Gestational Diabetes Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Gestational Diabetes Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Gestational diabetes is a condition that women can develop when they are pregnant. This type of condition doesn’t mean that you had diabetes before you became pregnant, nor does it mean that you will have it after you give birth. Instead, it is simply a condition that many women develop while they are pregnant. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here

If you are in this situation, it is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions and work to lower your blood glucose. This is the best way to make sure you stay healthy throughout your pregnancy so that you are able to deliver a healthy baby. Here is some more information about it that you should know.

What is It?

Gestational diabetes will normally show up around your 24th week of a pregnancy. This happens to women who have never shown high blood glucose before, but have high levels during their pregnancy. This happens in around 9.2% of women.

 

The exact cause of gestational diabetes is unknown, but there are some theories. For example, some women become insulin resistant when they are pregnant. As the placenta grows, more and more insulin is needed, but sometimes a woman’s body can’t make enough of it. In the end, this could cause glucose to build up in your blood, which could make you hyperglycemic.

Why is it Bad?

One of the main reasons you need to be careful when you have gestational diabetes is because of its effect on the baby’s body. If it is not controlled, the baby’s pancreas could take in too much of the glucose, which could cause them to store an excess of fat. Unfortunately, obesity and fertility do not go together.

If this happens, your baby could be born with a condition called macrosomia, which causes them to have a lot of fat built up. This could cause them to have health conditions and could damage their shoulders when they are born. In addition to this, they could be at risk for developing breathing problems and are more likely to be obese as an adult or develop type 2 diabetes.

Treatment Options

The important thing to do when you have gestational diabetes is to start the treatment process early. The idea is to attempt to keep your glucose levels at the same levels they would be at if you didn’t have the condition. To do this, you will need to engage in certain physical activities as well as follow a special meal plan.

You should also make sure you are staying consistent with your care and following your doctor’s instructions closely. There may be times when you need to make changes, so work with your doctor to make the best decisions.

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Dr. Prabha Sahgal, MD
Dr. Prabha Sahgal, MD | ConceiveEasy
Dr. Prabha Sahgal MD, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and subspecialty board certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Sahgal holds a B.S. degree from MIT in molecular biology and currently serves on the ConceiveEasy board of directors.

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