Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects women only during pregnancy. In such a condition the blood glucose level is too high. During pregnancy, high levels of glucose in blood can harm the baby. About 5 out of 100 women affect by this type of diabetes.
Causes of gestational diabetes: It is caused by
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Over weight
• Family history of diabetes
Complications of gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes can affect the
• Fetal development
• Delivery complications
• Affect major organs like heart and brain
• May result in birth defect
• Increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes
• Jaundice
Diagnostic method:
• Fasting blood glucose test- Don’t eat or drink for 8 hours before the test
• Random blood glucose test – check glucose level at any time
How it is managed? It is managed by
• Checking sugar level before and after taking breakfast and meals
• Following diet
• Doing exercise advised by physician
• Control blood pressure
• Maintain healthy weight
Baby shows following Problems due to Gestational diabetes-
• Babies’ body is large
• Blood sugar is low
• Skin turns yellow, may result in jaundice
• Have breathing trouble
For most women, gestational diabetes becomes normal after the baby is born. But they have a high risk of getting Type 2 diabetes later. Baby also can have the risk of getting obesity and Type 2 diabetes in future.
