Gestational diabetes is on the rise
My first diabetes diagnosis was 22 years ago. I was pregnant, uncomfortable, hot and sweaty and constantly exhausted. It seemed as though I couldn't quench my thirst, but I was swollen and miserable, no matter how much water I drank. With a family history of diabetes I was at a higher risk of developing diabetes, but I had no idea. I reported these symptoms to my doctor and was brushed off a couple of times. The assumption was that I was just a grumpy pregnant woman. In reality, I was dealing with undiagnosed gestational diabetes. It wasn't until my blood pressure skyrocketed and preeclampsia set in that the doctor took my symptoms seriously.
Fortunately these days screening for gestational diabetes is a routine part of every healthy pregnancy care plan. At around week 24 of pregnancy most women do a one-hour glucose tolerance test. If the results of that test are unsatisfactory, a lengthier three-hour glucose tolerance test is done. Most women have no problems passing the first test and many who need to do the three-hour test pass with flying colors.
But for those who end up with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, most can control the condition by following a careful diet and exercise plan. A small number of women need to turn to injectable insulin to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
Some pregnant women may be dealing with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. It is important that every woman head into pregnancy armed with as much health information as possible, so diabetes screening should be part of every woman's pre-pregnancy checkup.
"A baby's organs form during the first five to eight weeks of pregnancy," says Steven Gabbe, dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and an obstetrician who specializes in diabetes and pregnancy. "If a mother's diabetes is poorly controlled, she can have up to a 25 percent risk of delivering a baby with a major malformation of the heart, brain, or skeleton."
My firstborn came six weeks early. She had serious breathing difficulties and spent the first few weeks of her life in the NICU. Undiagnosed gestational diabetes can result in prematurity and other health issues for baby as well as potential problems for the new mother. It is essential that symptoms not be ignored or brushed aside and that appropriate testing/screening take place. I hope that by sharing my story, other women can learn what to look for in order to prevent going through an experience like my own.
Fortunately these days screening for gestational diabetes is a routine part of every healthy pregnancy care plan. At around week 24 of pregnancy most women do a one-hour glucose tolerance test. If the results of that test are unsatisfactory, a lengthier three-hour glucose tolerance test is done. Most women have no problems passing the first test and many who need to do the three-hour test pass with flying colors.
But for those who end up with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, most can control the condition by following a careful diet and exercise plan. A small number of women need to turn to injectable insulin to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
Some pregnant women may be dealing with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. It is important that every woman head into pregnancy armed with as much health information as possible, so diabetes screening should be part of every woman's pre-pregnancy checkup.
"A baby's organs form during the first five to eight weeks of pregnancy," says Steven Gabbe, dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and an obstetrician who specializes in diabetes and pregnancy. "If a mother's diabetes is poorly controlled, she can have up to a 25 percent risk of delivering a baby with a major malformation of the heart, brain, or skeleton."
My firstborn came six weeks early. She had serious breathing difficulties and spent the first few weeks of her life in the NICU. Undiagnosed gestational diabetes can result in prematurity and other health issues for baby as well as potential problems for the new mother. It is essential that symptoms not be ignored or brushed aside and that appropriate testing/screening take place. I hope that by sharing my story, other women can learn what to look for in order to prevent going through an experience like my own.
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