Diabetes in pregnancy

What is Diabetes in pregnancy

Diabetes in pregnancy is on the increase. This can be put down to a variety of reasons, not least being increasing weight - 18% of the Irish population is now obese in comparison with 6% in 1980.

When diabetes is first discovered in a woman during pregnancy, it is known as gestational diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in the final three months of pregnancy, but may occur at any stage.

In some ways this type of diabetes behaves like type 2 diabetes in that the woman's body becomes resistant to insulin. Every cell in the body needs glucose for energy and insulin is needed to allow glucose into the cells. This means that insulin resistance causes glucose to stay in the blood circulation for longer than normal.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes in pregnancy

Pregnant women complain of extreme tiredness - more than could be explained by their stage of pregnancy. While increased thirst and increased urination are symptoms, very few tend to complain of these, as the need to pass urine frequently is common in later pregnancy.

Testing for diabetes in pregnancy differs from hospital to hospital. In general, a screening test will be carried out first. Known as a Glucose Challenge Test (GCT), the woman is given a sweet drink followed by a blood sugar test after one hour.

If the result is normal, no further action is taken. If it is abnormal, a more detailed diagnostic test will be carried out. Called a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), this is done by fasting for 12 hours, having a blood sugar test, a sweet drink and a blood test one hour, two hours and three hours later. An abnormal GTT indicates diabetes.

What are the Causes of Diabetes in pregnancy

With more and more refined foods now available, many people are not eating a healthy, balanced diet. Fibre rich foods are absorbed more slowly and tend not to cause sudden rises in blood glucose levels.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Diabetes in pregnancy

A healthy diet and regular exercise can go a long way to managing your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may recommend a visit to a registered dietitian or diabetes educator to talk about a planning a diet that controls blood sugar and meets the needs of a growing baby. For most women, this means planning small meals and snacks that incorporate whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein.

If you don't exercise already, talk with your health-care provider about how much and what types of activities are right for you.

Your doctor or diabetes educator may suggest you check your blood sugar levels at home with a glucose monitor before eating and two hours afterward.

If dietary changes and exercise aren't enough to keep your glucose levels in check, then you may need insulin. Your doctor will discuss this option with you, if necessary. It’s considered safe to take insulin during pregnancy as long as you carefully monitor your glucose levels for harmful highs and lows.

Although you'll probably need to pay close attention to your health, there's no cause for alarm. In most cases, women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies and go into labor on their own at the right time. However, if you haven't gone into labor at 40 weeks, many doctors will recommend inducing labor.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Diabetes in pregnancy

Speak to a specialist before undertaking any Alternative Treatments.