Gestational Diabetes Tips & Advice From Top Doctors

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Diabetes During Pregnancy - Know More About It!

Dr. Neelkanth Kote 90% (56 ratings)

MBBS, MD, Certificate Course In Diabetes Management

General Physician, Bangalore

Diabetes During Pregnancy - Know More About It!

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Shared 1 month ago • Featured Tip

Type 2 Diabetes - How To Handle It Naturally?

Dr. Ritesh Gehlot 92% (15 ratings)

MD PHYSICIAN

General Physician, Udaipur

Type 2 Diabetes - How To Handle It Naturally?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body deals with glucose in the blood and the glucose absorbed from the food you ingest. Diabetes is generally of two basic types - Type 1 and Type 2. Apart from these two types, there are other kinds as well including gestational diabetes that some women suffer from during their pregnancy. Type 2 Diabetes is a condition where the cells of the body do not make proper use of the insulin being produced by the pancreas.

Living with this kind of a condition may seem debilitating at first, but here are a few things you can do to make life easier despite Type 2 Diabetes.

- Weight: Being overweight is one the foremost side effects and sometimes, even cause of Type 2 Diabetes. To make your life easier, you can lose weight so that the complications involved are that much less. Diet and exercise are key for appropriate weight loss. Watch your diet so that you can eliminate high cholesterol as well. This can ensure that unnecessary amount of fat does not stick to your muscles and organs, which in turn will fuel better functioning of the same.

- Health Care: Being fit with Type 2 Diabetes does not merely mean staying within your normal weight range. It also means taking care of your medication and insulin doses so that you can function in a more normal way. Make your family and friends your support system as you go about life so that people can help you and recognise symptoms when something goes wrong. Be in constant touch with your health care providers and the general physician you see so that they are in the loop and you know exactly what to do in case there is an emergency.

- Exercise: Being active is a great way to keep your blood sugar level low even as you ensure that you heart is in good condition. This will further eliminate the risk of heart disease, hypertension and high cholesterol. Sweating it out also helps the insulin work in a better manner within your body.

- Balance: While you may be asked to remove sugar from your diet, there is no need to stay away from proper meals. You can have a fibre rich diet that also has plenty of fruits and vegetables so that you get your due nutrition and maintain a fit body.

Watching your lifestyle is the main thing you need to do if you are suffering from Type 2 Diabetes.

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Shared 1 month ago • Featured Tip

Diabetes In Pregnancy - All You Should Be Aware Of!

Dr. Garima Kaur 92% (411 ratings)

MS, MBBS, MICOG, Diploma In Laparoscopy

Gynaecologist, Delhi

Diabetes In Pregnancy - All You Should Be Aware Of!

Diabetes is a health condition that occurs due to the lack of insulin and when the body fails to regulate the blood sugar levels. It has been observed that it is a medical complication for many women during their pregnancy. It is best to follow some course of action in order to have a healthy pregnancy and avoid any complications. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease and it can be classed in to 2 categories or types.

The type 1 diabetes requires use of insulin on daily basis and its symptoms include weight loss, blurred vision and increased urination. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include kidney or bladder infection and it is the most common form of diabetes.

Do the babies also develop diabetes?

It is not necessary that babies who are born to diabetic mothers are also diabetic, but if diabetes is not controlled during pregnancy, there are chances that the baby will produce a large quantity of insulin while they are still in the womb. It is quite possible that the sugar levels would be low immediately after birth and a close watch of the newborn is a must till the body adjusts to the amount of insulin it makes.

It has been observed that large babies develop diabetes later in life, mostly type 2 diabetes, and are likely to become obese. It is very important that children are encouraged to develop regular exercise habits and healthy eating habits to reduce the chances of obesity.

Effect of Diabetes on Pregnant Women:

There are chances that if a pregnant woman has diabetes, there are fluctuations in her blood sugar levels, this is because of the hormones that are associated with the pregnancy. It is very important that sugar levels are controlled at the time of conception as there is a greater risk of miscarriage or certain birth defectsoccuring. The pregnant woman is also at a higher risk of blood pressure which can result in premature birth and complications to the mother. The cause for concern for expectant mothers with diabetes is that the baby grows too large, especially if the diabetes is uncontrolled.

Normal Blood Sugar For Pregnant Women:

The healthy blood sugar levels in a pregnant woman for fasting sugar should be less than 95mg/dL and the blood sugar level after one hour of eating should be 140mg/dL. The blood sugar level after 2 hours of eating should be 120mg/dL.

