Identifying Gestational Diabetes And Its Effects

Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes are classified as high-risk. The condition could present the probability of high blood-glucose levels. If levels are excessive complications are likely to develop. It is possible for women who don’t have a history of diabetes to develop this condition under certain circumstances.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is essentially higher than average blood-glucose levels in women at twenty-four weeks and beyond. It is determined by a screen which requires pregnant women to cease all food and drink after midnight the night before testing. Upon arrival, they drink a syrup-based glucose solution. If the results indicate abnormal levels, the patient must undergo a glucose tolerance test.

The tolerance tests require another overnight fast. The doctor records the patient’s glucose levels upon arrival. Next, they consume a mixture similar to the first round of testing. However, the concentration of the solution provided is higher. The obstetrician retests the patient’s glucose levels every hour. When two or more readings indicate high levels, the gestational diabetes is present. If you suspect you have this condition, contact Dr. Gilbert Webb today.



Controlling Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women with this condition receive check-ups more often to control their blood-glucose levels. When they are unable to produce enough insulin to control these levels, the doctor prescribes this substance to treat their condition. They may also instruct the patient to stick to a strict diet to aid in stabilizing these levels. For tips on how to control this condition, you could contact Gilbert Webb M.D.

Complications that Could Emerge

Gestational diabetes is harmful to your baby. If this condition isn’t controlled properly, your baby could receive excessively high volumes of blood glucose. These volumes force their pancreas to work harder to stabilize their own levels. The results are excessive fat deposits.

This could lead to several complications. They include macrosomia, which could cause injuries during birth. The baby could also be at risk of developing respiratory problems or becoming obese as they grow. In turn, the child could develop type two diabetes.

The development of gestational diabetes doesn’t indicate that the mother will become diabetic after the pregnancy. It does, however, increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications. You should become informed of these risks and how they could affect you and your growing baby. For further details about gestational diabetes, contact Doctor Gilbert Webb who practices in OBSTETRICS, GYNECOLOGY AND HIGH RISK PREGNANCY.