Gestational diabetes in pregnancy is a condition in which your blood sugar levels rise dramatically while you are expecting a child. There are two types of gestational diabetes: A1and A2. Diet and exercise can help women with class A1 manage their condition. Insulin or other medications are required for those who have A2 diabetes.
After giving birth, gestational diabetes is no longer a problem. However, it has the potential to harm your baby’s health and increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. You can take steps to ensure that you and your child remain healthy.
Women with gestational diabetes typically do not experience any symptoms or may mistakenly attribute them to pregnancy. The majority of people find out they have it during a routine screening.
Your thirst may be greater than usual, your hunger may be greater than usual, and you may eat more than usual. You may also notice that you pee more than usual.
When you eat, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that aids in the movement of a sugar called glucose from your bloodstream to your cells, where it is converted to energy for your body. During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that cause glucose to build up in your bloodstream, leading to gestational diabetes. Usually, your pancreas can produce enough insulin to keep up with your needs. However, if your body is unable to produce enough insulin or if it ceases to use insulin as it should, your blood sugar levels will rise, and you will develop gestational diabetes.
Pregnancy-related diabetes is more likely to occur; if you were overweight before becoming pregnant; have blood sugar levels that are higher than they should be but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes (this is called prediabetes). when you have a family member who has diabetes or has had gestational diabetes in the past might put you at risk. Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or another health condition linked to problems with insulin is also a factor. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical conditions can put you at risk as well.
Having gestational diabetes requires treatment as soon as possible in order to maintain you and your baby’s health throughout the course of your pregnancy and childbirth. If you have diabetes, your doctor will instruct you to check your blood sugar levels four or more times per day, check your urine for ketones, which are chemicals that indicate that your diabetes is not under control, consume a healthy diet, and engage in regular physical activity. Your doctor will keep track of your weight as well as the development of your child. They may prescribe insulin or another medication to you in order to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Consume a nutritious, low-sugar diet and consult with your doctor to ensure that you are getting the nutrition you require. Follow a meal plan designed for people with diabetes, such as:
• Substitute natural sugars such as fruits, carrots, and raisins for high-calorie snacks such as cookies, candy, and ice cream. Vegetables and whole grains should be included, and portion sizes should be observed.
• Eat three small meals and two or three snacks throughout the day at the same times every day, if possible.
• Carbohydrates should account for 40% of your daily calories, with protein accounting for 20%. The majority of the carbohydrates should be complex, high-fiber carbohydrates, with fat ranging between 25 and 40% of the total carbohydrate intake.
• Aim for between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day. Consuming whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta, as well as brown or wild rice, oatmeal, and vegetables and fruits, will assist you in reaching your goals.
• Try to keep your total fat intake to less than 40% of your daily calorie intake. Reduce the amount of saturated fat you consume to less than 10% of your total calorie intake.
• Consume a variety of foods to ensure that you receive adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is possible that you will require a supplement to cover all of your bases. Inquire with your doctor about whether or not you should take one.
Maintain your physical activity throughout your pregnancy. When you have gestational diabetes, you can exercise as long as your doctor gives you the green light. Being physically active can assist you in controlling your blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy weight while pregnant is also beneficial for your posture and can help you avoid some common problems such as backaches and fatigue. As soon as possible, get involved in the community. On most days of the week, try to get in 30 minutes of moderate activity. Running, walking, swimming, and bicycling are all excellent exercises.
If you and your doctor keep your blood sugar under control while you have gestational diabetes, your baby will almost certainly be healthy. Doctors will examine your newborn immediately after birth to determine his or her blood sugar level and if it is too low, they may need to administer glucose intravenously until it returns to normal.
Pregnancy with gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of having a baby that is larger than normal. It has also been linked to jaundice, a condition in which the skin appears yellowish. Jaundice usually disappears within a few days of receiving treatment. Despite the fact that your child will be more likely than other children to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, leading a healthy lifestyle (including a nutritious diet and plenty of physical activity) can help to reduce this risk.
For more information on our maternal health programs, please visit hacey.org.
Written By:
Michael Adegboye
