By Dr. S.K.Tandon , General Physician
Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs at the time of pregnancy. It is possible to have a normal delivery even if you suffer from the disorder with the help of appropriate consultation with your doctor and the regulation of the blood sugar level. It is more likely that once the baby is born, this condition will subside.
Causes-
When you’re pregnant, the placenta secretes hormones that lead to an increased blood sugar level. If your pancreas cannot secrete sufficient amount of insulin (a pancreatic hormone responsible for turning the sugar from the consumed food into energy) to regulate the situation, you will suffer from an elevated blood sugar level throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
Diagnosis-
The diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes takes place generally in the early stages of pregnancy to steer clear of future complications. In order to diagnose Gestational Diabetes, your doctor will administer a sugary drink which will significantly elevate your blood sugar level. If in the follow-up blood test, your blood sugar level is found to be more or around 140 mg / Dl, the doctor will recommend another fasting blood test. Another round of check -up will be scheduled in the latter stages of the pregnancy.
Treatment-
The treatment for gestational diabetes is done in the following processes:
- A healthy diet and an appropriate exercise regime will be recommended to control your blood sugar level.
- You have to undergo urine tests to check for ketone content, the presence of which will indicate a significant elevation of the blood sugar levels.
- A prescribed dosage of insulin is also prescribed to keep diabetes in check.
Prevention-
In order to prevent Gestational diabetes, make sure that you maintain a healthy body weight level prior to and after pregnancy as well. If you had suffered from the same condition during your previous pregnancy as well, you should avoid medications that resist insulin formation such as glucocorticoid to prevent the same. Keep a check on your blood sugar levels so that you can be well aware of any spurt that occurs suddenly.