Pregnancy diabetes, which is medically called gestational diabetes. Often people assume that this is a problem limited only to pregnancy and ends after the birth of the child, but recent research shows that this condition can be a cause of concern not only for the mother but also for the future health of the child. Experts say that if the mother’s blood sugar level remains high for a long time during pregnancy, it can affect the child’s brain, body growth and future health, hence it is very important to identify it in time and control it properly.
Pregnancy due to diabetes is increasing rapidly in India
In the last few years, there has been a rapid increase in the cases of gestational diabetes in India. Now this problem is occurring in almost one out of every four pregnancies. Many reasons are believed to be behind this, like increasing obesity, lack of physical activity, late conception, history of diabetes in the family and genetics of diabetes in Indian people. According to doctors, many women may be affected by prediabetes or undiagnosed type-2 diabetes even before pregnancy, in such a situation the risk of diabetes increases further during pregnancy.
What is pregnancy diabetes?
When a woman does not already have diabetes, but her blood sugar level increases during pregnancy, then it is called pregnancy diabetes. This problem usually appears between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the child’s brain and nervous system are developing rapidly, hence balancing blood sugar is very important during this period. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the effect of insulin in the body may reduce. If the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin, the amount of sugar in the blood starts increasing and this condition becomes pregnancy diabetes. The problem is that in most of the cases no symptoms are visible. Therefore, it may be difficult to detect without regular checkups.
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How does it affect the child?
Mother’s blood sugar directly affects the child. Glucose reaches the baby through the placenta present in the womb. If the mother’s blood sugar remains high, the amount of sugar in the child’s body also increases. In such a situation, the child’s pancreas starts producing extra insulin. This condition can affect the growth of the child’s body and organs. Some research suggests that such children may have a slightly increased risk of developing neurological problems such as attention deficit problems, behavioral challenges, delayed motor skills, and in some cases, epilepsy. Although it is not necessary for this to happen in every child, but by controlling blood sugar these risks can be significantly reduced.
Problems can occur even after birth
While in the womb, the baby produces more insulin to control excess sugar, but after birth, as soon as the umbilical cord is cut, the extra supply of sugar suddenly stops. This can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in the newborn baby, which is called neonatal hypoglycemia. Due to this, the child may face problems like weakness, nervousness, difficulty in drinking milk, and in severe cases, seizures. Such children may have a higher risk of obesity, insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes when they grow up. Scientists call this fetal programming, in which the environment present in the womb can influence the way the body’s metabolism and genes work in the future.
How to control pregnancy diabetes
Pregnancy diabetes can be controlled properly. Doctors generally recommend eating a diet rich in fiber and reducing refined carbohydrates. Regular light exercise like walking for 20–30 minutes daily. Monitor sugar level as per doctor’s advice, in some cases insulin therapy is given, which is considered safe during pregnancy.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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