Gestational diabetes also known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is when a woman without diabetes, develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes generally results in few symptoms. Rarely, an increased thirst or increased urinary frequency may be noticed. Condition is diagnosed via screening tests. But it increases risk of other condition in pregnancy like risk of pre-eclampsia, depression, and requiring a Caesarean section. GDM is a problem that affects a significant number of women during pregnancy.
Risk factors include being overweight, previously having gestational diabetes, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and having polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Pregnancy confers a state of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia that may predispose some women to develop diabetes. Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). It is especially common during the last third of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS TO THE MOTHER:
The foetus may get excess weight than normal and finds it difficult to pass through the mother’s pelvis. Hence may require a Caesarean delivery.
In gestational diabetes, blood sugar usually returns to normal soon after delivery. But if you’ve had gestational diabetes, you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS TO THE NEWBORN:
Babies born to mothers with poorly treated gestational diabetes are at increased risk of being too large, having low blood sugar after birth, and jaundice. If untreated, it can also result in a stillbirth. Long term, children are at higher risk of being overweight and developing type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the offspring of women with GDM are at a higher risk for congenital malformations. A large case-control study found that gestational diabetes was linked with a limited group of birth defects. Breastfeeding is recommended as soon as possible after birth.
For those at normal risk screening is recommended between 24 and 28 weeks gestation. For those at high risk testing may occur at the first prenatal visit
Glucose tolerance test is needed to confirm the diabetes. Seeing FBS, PPBS and HbA1c are useful in the diagnosis and as well as assessing the efficacy of treatment strategies.
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
The important aspect of management of Gestational Diabetes is glycemic control that is brought via employment of the medicine similar to the constitutional peculiarities of the pregnant lady. Homoeopathic constitutional treatment is even advantageous to the baby that it is born more healthier than other children. Quality nutritional intake is essential. Prevention is by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising before pregnancy.