Who Has The Most Risk Of Gestational Diabetes?

All women who become pregnant are at some risk of gestational diabetes. Becoming pregnant is something that not all women find easy. It also follows that some women find it easier to cope with pregnancy than others. This is particularly true for the first pregnancy. Although women’s body’s are designed for pregnancy, it is something that each woman has to deal with as a new adventure when first becoming pregnant. There are so many changes for a woman’s body to cope with that some find it easier than others. One of the reasons that doctors and nurses monitor woman during pregnancy, is so that they can help them if they find any aspect of the pregnancy difficult. One of the difficult aspects is the development of gestational diabetes.

Known Risks of Gestational Diabetes

1 Over 25 years old.

Although women’s bodies are designed for babies, it seems that nature has not understood that many women have their babies when they are older. Some women prefer to establish their career first, some women wait for financial reasons, some women just don’t feel ready in themselves for babies when they are younger. However, it seems that our bodies have not caught up with the modern world which means we may find it a little more difficult to be pregnant when we are older. We may keep ourselves as fit as possible, but the risk of gestational diabetes is still there.

2 Overweight

Some overweight women may have fertility problems but those who do become pregnant are at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes than those who are within ten pounds of their ideal weight. If you are not sure what your ideal weight is, it is best to consult your doctor. You will then have an unbiased medical view. Whatever you do don’t compare your self to models in magazines. Even insurance companies can generalise. It is always best to seek a medical viewpoint. The other benefit is that they may recommend a helpful diet to aid your weight loss, if you need it, and may well have ideas of the kinds of foods you need to eat to help your body absorb all the vitamins, iron and other nutrients you will need during pregnancy.

3 Not White

This is a lesser known risk. No one knows why but it appears that white women have less risk of gestational diabetes than others. Particularly at risk are Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics and those from the continent of Africa. We don’t know if it is the choice of foods in the different cultures or what it is that causes this phenomena. What is certain is that we need to do more research to find out the probable cause for this unusual fact.

4. Family History

Another important risk factor is to assess your family history. Any near female relative who has had gestational diabetes, puts you at greater risk of the condition. You need to check with your sisters, mother, grandmothers and aunts. The advent of family tree research is something that many people are doing and one of the things it can reveal is any medical history that may be relevant.

Whatever the outcome, it is important to remember that gestational diabetes is treatable and it usually goes when the baby is born. The most important thing is to work with your doctor and the nursing team to ensure that you and your new baby, are and remain, as healthy as possible.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of pregnancy which only occurs during pregnancy – hence the name. It can be very mild and just an extra nuisance but it can for some women be a serious issue. Having said that it can be treated with special diet and exercise. Once you know you are pregnant you will have tests for it with your doctor.

 

 

Some women are at more risk than others

 

Theoretically all pregnant women are at risk of having gestational diabetes but there are certain groups of women who are more susceptible than others.

 

The main higher risk groups are

 

1. Pregnancy when you are over 25 – which is most people
2. You are higher risk if other family members are know to have had gestational diabetes.
3. Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk – Native American, Asian and Spanish origin to name a few.

 

You do not have to be diabetic to get gestational diabetes. It can happen to anyone.

 

Simple Treatments for Gestational Diabetes

 

To treat gestational diabetes you need to do a number of things to treat it. You cannot just take a pill and forget about it. First off, take any medication if you are prescribed it.  These include blood sugar injections and a pill made of glyburide.  You also need to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels regularly in the same way people with type 1 or type diabetes have to.

 

With gestational diabetes you also need to watch what you eat. You food affects your blood sugar levels. The most common tactic is to eat little and often. So six meals a day with small portions is better than 3 large meals. You also need to stop eating high fat and high sugar foods as these will make your condition worse.

 

You can also help yourself with regular exercise. If you are having a difficult pregnancy then this can be just stretches and short walks. If you are a bit more adventurous then pilates and yoga are ideal. The other good all round exercise is swimming. Most local swimming pools have special women’s groups which will make it a bit more fun as well. You must talk to your doctor or obstetrician first before you throw yourself into an exercise regimen.

 

Exercise can help reduce constipation and cramps associated with pregnancy.