You At Your Best

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017 | OCTOBER - DIABETES NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 17 BY SARAH HANEY NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Approximately 2 to 5 percent of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes — a temporary form of diabetes in which the body does not produce adequate amounts of insulin to regulate sugar during pregnancy. It may also be called glucose intolerance or carbohydrate intolerance. Some symptoms include unusual thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, sugar in urine (revealed in a test done in your doctor's office), and frequent vaginal, bladder, and skin infections. Gestational diabetes is thought to be caused by the many changes, hormonal and otherwise, that occur in the body during pregnancy. This can predispose some women to become resistant to insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by specialized cells in the pancreas that allows the body to effectively metabolize glucose for later usage as fuel (energy). When levels of insulin are low, or the body cannot effectively use insulin, blood glucose levels rise. The testing for this disease usually takes place between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Doctors test for gestational diabetes during this time because the placenta is producing large amounts of hormones that may cause insulin resistance. If elevated levels are indicated, further testing would be done to confirm a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Prior to the test, the doctor gives the patient a sweet liquid to drink one hour before blood is drawn. The results from this test will show whether or not enough insulin is produced. Treating gestational diabetes is done by controlling blood sugar levels. By closely monitoring mother and baby, employing diet and exercise management, monitoring blood glucose levels, and potential insulin therapy, healthy blood sugar levels can be ensured. If diagnosed and treated effectively, there is little risk of complications from gestational diabetes. In these cases, women with gestational diabetes can have healthy babies and the diabetes should disappear after delivery. If gestational diabetes is not treated, however, the effects on the mother and baby could include large birth weight, premature delivery, an increased chance of cesarean delivery, complicated delivery, a slightly increased risk of fetal and neonatal death, and the baby is at risk for developing low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) immediately after birth. Maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy eating plan may be able to help prevent or minimize the risks of gestational diabetes. It is also important to keep an eye on signs of diabetes after giving birth. Testing may be done a few months after the Treating gestational diabetes to ensure a healthy pregnancy delivery to make sure your blood sugar levels have returned back to normal. It is vital to watch for signs of diabetes after giving birth, such as frequent urination, persistent thirst, and increased sugar in blood or urine. Women who have gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Talk with your doctor if you experience symptoms of diabetes during or after pregnancy. An early diagnosis can help ensure proper treatment. Some risk factors for gestational diabetes include obesity, a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and having prediabetes. Women with gestational diabetes can have healthy babies.

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