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Pregnancy has been known to take its toll on the mother both physically and mentally. And though a lot of these things have become reversible with the improvement in the medical research and technology, there are some things that are yet difficult to cure. One of these things that cannot be cured is diabetes. The only way to keep living with diabetes is to keep it in control and to make significant changes in your diet. Speaking of diabetes, there is one, in particular, that might develop when you are pregnant. This type of diabetes is known as Gestational Diabetes.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition of abnormally raised blood sugar levels (also called ‘glucose intolerance’ or ‘hyperglycemia’) that may occur in the second part of the pregnancy. It occurs when the blood glucose level (blood sugar level) of the mother goes too high during pregnancy.

What are the causes of Gestational Diabetes?

Basically, during pregnancy, the placenta tends to make hormones that are required for the fetus’ growth. But, these hormones also increase the blood-sugar level of the mother thereby resulting in this kind of diabetes. Though some pre-existing conditions like obesity or already increased sugar level may become a reason for developing diabetes.

Who is at a greater risk?

The risk and probability of a pregnant woman developing Gestational Diabetes vary significantly based on different factors. The following are the women who are at greater risk-

- Women of age above 25 years are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes when pregnant.

- If there is a family history involved of diabetes then that means your blood-sugar level will already be a bit elevated. This also increases your chance of developing Type-2 diabetes.

- Another group of people who are at risk of developing gestational diabetes is the ones who are overweight. It has actually been seen that overweight people, in general, have high blood-sugar levels.

What is the treatment for Gestational Diabetes?

Though there is no particular way to cure diabetes because it is basically an excess of sugar in the blood, there are however some ways through which it can be kept in check.

1. Insulin

It is the most basic and significant way of keeping the sugar level in check. So, your doctor will probably prescribe you insulin shots or tablets based on the severity.

2. Self-monitoring

Even though you know you have diabetes, it is more important is continuously checking the blood sugar level and if it is more, taking the appropriate measures and even consulting the doctor. In general, you will have to measure your blood sugar level 4 times in a day every day.

3. Proper diet

What most people sometimes do not understand is that a healthy and proper diet can go a long way in preventing a lot of illnesses and even controlling diabetes. So, make a proper health plan and follow it.

It’s completely fine if you develop Gestational Diabetes. In most cases, it goes away on its own after delivery. And you are not the only one suffering from it. There are other people too who suffer from it. And if during any time in your pregnancy you feel uncertain about something or you feel something is wrong then don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor.

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