Diabetes During Pregnancy

Article Written By: KeefeFiggatt

Expectant mothers take every precaution to ensure the very best health for their babies, and themselves. They must be aware of particular medical conditions, like gestational diabetes, that can affect the health of both mother and child. Fortunately, diabetes during pregnancy can be successfully moderated and treated.

The American Association of Diabetes has indicated that there are two types of diabetes: Type II and I. Type I diabetes affects mostly children and adolescents, while Type II is often indicated in overweight adults. In some cases, diabetes is directly related to certain genetic problems.

There is one more type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. Is it possible for an otherwise healthy woman to develop diabetes during pregnancy? Are women with diabetes required to take extra care during pregnancy? Where is the direct link between diabetes and pregnancy?

Your healthcare provider can answer all of these important questions. There are particular considerations for a woman with diabetes to take into account before becoming pregnant. When a diabetic woman carries a child, she needs to appreciate the risks associated with having the disease. The pregnancy must be treated with a great deal of discipline.

Third Type of Diabetes

In addition to Type I and Type II diabetes, women who wish to become pregnant should be aware of another potential cause of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition developed during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes disappears following birth, the mother faces a higher probability of acquiring Type II diabetes later in life.

There is a direct link between pregnancy and diabetes, so expectant mothers must be very careful about this condition. When gestational diabetes occurs, the body resists the assimilation of insulation. This condition is similar to Type II diabetes, although the symptoms are a bit different.

A mother with gestational diabetes may notice an unusually high increase in weight. This happens because the high levels of glucose in the blood will result in an increase in fetal urination. Pregnant women should be tested during the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy to ensure that they are not affected.

Gestational diabetes is quite rare, affecting only 2% to 3% of the total population of pregnant women, and there are some factors that can increase the risk of acquiring the condition:

* Age (risk increases in older women)

* Being overweight

* Family history of Type II diabetes

* Ethnic background

* Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

* Prior birth of a child weighing nine pounds or more

If you show one or more of these potential risks, speak with your doctor about the possibility of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Studies suggest that as many as 40 percent of women suffering gestational diabetes went on to develop Type II diabetes 5 to 10 years after pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid contracting Type II diabetes later in life. While many Type II diabetics lead normal lives, it's best to avoid it.

Gestational diabetes is a condition that poses certain risks to expectant mothers, but it can be controlled. Speak with your obstetrician or healthcare provider to learn more about the causes, preventions and treatments to ensure the best health for you, and your baby.

About the Author

Writer Keefe Figgatt is a contributor to several popular web sites, on healthy living and health discovery issues. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

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