Information on Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a health condition occurring during pregnancy, caused due to alleviated blood glucose levels. The condition is identified during pregnancy term as blood level crosses the normal level.Glucose, simple sugar formed by digestion and metabolism of the food, increases significantly within the body. Owing to increase in glucose levels, source of energy gets disrupted and body cells need more insulin for proper utilization of glucose. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, should be readily available for streamlined metabolic functions.In gestational diabetes, the pancreas secrete less than required insulin, which affects utilization of blood glucose. This increases blood glucose levels to cause gestational diabetes. In case blood glucose level gets too high, glucose is excreted in urine. As glucose is not utilized well by the cells of the body in a correct manner, it gives rise to different health conditions and maladies.Signs and Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

• Losing consciousness or feeling drowsy throughout the day.
• Feeling thirsty and weakness.
• Experiencing decrease in foetal movements.
• Blurred vision.
• Fluctuation of blood sugar level on the dosage of insulin.
• Prolonged mild illness is another indicator.

Triggers of Gestational Diabetes:

• Consumption of bananas, dried fruits such as raisins, and grapes can cause gestational diabetes during pregnancy term.
• Brown rice, pasta, potatoes, instant noodle soups are also the trigger foods for causing gestational diabetes.

Health Complications due to Gestational Diabetes

• The risk of having a large baby, known as macrosomia, increases many-folds due to gestational diabetes.
• Increases the risk of obstructed labour.
• Increases the risk of birth canal injuries to the mother.
• Chance of caesarean section besides anesthetic and surgical risks.
• Gestational diabetes can swell several body parts and might cause kidney damage.
• Gestational diabetes also puts newborn baby at health risks.

When to Seek Medical Help for Gestational Diabetes

• Low blood sugar level does not climb up to normalise after being provided with sufficient sugar sources.
• Blood sugar level dips below 50 mg/dl.
• On repeated vomiting.
• Diarrhoea for over 6 hours.

Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

• Gestational diabetes is managed with diet for most of the pregnant women.
• If blood sugar is too high, drug treatment (insulin dosage) is followed.