- Health
Is gestational diabetes a concern when pregnant?
1. When do pregnant women develop gestational diabetes?
2. Why do pregnant women develop gestational diabetes?
3. What can you do if you develop gestational diabetes?
1. WHEN DO WOMEN DEVELOP GESTATIONAL DIABETES?
Did you know up to 10 percent of all pregnant women annually develop gestational diabetes? It is one of the most common health problems during pregnancy, happening around the 24th week. This is a temporary condition during pregnancy, but could put you more at risk for diabetes after delivery.
Diabetes is when you have abnormally high levels of sugar, also known as glucose, in your blood. When you eat, your body breaks down most of your food into glucose before it enters your bloodstream. With the help of a hormone known as insulin, your cells use the glucose to fuel your body.
2. WHY DO PREGNANT WOMEN DEVELOP GESTATIONAL DIABETES?
During pregnancy, your body produces high levels of other hormones that cause the insulin to not work as well. That raises your blood sugar, and high blood sugar levels can affect your baby’s development.
Most women will not experience symptoms of gestational diabetes. Testing for it should be part of your regular prenatal checkups.
3.WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU'RE DIAGNOSED WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES?
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations for monitoring your sugar levels.
• Focus on eating a healthy diet that consists of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You need foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and not in bad fats and calories. Reduce eating sweets.
• Be active. Regular physical activity and safe exercising naturally lower your blood sugar.
• Continue with regular checkups. Your doctor could recommend insulin injections to control your blood sugar or an oral blood sugar medication.
If you have any more questions about gestational diabetes, ask your medical professional. If you don't have a doctor, you can reach out to: Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Palm Beach County at 561-623-2800.
SOURCES:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Diabetes Association
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