Gestational diabetes that begins during pregnancy has become very common and can lead to defects in the infant. If the blood sugar level is high, then it can lead to complications during labor due to excessive growth of the fetus. It is therefore best to maintain blood sugar levels to avoid risks for the child such as respiratory distress, low glucose levels and jaundice.

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Shared 1 month ago • Featured Tip

How Can High Diabetes Affect Your Pregnancy?

Dr. Neelam Pandey Kukreti 93% (92 ratings)

DM - Endocrinology, MD Medicine

Endocrinologist, Gurgaon

How Can High Diabetes Affect Your Pregnancy?

Pregnancy brings with it the need to be extra careful about the overall well-being of the mother-to-be. Extreme caution has to be taken in managing health, as antibiotics and a lot of other treatment modalities are best avoided during pregnancy. With diabetes becoming common in the younger ages and women choosing to delay pregnancy, there are multiple women who are diabetic and choose to get pregnant later in life.

With diabetes being a chronic and a lifestyle condition, it definitely has its effects on pregnancy. However, the key is to manage diabetes cautiously in such a way that its effects on pregnancy, both the mother and the developing baby, are minimal. The increased blood sugar levels from the mother pass on to the baby, so keeping a close watch on the blood sugar levels is very important.

The maximum effect of diabetes on the baby is during the first few weeks of pregnancy. It is when the vital organs (brain, heart, lungs and kidneys) are forming, and high blood sugar levels can be harmful. This is slightly tricky as most women realise they could be pregnant only after about 6 weeks. If pregnancy is planned, it is best advisable to keep a check on sugar levels much ahead of the pregnancy.
The baby could be used to high levels of sugar while in the womb, and once delivered, it could have too low sugar levels. This needs to be monitored.
Preeclampsia, which is increased protein in the urine and high blood pressure, can happen during the second trimester. This may require the baby to be delivered prematurely.
Babies born to diabetic mothers are often bigger. The baby’s pancreas is used to higher sugar levels and so the extra sugar gets converted to fat, which is the reason for the bigger babies. This may also necessitate C-sections.
Pregnancy can induce the development of diabetic retinopathy, which may prevent vaginal delivery, as the woman may not be able to exert the required pressure.
Abnormal calcium and magnesium levels, which need to be monitored for a while after birth
Most diabetic women reach full term if the sugar levels have been under good control.

Diabetic pregnant women are high at risk. However, with advanced medical care, these risks and complications are managed very well producing healthy babies from normal deliveries with effectively no harm to the mother’s health. Once a diabetic woman tests positive, it is advisable to seek medical help to plan diet/meal plan, physical activities, exercise regimen, lifestyle changes, and medication dose adjustments. This is not a one-time activity, but needs to be closely monitored with daily blood sugar levels throughout the pregnancy.

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Shared 2 months ago • Featured Tip

Diabetes In Pregnancy - How To Handle It?

Dr. Deepika Hooda 89% (10 ratings)

Pt. B D Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Gynaecologist, Gurgaon

Diabetes In Pregnancy - How To Handle It?

'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.

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Shared 2 months ago • Featured Tip

Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes!

Dt. Neha Suryawanshi 95% (16987 ratings)

M.Sc. in Dietetics and Food Service Management , Post Graduate Diploma In Computer Application, P.G.Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics , B.Sc.Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Dietitian/Nutritionist, Mumbai

Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes!

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Shared 2 months ago • Featured Tip

Ayurveda And Gestational Diabetes - Are They Related?

Vishuddhii 84% (20 ratings)

Ayurveda, Gurgaon

Ayurveda And Gestational Diabetes - Are They Related?

Diabetes during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. It is interesting to note that the chances of getting gestational diabetes, the most common complication of pregnancy, has increased by almost 40%. Also, gestational diabetes not only affects the health of the mother but also the health of the baby. What usually happens with gestational diabetes is that the blood sugar levels of both the mother and the baby go above the normal level. Ayurveda can help treat this disease.

Here are the most common Ayurveda remedies for gestational diabetes.

1. Gurmaar

Gurmaar, called "The Sugar Killer" is also known as gymnemasylvestrae in medical jargon. Gurmaar also contains gymnemic acid molecules which are crucial because they have an anti-diabetic effect. They work by combining with glucose molecules which are in the blood stream. These stop the glucose from entering the blood stream.

2. Karela

Karela is commonly known as bitter gourd and its biological name is MomordicaCharantia. It has anti-diabetic properties and also contains many other micronutrients which are crucial in preventing the complications which arise from gestational diabetes.

