Diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels are too high. This can cause health problems for anyone with the condition and can first occur when you are pregnant. MedlinePlus says gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that is diagnosed for the first time when a woman is pregnant. It is important to understand the condition because it can increase the mother's risk for developing type 2 diabetes after the woman is no longer pregnant.
Diabetes
Diabetes is diagnosed when you have abnormally high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is regulated by the hormone insulin and in cases of diabetes, you either don't make insulin or your body does not respond to the insulin that you do make. According to MedlinePlus, high blood glucose can cause serious problems that can lead to damage to your eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Significance
Gestational diabetes can affect the baby, as well as the mother. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, gestational diabetes can cause your baby to be born larger than normal, which can make delivery difficult and more dangerous for your baby. It also says the condition can cause your baby to have low blood glucose right after birth as well as breathing problems. Gestational diabetes increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes for the rest of your life and your baby's life.
Considerations
Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy. This affects how your body uses insulin, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Your doctor will discuss with you the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes, which include a family history of diabetes, ethnicity, age, being overweight, having had gestational diabetes in the past, or having a pre-diabetes condition, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Treatment
Gestational diabetes is treated by lifestyle changes and the use of insulin medication. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, treatment includes a meal plan, an increase in physical activity and insulin if needed.
Recommendations
A diet plan for gestational diabetes is designed to keep your blood sugar levels from becoming too high or too low, according to MedlinePlus. It also says each pregnancy is different and that your doctor or dietitian will create a diet based on the type of calories you need, your body weight, stage of pregnancy, size of your baby and your level of activity. A recommended diet includes eating a variety of healthy foods. The diet is moderate in fat and protein and provides controlled levels of carbohydrates, according to MedlinePlus. It also says the diet consists of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates such as bread, cereal, pasta and rice. The diet plan will also avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar, such as soft drinks, fruit juices and pastries. The meal plan will also include smaller meals up to three times per day.
