Gestational Diabetes: Why Is It Only Present During Pregnancy?

To understand gestational diabetes and why it is only present during pregnancy, we need to look at several factors.

Gestational diabetes is formally defined as “any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy”. There is a possibility that a woman may have undiagnosed diabetes mellitus or may have developed diabetes during pregnancy.

According to medical researchers,a little over 130,000 pregnant women develop gestational diabetes each year in the United States. While it has not yet been determined what causes gestational diabetes, there are some signs that may be attributed to this condition.

The placenta contains hormones which contribute to the baby’s development. However, these hormones also prevent the build-up of insulin in the body which then causes the condition known as “insulin resistance”. As a result, when a woman cannot utilize the insulin during pregnancy, gestational diabetes occurs. In a nutshell, if there is not enough insulin, blood sugar which would normally leave the blood, will build up and cause high blood sugar levels resulting in gestational diabetes.

Because of this, diagnosis of gestational diabetes usually occurs in the late stages of pregnancy. The treatment for this condition is immediate and includes a special gestational diabetes diet and exercise program. It is meant to keep the blood sugar levels down.
Once gestational diabetes has been diagnosed, your doctor will monitor the progress you are making to ensure that the health of you and your baby is maintained. If warranted, insulin injections may have to be given because one of the problems associated with gestational diabetes is the risk of needing a cesarean section.

The positive side of gestational diabetes is that it will dissipate after the birth of the baby. However, recurrence during future pregnancies cannot be overruled.

Medical researchers have proved that women who have gestational diabetes during pregnancy may develop a more serious form of diabetes later on in their lives. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women engage in a diet and exercise program which allows the body to use up the glucose that is present.

In conclusion, regular check-ups with your health provider is recommended as well, not only to determine your overall health, but also to check the blood sugar levels. While gestational diabetes may occur only during pregnancy, it is nonetheless a condition which can result in Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes later on in life.

By: onesteptog

Article Source: http://www.directorys.uniquearticles.info

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