugar levels to keep away from complications during pregnancy.
6. Undertake regular, light activity after your doctor’s approval. Activities like walking and swimming help in keeping your blood sugar under control. Exercising during pregnancy is also important for weight loss after giving birth.
7. Buy a glucose meter and get your blood sugar levels checked frequently. Most common meters require you to prick your finger with a needle and drop your blood on a strip for testing. You can make changes in your diet and medication for preventing a hypoglycemic episode, based on your regular results.
8. If your doctor recommends it, you should test your urine ketones. Ketones occur in your urine, while your body burns fat to produce energy. These are harmful for your growing baby.

Apart from these, you should take insulin strictly according to your doctor’s instructions. Your doctor will instruct you in detail about how and when to administer insulin. You will also be provided with information on storing insulin at a safe place.