Introduction
When a woman becomes pregnant, some women who do not have diabetes can develop it. The body of the pregnant woman develops a decreased sensitivity to pancreatic insulin also known as gestational diabetes, especially in the second and third trimesters. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, which can negatively impact both the pregnancy and the health of the unborn child. It is therefore important to have routine tests at a maternity hospital to ensure that your blood sugars are in the normal range. In the world, one in ten pregnant women has diabetes, and of them, 90% of cases are caused by gestational diabetes, according to research from the National Health Mission (NHM).
Managing Gestational Diabetes
The pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin, which helps blood sugar enter body cells where it may be used as energy. Women create numerous additional hormones during pregnancy. These have an impact on how well the body responds to insulin, which causes a condition known as insulin resistance. To combat insulin resistance, the pancreatic insulin-producing cells become more active in response. According to certain studies, it is observed that Indians struggle more than other populations to produce insulin in response to pregnancy-related insulin resistance because South Asians have fewer insulin-producing cells. Most pregnant women do not develop gestational diabetes symptoms or may mistake them for pregnancy-related ones. Therefore, it is advisable to visit a gynaecologist at a nearby maternity hospital to help with diabetes management if so diagnosed. Risk factors could indicate to the doctor about the possibility of gestational diabetes. These include having a pre-diabetic condition, having a close relative who has had diabetes and leading a sedentary lifestyle. The risk factors for this disorder also include nutritional deficits, gestational diabetes from a prior pregnancy and polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, for the majority of patients, gestational diabetes is diagnosed based on a screening test that monitors how the body reacts to sugar. Lil Feet by Altius Hospitals is one of the best maternity hospitals, and has packages for regular screening tests to keep track of your health condition.
Pre-eclampsia is a significant pregnancy condition that produces high blood pressure and poses a threat to both the mother’s and the unborn child’s lives. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia. It is therefore important to talk to your doctor about diabetes management. Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop it once more if they become pregnant again. With age, they also have a larger risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Prenatal diabetes may potentially have an impact on the infant. Being overweight during birth, which might harm the baby during delivery, is the main complication of this disorder. High blood sugar can cause early labor, which could lead to premature birth. Preterm infants may experience severe respiratory issues and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Obesity and type 2 diabetes can develop in a baby as a result of gestational diabetes. A stillbirth or infant mortality may occur if a severe case of gestational diabetes goes untreated. It is therefore extremely important to visit a maternity hospital such as Lil Feet by Altius Hospitals and talk to a gynaecologist about diabetes management, and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Prevention and management
When it comes to gestational diabetes,the strongest evidence-based strategy is true “self-care,” which involves making sure to eat well and exercise. These can help women who are at risk of gestational diabetes, while some women with gestational diabetes may benefit from taking medications. About 85% of them can successfully manage their blood sugar levels by making simple lifestyle changes. Modifying how we eat or making even minor replacements can have a significant impact on our general health. Eating foods with high nutritional content and in balanced proportions is crucial. Physical activity through exercises, yoga, and sports like cycling and swimming are crucial components of diabetes management. Women can strive to start their pregnancies at a healthy weight and concentrate on adopting long-lasting dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Regular doctor assistance and consultation are essential during the entire process and it is necessary to have a monthly checkup in a maternity hospital.
Conclusion
For Indian women, the risk of getting gestational diabetes has increased. Many women can effectively prevent and treat this condition by making evidence-based lifestyle modifications. Exercise and dietary changes of any size can have a significant influence. If you are looking for a maternity hospital near you, then Lil feet by Altius Hospitals is the one as it is one of the best maternity hospitals in Bangalore.
