Gestational Diabetes
By: Tania IvanovichTotal Views: 243, Word Count: 560,
Gestational diabetes is a state in which non-diabetic pregnant women between their 24th and 28th week are attacked by the sudden rise in the level of sugar in the bloodstream. The production of insulin by the beta cells is adequate for the conversion of glucose but during pregnancy the newly formed placenta which connects mother to the fetus, starts producing hormones like progesterone, prolactin, estrogen, cortisol which are anti-insulin in nature. They generate a condition in which the body cells start resisting glucose. To counter this action, the pancreatic gland releases insulin hormone to neutralize the effect of placenta; but in the case in which the beta cells have spent the whole supply of insulin and is not left with insulin producing capability, glucose level starts souring up in the bloodstream.
The symptoms of gestational diabetes are:
- Increase in the rate of urination
- Dryness in mouth leading to increase in thirst
- Fatigue and tiredness in the body
- Reduction in weight with increase in appetite
- Recurrent feeling of nausea and vomiting
- The body becomes susceptible to the attack of infections: bladder, skin and vagina.
- Clarity in vision diminishes.
Test conducted for gestational diabetes: The diagnosis of this type of diabetes takes place with the aid of glucose tolerance test which is conducted in the morning after fasting for the whole night. The method of conduction of the test includes the provision of drinking sugar drink by the expecting mother. After the period of an hour, blood is extracted by a syringe, which is then tested in the laboratory. If the patient has less then 140mg/dl sugar level then she is free from the fatal effects of gestational diabetes.
Preconditions of the test:
- The patients should start consuming 150grams of carbohydrates every day before three days of the test.
- The patient should not consume anything before 145 to 10 hours of the test.
- The test is always conducted in the morning
- Only if the level of glucose is higher then the normal standard by two to three units, the chances of gestational diabetes is declared in the patient.
Treatment of gestational diabetes:
- Exercise: In starting an exercise regime during pregnancy, a doctor should be consulted. Your doctor will provide you with the physical activity chart or a guide book which should be undertaken in order to beat the excess fat gain. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women can spend time in a light physical activity for 15 to 30 minutes during pregnancy.
Maintenance of weight: Weight should be balanced as obesity is directly related to obesity. If on the basis of height, the weight is ideal, then 25 to 30 pounds gain in weight is recommended.
Injections of insulin on a daily basis: If the incorporation of diet and exercise plan does not give a desired effect then the patient is injected with insulin daily to maintain the level of metabolism and growth in the body.
For the safety of child and the mother regular monitoring is suggested under a well certified gynecologist.
About the Author
Tania Ivanovich is a certified doctor researching on the reasons and causes of gestational diabetes in women. Her study incorporates the employment of mild medication including insulin injections with a controlled intake of food rich in potassium, calcium, proteins and carbohydrates. She stresses on performing light physical activity by expecting mothers under the advice of a doctor. Drawn from her chart plan, a new book had been introduced in the market: How To Play The Diabetes Game To Win!
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