Pregnancy with Diabetes can be problematic for the mother and for her unborn baby. Gestational Diabetes is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that is developed around twenty-four weeks of pregnancy, with no prior history of the disease. This type of insulin resistance affects approximately 3-8% of all pregnant women in the United States. Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the pancreas cannot produce an adequate amount of insulin or the body cannot absorb it.
During pregnancy, the placenta produces additional hormones that can interfere with the function of insulin. Insulin is responsible for removing glucose or sugar from the bloodstream and transferring it into the muscles, fat, and tissue for use as fuel. When insulin cannot perform, there is no conversion of energy, which results in elevated blood sugar. When a woman is pregnant,her body reacts differently to the extra hormones in her body. Her placenta holds the growing baby this organ supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The placental hormones trigger the impairment in the absorption of insulin, leading to Diabetes with pregnancy.
Pregnancy with Diabetes – Complications
Diabetes with pregnancy causes Hypoglycemia in which the fetus’ blood sugar level becomes very low due to the mother’s high levels of blood sugar. After delivery, the fetus will require intravenous glucose to stabilize his blood sugar levels. in addition, the extra sugar will be stored, as fat and the baby will most likely weigh over nine pounds at birth. His size could produce a difficult labor and delivery or an unplanned Caesarean Section, which is major surgery. The mother could enter pre-term labor, resulting in a fetus with underdeveloped lungs necessitating a respirator to breathe for him.The baby could have other birth defects, be stillborn, and both are susceptible to getting Type 2 Diabetes.
Diabetes with Pregnancy – Risks, Prevention & Treatment
To prevent pregnancy with Diabetes, women need to stabilize their blood glucose levels and weight before and during pregnancy. Women who have increased blood pressure, high cholesterol, and inactive lifestyles are prone to Diabetes with pregnancy.Several other factors add to their risk such as a family history of diabetes, being pre-Diabetic, overweight women, and older than twenty-five when they become pregnant.
Additionally, Asians, Hispanics, American-Indians,and African-Americans develop this condition more frequently than Caucasians do.Having had Gestational Diabetes in prior pregnancies,bearinglarge or stillborn babies can markedly increase a women’s risk. Treatment includes a diet that is high in fiber, and low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Women, especially those that are pregnant should never drink or smoke as it can lead to Diabetes as well as numerous birth defects. Women shouldset a goal of some type of low-impact aerobic activity like walking or swimming each day.The Diabetes will resolve after labor and delivery, but these practices should be upheld to prevent further issues.
