Diabetes in pregnancy, also known as gestational diabetes, is a serious problem for pregnant women. Find out in this article why it appears and how it can be treated.

Diabetes in pregnancy also called gestational diabetes. The disorder is very similar to the other types of diabetes at its base. It retains its peculiarities for the vital moment in which it appears.

In short, the pathophysiology of the disease is the same. Tissue cells cannot take the glucose that circulates in the blood and it rises above normal values ​​for much of the day.

Statistics indicate that, out of every one hundred women in pregnancy, there are almost seven who suffer from diabetes in pregnancy. This represents a fairly high number and, therefore, the measurement of blood glucose included in the usual monitoring of pregnant women.

The scientific evidence affirms that, if it was pure gestational diabetes, once the pregnancy is over, the sugar values ​​return to normal. This may take about twelve weeks to fully regulate. The woman who suffered from the disorder is much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future.

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Causes of diabetes in pregnancy

The precise cause of the origin of diabetes in pregnancy is not entirely clear. It is known that the result is the deficiency of cells to use blood glucose, but it is difficult to determine why they do not.

In a normal digestive and nutritional process, the glucose that enters the body stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that carries the order to the tissues to absorb circulating sugar and not leave it in the blood. Always, under normal conditions, glucose enters the cells and converted into energy for the functioning of the metabolism.

In diabetes, this mechanism is blocked. In pregnancy, the placenta is a hormone-producing organ. These varied hormones have one characteristic in common: they are inhibitors of the action of insulin. When the expected regulation gets out of control, then diabetes appears in pregnancy.

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Risk factors for gestational diabetes

Not all pregnant women go through the diabetes situation. In addition to the internal mechanisms that unleash it, risk factors have been identified that make women more likely to suffer from it. Among these factors we have:

Diabetic history

Whether the woman has had high blood glucose levels in the past, or if one of her direct relatives is diabetic, the risk will be greater.

Diabetes in a previous pregnancy

if the woman has already had gestational diabetes, then the risk of getting it again is higher.

Large babies

In the same way as the previous one, when a previous pregnancy culminated in a large baby – more than four kilos at birth -, the possibility of diabetes in the current pregnancy is great.

Obesity and overweight

Women who are overweight before becoming pregnant, or who gain excessive weight during pregnancy, usually develop insulin resistance.

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Treatment of diabetes in pregnant women

Diabetes in pregnancy poses a therapeutic challenge for doctors. Many medications commonly used among type 2 diabetics are not suitable for pregnant women. Several of these drugs can alter the development of the fetus.

Therefore, treatment requires strict control that seeks glycemic control with changes inhabits. To do this, it will first be essential to establish a blood sugar measurement routine. Until stabilized, the pregnant woman can be asked to check her blood glucose several times during the day with a device for this purpose.

The diet during pregnancy is strictly enforced. Not only do you have to regulate the weight gain so as not to overdo it, but also develop a dietary plan that does not overload the body with glucose. The challenge lies, for the nutritionist, in proposing foods that do not increase blood sugar too much. While providing the necessary calories for the growth of the fetus.

The other pillar of treatment is physical exercise. Of course, it will be with the limitations of pregnancy. Exercise can stimulate cells to consume the circulating sugar in the blood.

Finally, the attending physician will decide if medication is necessary. We do not recommend oral antidiabetics, instead, you can use injectable insulin. Also, the baby’s health is part of this control. The doctor will indicate a greater amount of ultrasounds and laboratories during the nine months.

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The Bottom Line

Diabetes in pregnancy is a disorder that greatly complicates the pregnancy. However, there are mechanisms to detect the alteration in time and address it correctly. In this way, both the mother and the baby can go through the process with the least possible risk.

Therefore, it is important to comply with pregnancy controls and comply with medical instructions. If you suffer from gestational diabetes, diet and exercise supervised by professionals will be the pillars of treatment. Published By Healthzigzag.com

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