Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy. Characterized by a high glucose, or sugar, level in the blood, gestational diabetes affects three to eight pregnant women out of 100. Glucose is required for cellular function, but too much glucose in the blood is harmful to the mother and baby, according to the National Diabetes International Clearinghouse.
Cause
During pregnancy, it is normal to experience weight gain and hormonal changes. For some women, the body is unable to keep up with the demand for more insulin, a hormone used to allow glucose into the cells. Therefore, the body is deprived of needed glucose for healthy cellular function and energy production, according to the National Diabetes International Clearinghouse.
Risk Factors
The incidence of gestational diabetes increases in women over the age of 25, those with a genetic predisposition, the obese, women of African or Hispanic descents, and those who battle chronic infections. Gestation diabetes also increases the likelihood of giving birth to an infant over 9 pounds, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Signs and Symptoms
Typically, gestational diabetic symptoms are mild and include fatigue, increased thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, chronic bladder, vagina and skin infections; increased urination, nausea and vomiting. Gestational diabetes disappears following birth; therefore, signs and symptoms only persist throughout the pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Testing for gestational diabetes begins with a one-hour, glucose tolerance screening test that requires you to ingest a high sugar content beverage; an hour later a blood sample is taken to assess the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. If blood glucose is higher than normal after one hour, a diagnostic three-hour glucose tolerance test is administered, in addition to monitoring glucose levels throughout the day and after meals using a glucose monitor, according to the Langone Medical Center.
Treatment
To bring glucose levels down to normal, a woman with gestational diabetes must follow a diet and exercise regimen. She will also need to monitor glucose levels, and potentially inject insulin. Meals should be eaten frequently, taking care to avoid excessive fat intake. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber, eat a snack before bedtime and avoid excessive weight gain. Throughout the day monitor glucose levels and if glucose remains elevated, inject insulin as prescribed by a physician, according to Langone Medical Center.
Prognosis
Glucose levels typically return to normal after the woman gives birth. A glucose tolerance test is usually administered six to eight weeks following birth to confirm the cessation of diabetes, notes the Langone Medical Center.
