Expectant mothers are careful to take any and all precautions to ensure optimum health for themselves, and their babies. Some medical conditions, including diabetes, can pose particular concern for both mother and child. It can, however, be successfully moderated and treated. The American Association of Diabetes indicates that there are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II.
Children and adolescents are most commonly afflicted with Type I diabetes, while Type II is often indicated in overweight adults. Some types of diabetes are directly related to certain genetic problems. There is another type of diabetes that is of particular importance to pregnant women. Is it possible for a woman to develop diabetes during pregnancy? Should a woman with diabetes be concerned about her pregnancy? Can there be a relation between diabetes and pregnancy? These are all important questions to ask a healthcare practitioner. A woman who suffers with diabetes does have particular considerations to take into account before becoming pregnant.
A diabetic mother who is carrying a child must appreciate the risks associated with having the disease; she needs to treat her pregnancy with a great deal of discipline. Third Type of Diabetes Even a woman who has never had diabetes is prone to developing the disease during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is considered by some to be the "third type of diabetes", developed during the late stages of pregnancy. This form of diabetes will disappear after the baby is born, but mother will face a higher probability of acquiring Type II diabetes later in life.
Indeed, there is a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy, and expectant mothers must be very careful about this condition. Gestational diabetes causes the body to resist the assimilation of insulation, making this condition similar to Type II diabetes. Symptoms, however, are a bit different than those presented by typical Type II diabetics. Women who develop gestational diabetes may notice unusually high weight gain. This excess weight is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood and, as a result, an increase in fetal urination.
It's important for expectant mothers to be tested during the 24th to 28th weeks of gestation to ensure that they have not acquired gestational diabetes. 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 (older women are at greater risk) * Being overweight * Family history of Type II diabetes * Ethnicity * Earlier pregnancy with gestational diabetes * Previous children born 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. Research has suggested that up to 40 percent of women with gestational diabetes went on to develop Type II diabetes during the 5 to 10 years following pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, speak with your doctor and follow his or her instructions.
Even though many Type II diabetics lead perfectly normal lives, it's best to avoid it. Gestational diabetes 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.
It's the best way to ensure your own wellness, and the health of your baby.
Writer Keefe Figgatt is a freelancer for numerous web magazines, on healthy living and healthy habit subjects.
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