Although there is a possibility of Gestational diabetes increasing your risk of getting type 2 diabetes by at least 50 percent, such a risk can be countered.
The most number of diabetics are found among those with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the result of the body’s inability to release sufficient insulin from the pancreas or insulin insensitivity. If you have had gestational diabetes, the possibility of getting type 2 diabetes in time to come increases by 63 percent.
The Possibility of Type 2 Diabetes after Having Gestational Diabetes.
A possible reason for type 2 diabetes to occur after gestational diabetes is your genes. Studies have indicated that genes linked to type 2 diabetes are also found in people with gestational diabetes. Therefore, if you get diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy it can mean that you are genetically inclined towards type 2 diabetes and pressure brought about by pregnancy has hastened its development.
However, there can be other factors involved. In many gestational diabetes cases, the problem disappears after delivery. Besides, some risk factors of type 2 diabetes can be controlled to prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes later. These risk factors can be:
- Having excess body weight
- Leading a sedentary life
- Suffering from hypertension
- High cholesterol levels
Type 2 Diabetes and Pregnancy – Video Guide
What Can Be Done to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk?
According to a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietitian at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center, Kelly O’Connor, if you are having or already had gestational diabetes, your chances of getting type 2 diabetes can be reduced by maintaining the right body weight with a diet consisting of the right amount of carbohydrates. She also advises on sufficient every day exercise to help maintain the right weight and control blood glucose levels.
- Diet.
A healthy meal plan which uses lots of vegetables, fruits and gains is most suitable. Get the help of the dietitian who is helping you during your gestational diabetes to help create a diet for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
- Weight.
Find out from your dietitian and doctor your right weight. If you are overweight, just reducing your weight by 6 percent can significantly lower your type 2 diabetes risk.
- Breastfeeding.
Calories are used up while breastfeeding and so, it is a desirable way to reduce weight. A lot of health benefits are available to your baby and you through breastfeeding.
- Exercise.
Blood glucose level is lowered through physical movements. Any every day physical movements that keep you active for half an hour lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Scheduled medical care.
For women who have had gestational diabetes, the American Diabetes Association advises them to get a six week post delivery blood glucose test followed by once in three years. With your doctor’s assistance, risk factors like heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol can be controlled.
There is no way you can do anything about your genes, but regular medical care, and exercise and diet for weight control can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes even when you have had gestational diabetes, said Dr. Robert O. Atlas who is the department of obstetrics and gynecology chairman at Mercy Medical Center. He insists that a two-hour glucose tolerance test be used at the six week post delivery check on your blood glucose and continue with regular scheduled tests from then onwards.
Gestational diabetes can indicate the possibility of type 2 diabetes developing in later life. Even though your genes, your race especially if you are a native American, Asian, Hispanic, or African-American who face a higher risk, and your own family history are factors in your risk of type 2 diabetes; there are some other risk factors which are within your control. So, take care of your health and have regular medical check-ups, go on with the exercise program and nutritious meals which you had while managing the problem of gestational diabetes; and you are on the right path to avoiding type 2 diabetes later in life.