3. Vizaysaar

Vizaysaar comes from the bark of a tree whose biological name is PterocarpusMarsupium. It is very useful for diabetes. If you immerse the wood of Vizaysaar in water overnight and then drink it, your blood sugar levels are expected to fall.

4. Saptrangi

Saptrangi is biologically known as SalaciaOblonga. Just like Vizaysaar, it is a tree whose bark is immersed in water and then drunk by the patient suffering from diabetes. You will know that the water is ready for drinking when it turns brown, which usually happens overnight. It is also being studied in Western herbal schools in addition to Ayurveda nowadays.

5. Tulsi

Tulsi is a holy plant in Hindu mythology and is known as Ocimum sanctum in biological terms. It is worshiped as a holy plant because it has tremendous medicinal properties including treating many types of cancers, cough, cold, sore throat as well as reducing blood sugar.

6. Ashwagandha

The medical name for ashwagandha is WithaniaSomnifera. It is another great remedy for diabetes.

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Shared 2 months ago • Featured Tip

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease - How To Treat It?

Dr. Junamoni Borgohain 85% (14 ratings)

MBBS, MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Gynaecologist, Guwahati

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease - How To Treat It?

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 the 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 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 the 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.

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Shared 2 months ago • Featured Tip

Diabetes & Pregnancy - What Should You Know?

Dr. Gautam Sonawane 85% (10 ratings)

DGO, DNB - Obs & Gynae, Certificate Training In Gynaecologic Endoscopy, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

Gynaecologist, Mumbai

Diabetes & Pregnancy - What Should You Know?

'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.

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Shared 3 months ago • Featured Tip

How To Manage Gestational Diabetes?

Dr. Mohan Kumar V 89% (10 ratings)

MBBS, DGO, FCPS - Mid & Gynae

Gynaecologist, Navi Mumbai

You may develop a form of diabetes during pregnancy, which is known as gestational diabetes. The condition usually goes away after childbirth. During pregnancy, hormonal changes within the body may cause the blood sugar level to rise. This condition affects the developing fetus as well, as the baby receives nutrients from your blood. The baby may store the extra sugar as fat and may grow unusually large.

How gestational diabetes affects the baby

Owing to the abnormally large size, the baby may be at risk of facing several complications, if you have gestational diabetes. Your baby may be affected in the following ways:

1. There may be injuries during birth due to the large size.

2. Low blood sugar level and mineral level during birth.

3. Jaundice, which is a condition which turns the skin to yellow.

4. The baby may be born prematurely.

5. Breathing problems which are temporary.

6. The baby will be at a higher risk of obesity later in life.

How gestational diabetes affects the mother

The chances of several pregnancy complications get enhanced due to gestational diabetes. The possible risks are as follows:

1. Chances of undergoing a C-section

2. Chances of miscarriage

3. High blood pressure.

4. Pre-term birth

5. After giving birth, the mother has high chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

How to manage gestational diabetes?

You can follow several tips and must undergo lifestyle changes for keeping your diabetes in control. These include the following:

1. You should have a healthy diet with reduced amount of carbohydrates as they cause the sugar level to increase. You must abstain from high sugar food items.

2. Regular physical exercise is essential for the management of sugar levels. You should work out for at least 30 minutes every day.

3. Regular health check-ups are very important, especially for your baby after birth. These may include ultrasounds and nonstress tests.

4. Prescribed medication such as insulin and several others help in the management of blood sugar levels.

5. You must observe your blood sugar level properly. You should take a blood sugar test many times a day.

6. You should always watch your symptoms for any sign of blood sugar during pregnancy.

In case you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you must consult a doctor immediately. Managing this condition at an early stage will prevent your baby from being affected in several ways. The condition can be successfully managed and majority of women with gestational diabetes have regular vaginal births and produce healthy babies.

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Gestational Diabetes Tips

Diabetes During Pregnancy - Know More About It!

Type 2 Diabetes - How To Handle It Naturally?

Diabetes In Pregnancy - All You Should Be Aware Of!

How Can High Diabetes Affect Your Pregnancy?

Diabetes In Pregnancy - How To Handle It?

Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes!

Ayurveda And Gestational Diabetes - Are They Related?

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease - How To Treat It?

Diabetes & Pregnancy - What Should You Know?

How To Manage Gestational Diabetes?

Book appointment with top doctors for Gestational Diabetes treatment