Treat Gestational Diabetes with Diet
October 3, 2009
Sometimes during pregnancy, diabetes might suddenly develop in women with no previous history of diabetes. This type of diabetes is known as gestational diabetes and it is a reversible condition. The symptoms of diabetes subside naturally soon after delivery.
Gestational diabetes causes
The exact causes of gestational diabetes are not yet known. Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, lack of insulin is not responsible for gestation diabetes. Diabetes during pregnancy occurs when the hormones secreted by the placenta blocks insulin absorption in the mother’s body. This creates insulin resistance in the mother’s body. If the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin capable of overcoming the insulin resistance in the body, gestational diabetes develops. Symptoms of gestational diabetes usually become visible 20 to 24 weeks after pregnancy. By this time, the estrogen, cortisol and the human placental lactogen hormones become active enough to inhibit absorption of insulin in the mother’s body. As the placenta grows in size, secretion of these hormones increase, further aggravating the symptoms of gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes risk factors
Obesity, family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes during previous pregnancy increase the risk of diabetes during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes and baby’s health
Gestational diabetes is usually not responsible for birth defects. Birth defects generally occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes hardly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes have normal blood glucose level during the early stage of pregnancy. Sometimes infants of mothers with gestational diabetes have low magnesium and calcium serum levels. Women with gestational diabetes tend to give birth to large sized babies. The large size of the baby can cause birth injury. Immediately after delivery, the infant might experience hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level. The infant might develop breathing difficulties.
Gestational diabetes remedy
A proper diet plan could help to reduce the symptoms of gestational diabetes. To eliminate the excess sugar from the body you should increase consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fibers. Carbohydrates and sugary foods tend to increase the blood sugar level, but you cannot significantly limit the intake of these foods. Instead of consuming refined carbohydrates, you should have whole grain products. Avoid having large carbohydrate based meals. Take several small meals throughout the day, which will help to spread your carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day.
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