Diabetes is a major concern nowadays, especially since if left untreated, it can cause massive complications to a person's health. For example, pregnant women who have been previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes run the risk of having type 2 diabetes, which may also affect the child they are carrying.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition wherein pregnant women have a hard time producing and using insulin. If untreated, this could result in the child being exposed to too much glucose, leading to an overly large baby upon delivery. The size of the child is also a cause for complications in gestation. Later on, the mother as well as the child may develop type 2 diabetes.
Treatment for gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is often tracked during the 6th month or 24th week of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes may be subdivided into two types, type A1 and type A2. Type A1 is muchlike type 2 diabetes, which can be controlled through various lifestlye changes. However, type A2 requires additional insulin treatment. Those who suffer from the condition are expected to adhere to a strict meal plan, preferably prepared by a dietitian. Regular physical activity is also prescribred, although it may be moderated to short walks.
Routine check-ups for blood pressure and blood sugar are also prescribed. Bear in mind that gestational diabetes can affect your health long after birth, even though the condition dissapears after delivery. This is why expectant mothers should be very careful with their health to ensure that of the child they are carrying.
