A lot of people know about the two types of diabetes that commonly occur, type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, a lot of people are unaware of gestational diabetes. This condition refers to diabetes that develops while a woman is pregnant. It’s crucial for expecting mothers to know about this disease and how to manage the condition so you and your developing baby stay safe.
What Happens When You Have Gestational Diabetes?
Your body needs enough energy to function correctly. It gets most of its power supply from glucose, a sugar coming from the food you eat. However, cells need insulin, a hormone that comes from the pancreas, to be able to process and take in glucose.
During pregnancy, the placenta participates in the regulation of insulin production. As the pregnancy progresses, some women experience their insulin levels beginning to falter. In some cases, blood sugar levels begin to rise to dangerous levels as cells are unable to absorb glucose, leading to gestational diabetes.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of gestational diabetes are similar to other types of diabetes. For example, you might be more dehydrated than usual. You might feel thirsty, even if you drink enough water. Other symptoms include dry mouth as well as increased urine production. Another core symptom of gestational diabetes is extreme fatigue. You may also feel constantly tired, even if you get enough sleep, eat well, and do ample amounts of exercise.
It’s important to note that these symptoms also occur in healthy pregnancies, albeit at a lower degree. This is why you should discuss all your symptoms with your doctors on a frequent basis so that if you develop gestational diabetes, it’s diagnosed early on.
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to complicated births and can even affect your baby’s health. With good management, you can protect yourself and your baby.
What Are Ways to Treat and Prevent Gestational Diabetes?
Your doctor will perform screening tests to quantify the amount of blood sugar circulating in your blood. If results indicate that you have gestational diabetes, your doctor will prescribe dietary changes so that you avoid foods that tend to cause blood sugar spikes. Physical activity is another great way to manage your blood sugar since exercise helps improve the metabolic processes of your body. If your blood sugar remains high, your doctor may prescribe medications and insulin to regulate it.
As for prevention, most women benefit from a healthy diet and regular physical activities. If you’re planning to have a child soon, you should also maintain a healthy weight before trying to conceive.
Gestational Diabetes Care in Florida
Consulting with an endocrinologist for medical assistance is crucial to managing gestational diabetes. For patients living near Miami Beach, make an appointment with Dr. Alexander Lurie, a renowned endocrinologist with years of experience in both clinical research and practice.
Whether you have gestational diabetes or another endocrinological condition, Dr. Lurie will develop an effective treatment plan for your condition. Call our office at (305) 456-4840 or use our online form to set an appointment today.
