Preventing Gestational Diabetes.

Nowadays, most people know how widespread diabetes is in our world. They would have understood that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune problem while type 2 diabetes is a problem arising from poor eating habits and an unhealthy lifestyle. However, there are some who may not know about the diabetes which develops in women after conceiving which is called gestational diabetes.

Approximately 135,000 American women get gestational diabetes each year. Experts still do not understand why the body of a woman with gestational diabetes does not seem to be making sufficient insulin or is unable to use insulin efficiently. As a result, blood glucose levels increase, leading to a condition called hyperglycemia.

The best way to prevent gestational diabetes is to lessen the possibility of getting high levels of blood sugar. Steps to prevent gestational diabetes have to begin before you conceive.

Gestational Diabetes: Your Risk Factors

Preventing gestational diabetes begins with knowing your own risk factors for the development of the condition. When you know the risk factors, you can take action to lower your risks as well as check your blood glucose often so that the condition can be diagnosed early if gestational diabetes do occur.

Your gestational diabetes risk is high if you:

• Are overweight.
• Have had a baby weighing nine pounds or more at birth.
• Have suffered from gestational diabetes before.
• Have had glycosuria, in which sugar is found in your urine, before conceiving or while pregnant.
• Are genetically predisposed to diabetes.

Besides the above risk factors, the latest research revealed that women who consumed lots of animal fat before their pregnancy doubled their chances of getting gestational diabetes when compared with women who consumed the least animal fat. The study also found that the probability of getting gestational diabetes rose by 45 percent for women who ate foods rich in cholesterol before their pregnancy.

If your doctor finds you at great risk for the condition, your blood glucose will be checked soon after conceiving with a second test during the 24^th week of pregnancy. For women who have an average chance of getting gestational diabetes, the test is given at the latest during the 28^th week.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention after Gestational Diabetes – Video Guide

Gestational Diabetes: Low Risk

Women, who are considered at low-risk, are usually not check for gestational diabetes. The following groups of women are in the low risk group:

• Aged below 25 years.
• The right weight before conceiving.
• Not from an ethnic predisposed to gestational diabetes, such as Native American, Latino, and African American.
• None of the close relatives suffer from diabetes.
• Have never had abnormal blood glucose tolerance.
• Never had obstetric problems.

Gestational Diabetes: Preventive steps

Whether you are or not at risk for gestational diabetes, being prepared is the best move to prevent the development of the condition.

• Plan your pregnancy by discussing with your doctor before the pregnancy so that you are prepared emotionally, mentally and physically. Do whatever you can to have your weight at as healthy a level as possible before conceiving.
• Go for nutritional advice. Stick to a nutritious meal plan which can  provide your baby and you with enough nutrition and help you to manage your blood glucose levels well.
• A healthy weight during pregnancy is important. So, find out you’re your doctor what your healthy weight should be.
• Exercise is necessary. Ask for help from a healthcare professional to design an exercise program which is right for you.

Usually, planning for your pregnancy is necessary even if your risk for gestational diabetes is very low. Find out from your doctor about your general health and blood glucose levels. Exercise, try not to increase your weight too much, show your doctor the medications you take, and have a healthy diet throughout your pregnancy. All such actions can assist you in controlling your blood sugar and prevent gestational diabetes complications.