We know that diabetes is a metabolic disorder that can affect various organs in the body. But, did you know that you could develop diabetes while you are pregnant? It is called gestational diabetes and can cause problems for the baby if not treated.
Diabetes
The body turns our food into sugar. These sugars circulate throughout the bloodstream. In response to the amount of glucose (sugars) in the blood, the pancreas produces insulin. This hormone helps transport glucose through the bloodstream and into organs where it is used as fuel, or is moved to fat stores where it stays until needed.
When diabetes is present, the body has a problem regulating insulin. Either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin in response to the amount of blood glucose or the body builds up a resistance and stops recognizing the insulin and using it. Either way, there is more sugar in the blood than is needed. These dangerous levels can damage organs including the kidneys and the liver.
Changes during pregnancy
The body produces a host of hormones during pregnancy. They provide for the housing of a baby for nine months. It is not uncommon for the mother’s blood sugar to rise since digestion slows down at this time. The body may not make enough insulin to move the sugar out of the blood.
Even if a woman has never been diagnosed with diabetes, she may develop was is known as gestational diabetes. She may not even know that she has gestational diabetes until symptoms become obvious. If you are making your regular prenatal visits, your doctor will routinely test for diabetes between the second and third trimester.
The usual signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination. These signs may not be noticed in a pregnant woman. After all, with a baby growing and pressing down on your bladder, you are likely to urinate frequently anyway. Another sign is blurred vision. This is definitely a signal to see your doctor.
What to do
Gestational diabetes can be controlled through diet and exercise. It is okay to exercise during pregnancy as long as you don’t overdo it and protect your abdomen. Eating simple carbohydrates that extend your energy evenly and keep your blood sugar steady are recommended. Drink lots of water and avoid drinks with caffeine.
After you give birth, gestational diabetes usually disappears. In some cases women do develop type 2 diabetes after birth. It could be caused by the gestational diabetes or the mother was borderline diabetic before pregnancy. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood sugar to be sure it returns to normal.
Pic by The 5th Ape.
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