What is Gestational Diabetes

what is gestational diabetes

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As is the case with all mammals, reproduction is an integral part of what humans do and one thing that is true for all of us is that the reason we’re here is because our mother was pregnant once upon a time. That’s just one of the million other reasons why Moms are cherished, and of course, Dad played a part in it all too. But fathers don’t have to carry the baby for 9 months, and it’s during that time when gestational diabetes becomes a possibility. What is gestational diabetes? It is diabetes that develops during pregnancy, but it doesn’t just happen.

The most common cause for gestational diabetes is that the woman is significantly overweight before becoming pregnant. Being slightly overweight is very common for all of us, including men and women but we are talking Toong-Toong here, not just being chubby or having a little more junk in the trunk than most. Another factor can be if the woman is prediabetic before becoming pregnant.

The biggest risk factor connected to what is gestational diabetes is that it can lead to a woman needing to have a C-section when a natural childbirth would be possible if she didn’t have gestational diabetes. It can also cause babies to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) right after being born and that can be more problematic for some newborns than others depending on physiology.

Let’s swing back to what causes gestational diabetes now though, as there’s more to that than being overweight or having prediabetes. Turns out a person’s ethnicity can play a part in it too, and that’s something women may want to be aware of.

Sedentary and Skin Color

A woman who lives a very sedentary life and doesn’t walk much or get physical exercise even semi regularly will be more at risk for this condition, but from there we take our look at what is gestational diabetes in a different direction. Having polycystic ovary syndrome can increase a woman’s risk of having gestational diabetes while she’s pregnant, and it will also be more likely if the woman is African American, Hispanic, Asian American or American Indian. Any explanation for why Caucasians are less affected is beyond the scope of this discussion of what is gestational diabetes.

The size of previous children at their birth can also be a contributor. The condition is also more common if you have previously delivered a baby weighing more than 4.1 kgs. The last mention of what causes diabetes is if you have a parent with diabetes, it is more likely that you’ll have high blood sugar levels because of your pregnancy. Blood sugar control with gestational diabetes is important, and the same medications like Januvia can be used for gestational diabetes treatment.

Your doctor will be very involved as part of monitoring your pregnancy, so he or she will be able to advise you on which medication will be best.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.


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