Link Between Diabetes And Pregnancy
Diabetes is a serious disease in which your body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in your blood because it does not have enough insulin. Diabetes is the most common medical complication during pregnancy, representing 3.3 per cent of all live births. No matter what type of diabetes you have, there are many steps you and your health care team can take in order to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Causes and symptoms of diabetes
There are two primary types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that requires daily use of insulin.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes may include; Increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision and extreme fatigue. The disease is often diagnosed in childhood and in young adults.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include; Bladder or kidney infections that heal slowly, increased thirst and urination, constant hunger and fatigue. This form of diabetes is often associated with older age, obesity, family history, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity and it can be more prevalent in certain ethnic groups.
How is preexisting diabetes treated during pregnancy?
Whether you are trying to conceive or already pregnant, treating diabetes during pregnancy is key to the health of both you and your baby.
Take time to build your health care team and devise a care plan to manage your blood glucose levels. Frequent contact with your health care provider is essential in managing blood glucose levels and monitoring the health of you and your baby.
Talk to your health care provider, or dietitian, to develop a healthy meal plan. Prioritising proper nutrition will assist in controlling your blood sugar both before and after conception.
Tell your doctor about any current medications you are taking for diabetes, or any other health conditions so you can take what is safest during your pregnancy.
Make appointments with the appropriate high-risk specialists. Specialists may include a Perinatologist who treats women with high-risk pregnancies, and an endocrinologist who treats women with diabetes and other health conditions.
Stay physically active. You will want to be in the best physical condition during your pregnancy.
What are hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and how can they affect my pregnancy?
Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are both common in women with preexisting diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels are too low. When blood glucose levels are low, your body cannot get the energy it needs.
You may be experiencing this if you are; Experiencing blurred vision, having unexplained fatigue or concerned about sudden changes in your mood
Hypoglycemia can be triggered by; Skipping or delaying meals, eating portions that are too small or overexerting yourself physically.
Typically hypoglycemia is treated by eating or drinking something containing sugar, such as orange juice. Hyperglycemia is when your body doesn’t have enough insulin or can’t use insulin correctly.
You may be experiencing this if you are; Always thirsty, suddenly losing weight or using the bathroom often.
Hyperglycemia can be triggered by; Improper balance in your food consumption, problems with the amount of insulin you are taking, stress, sickness and lack of physical movement.
Typically hyperglycemia is treated by adjusting your insulin dosages.