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Beat Gestational Diabetes: Prevention Strategies for Expectant Mothers
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy (gestation) in women who previously did not have diabetes. It occurs when your body cannot produce enough insulin to handle the effects of a growing baby and changing hormone levels. Insulin is a hormone that allows your body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use. Gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar, leading to high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. The exact cause of gestational diabetes is unknown, but it's believed that the hormones produced during pregnancy can block the action of insulin, leading to insulin resistance. As the placenta grows, it produces more hormones, increasing this resistance and making it harder for the mother's body to use insulin effectively.
There are three classifications available in Diabetes:
Type 1 - Insulin Dependent Type 2 - Non Insulin Dependent Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a form of Type 2 Diabetes which involves an increased risk of complications like preeclampsia, hydramnios, preterm and still born but do not have increased risk of congenital malformations, nephropathy and retinopathy as in pre-existing diabetes.
How does Gestational Diabetes affect fetal and neonatal?
In early weeks of pregnancy, there is a risk of spontaneous abortion. However, in later weeks, it carries a risk of Macrosomie, birth injuries and Neonatal hypoglycemia,polycythemia and RDS.
Prevention of gestational diabetes focuses on adopting a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. Here are some tips that may help reduce the risk:
Maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of gestational diabetes. If you're planning to become pregnant, losing excess weight beforehand may help you have a healthier pregnancy.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on foods that are high in fiber and low in fat and calories. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help you maintain your blood sugar levels within a normal range.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity before and during pregnancy can help prevent gestational diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing your sensitivity to insulin. Monitor your weight gain during pregnancy: While it's normal to gain weight during pregnancy, gaining too much can increase your risk of gestational diabetes. Your doctor can help you set weight gain goals based on your weight before pregnancy.
Get regular check-ups: Prenatal care is essential. Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help monitor your blood sugar levels and ensure both you and your baby are healthy. If you're at higher risk, your doctor may recommend early screening for gestational diabetes.
Limit sweets and sugary beverages: Reducing the intake of foods and drinks that are high in added sugars can help control your blood sugar levels.
It's important to note that not all cases of gestational diabetes can be prevented. Some women will develop gestational diabetes despite following all preventive measures. However, taking these steps can help minimize your risk and contribute to a healthier pregnancy and baby. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor will guide you on managing your blood sugar levels to keep you and your baby healthy.