best reviews -
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes is a form of diabetes that some women get in the course of their pregnancy. Being diagnosed is rare; it only occurs in less than ten percent of expecting mothers. It’s cause for concern and needs to be controlled through nutrition and sometimes medication.
Although there are many different layers you can peel back to explain diabetes, overall it means your blood sugar is too high!
After every meal you eat, your digestive system works on breaking down the majority of your food down to glucose. Your pancreas is also busy producing a very important hormone called insulin. Then glucose and insulin combine their powers to give the cells in your body energy. When your body has difficulties reacting right to the insulin or glucose then it can be release into your blood stream, leaving you with low energy and high blood sugar.
Pregnancy
I am sure by now you are well aware that your hormones are quickly on the rise. Your surging hormones can do a lot more than just make you moody or sleepy. Changes within your hormones can cause the cells in your body to be less responsive to insulin, which may result in gestational diabetes.
Not to worry, usually after your precious little baby is born, your gestational diabetes will go away and your pancreas and insulin will return to normal. Make sure to stay consistent with a healthy diet and exercise. Even though your diabetes may go away post pregnancy, you will still be at high risk through out your next pregnancy and at risk for developing diabetes later in life!
Glucose Test
By this point in your pregnancy I am sure you have heard from someone about the dreaded glucose test. Although this test can be nerve wracking and tedious, it is important to have it completed. For most pregnant women this screening takes place around 24-28 weeks. If you started off being pregnant overweight or your doctor has reason for concern, then you may need glucose testing sooner.
The testing process consists of drinking a concoction that is similar to flat soda-not the tastiest drink! You will have a set time to drink this and then you will wait one hour. After the hour has passed you will get your blood drawn. If you test high, you will be asked to return for a longer follow up test to determine if you have gestational diabetes.
The second test will consist of a repeat of the first test, except you will continue having your blood drawn for the next three to four hours. If after this final test your numbers come back positive then your physician will determine a plan of treatment to keep you and your baby healthy.
Prevention
Now that you know the basics about gestational diabetes throughout being pregnant, you can do your best to prevent it. Make sure you are being conscientious about what you are eating. Read labels. Some yogurts have more sugar than some gourmet ice cream! Ask for a nutritional consultation and keep a food diary. There are plenty of APPS that can help you monitor your pregnancy nutrition easily (Live Strong, My Fitness Pal, Calorie King to name a few). If you start to notice any changes in your health or have concerns or questions, make sure you speak to a physician. Take time for exercise and last but not least listen carefully to your body. Your body has innate wisdom. The challenges lie in listening to the messages.
Gestational Diabetes: What Now?
No comments:
Post a Comment