Diabetes & Pregnancy

People who have diabetes cannot convert the food they eat into energy because their bodies can’t use the sugars and starches they consume as fuel. A lack of insulin, a low level of insulin, or an inability to utilize the insulin which is formed prevents the body from converting sugars and carbohydrates into energy. As a result, the blood sugar level rises.

Blood glucose or blood sugar levels are excessively high in people with diabetes. As a mother-to-be, excessive blood sugar levels are detrimental to the health of your unborn child. It is estimated that seven out of every hundred pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs for the first time in a pregnant woman. In most cases, it goes away after having a child. The chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes, however, is increased. If your child is overweight or diabetic, he or she is in danger. Women with diabetes who become pregnant have unique health challenges. Additionally, pregnancy will influence your blood sugar levels and diabetic treatments. During pregnancy, women and their unborn children are at risk of complications due to diabetes. Poor diabetes control during pregnancy raises the risk of birth abnormalities and other issues throughout pregnancy. It can also lead to major issues for the lady who is affected. Birth abnormalities and other health problems can be prevented with proper prenatal and postnatal care. 

Risk Factors & Complications that may affect mother and child

There are some dangers connected with gestational diabetes, including the following. There is still a chance something could go wrong, but it’s not a given that it will. When gestational diabetes is diagnosed and controlled properly during pregnancy, most women have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

• Your body will produce more insulin if your glucose level is high. Similarly, your baby may develop larger than usual as a result of this. Macrosomia refers to large birth weight. Those who are born weighing more than 4 kilograms (8 pounds 8 ounces) are labeled macrosomic (large).

• Having a large birthweight raises the chance of birth trauma, such as bone fractures, breathing difficulties, or nerve damage. Sheep dystocia is another possible complication of this disease. The baby’s shoulder gets caught in your uterus after birth, preventing the baby from being able to move its head.

• During pregnancy, a woman’s amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds her fetus) can become excessive. In some cases, this can lead to preterm labor, as well as difficulties with the baby’s position or the umbilical cord’s position at birth.

• Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy is known as pre-eclampsia. Non-treatment of this condition has the potential to develop pregnancy problems.

• Your baby may be born early because the doctor believes you should have an induction or cesarean section rather than continue to carry the pregnancy to term. Studies show many women with gestational diabetes can get into premature labor on their own.

• Miscarriage or stillborn pregnancies or infants are caused by a variety of factors. Uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth in women.

• Gestational diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy-related complication that produces high blood pressure and other symptoms that can endanger both mother and baby’s lives.

• Your chances of getting it again during a future pregnancy are higher if you’ve had gestational diabetes. The chance of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.

Treatment and Home remedies

Keeping a close eye on your infant is a crucial element of your treatmentplan. Your doctor may do frequent ultrasounds or other tests to monitor your child’s growth and development. After the due date — or even earlier — your doctor may induce labor if you haven’t gone into labor by the due date or earlier. This can raise the risk of difficulties for both you and your child. When it comes to keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range, the way you eat and move is crucial. Doctors don’t recommend reducing weight during pregnancy because your body is already functioning hard to sustain your child’s growth. In the meanwhile, your doctor can help you set weight growth targets depending on your pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI).

Your Gestational Diabetes home diet must be high in protein and fiber to be effective. It’s important to consume more protein and fiber-rich foods that can be found in green leafy vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli. These foods assist treat gestational diabetes by lowering insulin spikes by slowing digestion. The lower the level of vitamin D, the greater the chance of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. To obtain adequate Vitamin D, spend time in the sun and/or take Vitamin D supplements. A medical professional is recommended for this. Consult an expert in Indian medicine to help you equalize your doshas: Ayurveda employs numerous medications, lifestyle adjustments, and diet modifications to help you do this.

Home remedies for gestational diabetes that are ayurvedic include:

• It is recommended that you eat barley or turmeric powder.
• There should be some physical activity in addition to Yogasana and Pranayama
• Consuming too much cinnamon can result in involuntary contractions.
• Receive sufficient sleep and don’t worry about anything.

Healthy home remedies for gestational diabetes care are available, so there’s no need to worry. As a precaution, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor before making any final decisions. To help maintain your blood sugar levels in check, if your doctor prescribes diabetic medications or insulin, take them as advised. You may take the prescribed medicine from a diabetes online pharmacy.

Prevention and Care

A woman’s chances of acquiring gestational diabetes may be reduced by taking certain precautions and care.  Before becoming pregnant, a woman should make lifestyle choices that will help her reach and maintain a healthy weight. According to researchers, being overweight increases the chances of developing pregnancy-induced type 2 diabetics by a massive proportion, according to a study published in 2018. In addition to that, women who have a BMI over 25 are more likely to acquire gestational diabetes, according to research.

Dietary adjustments, on the other hand, appeared to lessen the risk, according to the study. People with diabetes may be requested to check their blood sugar four to five times a day, including when they get up in the morning and after meals. As a result of this, your blood sugar levels will be kept within the usual range at all times. Initially, this may seem challenging, but with time it will become easy. Before being pregnant, make sure that you’re in good physical and mental shape.

Obesity is a key risk factor for the occurrence of gestational diabetes, as is being overweight. As a result, strive to lose weight by eating healthy meals and engaging in regular physical activity. For women who have gestational diabetes, eating the proper sorts of foods is crucial, as is eating the right amount of food.

The doctor will also propose weight goals based on your pre-pregnancy body weight. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains are all part of a balanced diet. Simply losing a few pounds can make a major difference in reducing the risk of developing diabetes. In addition to morning sickness and food aversions, pregnant women may have difficulty eating healthily. As a result, a woman’s weight growth during each trimester will be healthful.

Foods that are good for you include:

• beans, salmon, tofu, and white poultry are examples of lean proteins
• Plant-based fats such as those found in the nut, coconut oil, and other sources
• pasta and bread are examples of whole grains.
• Dairy items that are low in fat, like Greek yogurt
• veggies with no starch
• Fruits

It’s advisable to stay away from:

• Processed foods are foods that have been
• sweet beverages, such as coffee drinks, energy drinks, juices, and sodas purchased at the store
• Additional sugar

Regular physical activity is essential. As a result of exercise, your blood sugar drops because your body can transport glucose into your cells, where it may be used as fuel for energy.

If your doctor permits, try for moderate activity on most days of the week. Start slowly working out if you haven’t worked out before. If you’re a stay-at-home mom who’s planning a child and has a sedentary lifestyle, consider getting some exercise at least three times a week. Among them are sports like badminton, tennis, and swimming.

Your doctor may recommend medicine or insulin to reduce your blood sugar level if diet and exercise aren’t enough.