There is a serious metabolic disease that is tormenting our society. This disease is called diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a serious and even deadly condition. Diabetes in female patients can be even more dangerous, especially when the female is pregnant. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus, and a sub category called gestational diabetes.
When the body is unable to produce or utilize the insulin hormone properly a metabolic condition is born. This condition is called diabetes mellitus. The insulin hormone is used by the body to absorb and metabolize blood glucose. Without the insulin hormone, blood glucose levels increase and the body has to work extremely hard to rid the body of this extra sugar. While the body is fighting against the excess sugar, it is also being “starved” of nutrients because sugar is not being absorbed for energy.
The two primary types of diabetes mellitus are referred to as type I and type II. Type I diabetes mellitus is also known as juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes. Type I is caused by the pancreas’ inability to make the insulin hormone. Type II diabetes mellitus is also known as adult onset or insulin resistant diabetes. Type II is caused when the cells become resistant to the insulin hormone, thus unable to absorb and utilize it.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes mellitus that occurs in pregnancy. Women who get gestational diabetes do not have diabetes prior to pregnancy. This condition is typically screened for at around 24 week’s gestation. Diabetes in female patients often occurs in the form of gestational diabetes.
Diabetes in Female Patients: Gestational Diabetes Facts
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), gestational diabetes occurs in approximately 18% of pregnancies. Women who get gestational diabetes do not usually have diabetes prior to pregnancy, and giving birth usually resolves the condition. However, women with gestational diabetes are more likely to suffer from the condition again in subsequent pregnancies. Women who suffered from gestational diabetes during pregnancy are also at higher risk of developing type II diabetes later in life.
Gestational diabetes symptoms often times mask the normal changes that occur in the female body during pregnancy. This is why it is so important to get screened for gestational diabetes at around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor will order this screening for you. The test involves going into the laboratory and drinking a soda-like beverage that is high in glucose. Your blood sugar levels will then be tested at specific time intervals after drinking the beverage. This helps your doctor determine how your body is utilizing consumed glucose.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is important for you to follow your treatment plan. Effective treatment is necessary for the health of both mother and child. Untreated gestational diabetes often times leads to heavy new born babies with large birth weights. This is unhealthy for the baby and makes birth extremely difficult. There are several treatment options that your physician might recommend.
Diabetes in Female Patients: Treatments and Cure
Keep in mind that women diagnosed with gestational diabetes will be considered high risk during pregnancy. This will likely result in more frequent visits to your physician’s office for monitoring and testing.
Treatment for gestational diabetes will include frequent blood glucose monitoring and logging. You will also need to follow a low sugar diet and journal all food and beverages consumed. Your physician may recommend an exercise or activity program. You may also be put on modified bed rest. Consult with your physician regarding activity during pregnancy.
Many women with gestational diabetes may also need oral medications to help the cells in the body absorb blood glucose. Some women may also need insulin injections until birth if the pancreas is not producing enough insulin to support the mother during pregnancy.
It is important to maintain good control of blood sugar levels during pregnancy to ensure the health of both mother and baby. If you have gestational diabetes and are having a hard time controlling it, contact your physician to discuss treatment alternatives. Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy, and a beautiful new little bundle of joy!
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