Diabetes and Pregnancy

Posted by Ann Brown | January 16th, 2010 in Gestational Diabetes | No Comments »

diabetes and pregnancyDiabetes is a disease that is characterized by concentrations of sugar (glucose) in the blood very high. It occurs when our body does not produce enough insulin or when you can not use it properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which enables the body to convert blood sugar into energy or stored as fat. If not dealt with properly, can be damaged: the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, among other organs.

Gestational diabetes is one that affects pregnant women who have never had diabetes but who have high glucose levels during pregnancy. Of 100 women, five are at risk of developing such disease. Usually detected between weeks 24 to 28 of pregnancy and the absolute majority of cases, disappears as soon as delivery occurs. However, it is recommended to continue with regular checkups, because that has been seen has a greater presence of type 2 diabetes over time in these women.

It is unclear why there was to be the presence of diabetes in these women. It is thought that increased production of hormones from the placenta during fetal development could generate the problem. These hormones will probably block the production of insulin in the mother’s body, producing a resistance to it, making it difficult for the mother’s body use insulin to process glucose necessary. This causes an increase in levels of blood sugar.

That women should take special care:
* Pregnant women over 30 years or under this age with obesity (weighing more than 120% of recommended weight)
* Family member in the first degree of consanguinity (father, mother, siblings) with diabetes mellitus
* Personal history of intolerance to carbohydrates (flour, sugar, fruit juice, etc.)
* Excessive weight of the mother at birth
* Hypertension (high blood pressure) associated with pregnancy

Symptoms to suspect the disease:
It usually causes no symptoms or discomfort, but some warning signs, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite increased appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision.
diabetes and pregnancy
How can prevent it:
If you experience some of the records indicated or suspect you may develop the disease, see your doctor and have your proof of blood sugar, and if necessary, tells a diet and exercise routines.

Complications:
If not properly treated is likely to occur abortion or premature labor, or the baby may be born with their blood sugar levels low. It is also possible that the newborn this hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), polycythemia (increased red blood cells), or respiratory failure that can lead to death.

Treatment:
The doctor must determine its
* This is by low-carb diet
* Exercise regularly: at least walk for 30 minutes a day
* Monitoring of blood glucose
* In some cases, administer insulin if needed


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