1. A Whole Lot of Changes Going On
During pregnancy, your body undergoes a number of changes as it prepares to bring your new baby to term. During the second trimester, or about week 20 of a woman's pregnancy, about 5% of women contract gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs when the placenta produces hormones that interfere with insulin production, resulting in high glucose levels in the mother's blood. Left untreated, babies grow at accelerated rates, often requiring delivery by C-section. There is also a risk that the excess glucose in your blood can pass through the placenta to your baby. If gestational diabetes is left untreated, a small percentage of new mothers may experience hypoglycemia and type II diabetes after childbirth.
2. Gestational Diabetes Differs from Other Types of Diabetes
If you've been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it doesn't necessarily mean that you'll struggle with the disease for the rest of your life. For reasons that are not completely understood, the placenta produces hormones that interfere with insulin--the hormone necessary to metabolize blood glucose. As the placenta continues to grow during the pregnancy, more insulin is produced but cannot process glucose. For the majority of new mothers, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. For others however, it places them at risk in the future, whether or not they become pregnant again.
3. Your Baby May Be Affected
Contracting gestational diabetes puts both you and your baby at risk for future complications that include excess growth, low blood sugar, respiratory distress syndrome and type II diabetes. Excess glucose circulating in your bloodstream can cross the placenta, causing your baby's pancreas to produce more insulin. This causes your baby to grow, with a higher concentration of fat. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes often experience low blood sugar levels after birth. This is usually corrected with adequate feedings. If your baby is delivered early, his lungs may not have developed fully and will require assistance with ventilation machines until they have fully matured. In a small percentage of cases, mothers with gestational diabetes may develop a higher risk for contracting type II diabetes in later life.
4. Managing Gestational Diabetes
Managing gestational diabetes is similar to managing other types of diabetes, through constant blood glucose monitoring, proper diet, exercise and medications if needed. Blood glucose is monitored several times a day using the "finger prick" method and a glucose monitor. If your doctor thinks you're at risk for diabetes, he'll recommend that you work with a registered dietitian to design a dietary plan that incorporates fruits, vegetables and whole grain products low in fat and calories. You'll also learn the importance of regular aerobic exercise. Physical activity increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, processes blood glucose, manages body weight and reduces stress. If these approaches fail to completely manage your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication for you such as insulin injections or oral medications like glyburide.
5. Preventing Gestational Diabetes
Preventing gestational diabetes is approached in the same way as other types of diabetes--through proper nutrition, regular exercise and shedding excess weight. A diet composed of fruits, vegetables and fiber that is low in fat and excess calories should become a regular part of your health plan. By exercising a minimum of 20 minutes a day, you'll boost your metabolism, manage your weight and reduce your insensitivity to insulin.
