Gestational Diabetes Treatment in Jaipur, Pregnancy Diabetes Treatment

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a medical condition in which the blood sugar levels (that were previously normal) become high during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes goes away on it’s own after delivery. But it can have serious maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy and it also increases your risk of getting type 2 diabetes later in life.

What are the Symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Women with gestational diabetes are usually asymptomatic and are diagnosed during a routine screening test. You may notice increased thirst, appetite and increased frequency of urination.

What are the Causes of Gestational Diabetes?

During pregnancy, your placenta releases some hormones that cause insulin resistance and if the pancreas cannot make enough insulin then it ultimately results in increased glucose levels in body known as gestational diabetes.

What are the Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes?

There are high chances of acquiring gestational diabetes if:

• Your pre-pregnancy weight was high
• You Are African-American, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American
• There is any family history of diabetes.
• You had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies.
• You have high blood pressure or other medical complications
• You have given birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg
• Age is more than 25

What are the Tests for Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes usually presents in the second trimester and is screened between 24 and 28 weeks or sooner in high-risk mothers.
Screening is done by oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) where a fasting blood sugar sample is taken. You are then asked to drink 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water over 10- 15 minutes. This is then followed by a repeat blood sample after 2 hours of glucose intake. Mothers are then categorized according to their blood sugar levels into normal, overt diabetic and those with glucose intolerance.
High-risk patients can be screened before 24 weeks and a repeat testing is offered in third trimester even if the reports of OGCT are normal.

Treatment and monitoring of Gestational Diabetes?

Once diagnosed, gestational diabetes needs to be treated as soon as possible to keep the mother and baby healthy.

Initially blood sugar levels are tried to control by dietary modifications and exercises. Blood sugar levels are checked on a regular basis along with urine ketones. Insulin is advised if sugar levels are not controlled by diet and exercise.

Diet and Exercise for Gestational Diabetes

Take these simple steps to stay healthy:

• Eat a healthy and low-sugar diet. Frequent but small meals should be planned with the help of a dietician. Diet plan should include 3 major and 3 minor meals. Trade sugary snacks and add more of vegetables and whole grains.
• Exercise during your pregnancy.  Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days a week.

How can you Prevent Gestational Diabetes?

Before getting pregnancy, you can lower your risk for gestational diabetes by:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Staying active
• Losing extra weight