Diabetes - Pregnancy And The Dangers Of High Blood Glucose

There is no reason at all why a diabetic mother-to-be cannot enjoy a normal, full term pregnancy.

However, she and her partner will have to take extra precautions as the disease can cause complications if not correctly managed.

This is particularly true of any mother who contracts gestational diabetes. This is contracted, if at all, in the later stages, and can be very stressful.

Mothers who already have diabetes will already have an understanding as to how to adapt to pregnancy, but women who contract gestational diabetes suddenly have extra pressure and responsibility thrust upon them, not least of which is having to inject themselves with insulin and monitor their blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes, which has the same effect as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, does not just affect the mother. Without treatment during the pregnancy, their are serious health risks to the baby.

Where the prospective mother is already diabetic, it is important that she consults with her medical team before she conceives, so that her medication can be revised. This is because oral diabetic medication can damage a foetus, and she will need to change over to insulin.

The dangers to the foetus of high blood sugar levels in the mother, are risks of miscarriage and abnormalities. Any abnormalities will be apparent after 5-9 weeks of the pregnancy, which means that they can occur so early that the mother doesn't yet know she is in fact pregnant.

High blood sugar levels can also cause what is called "macrosomia". This happens in the second half of the pregnancy. High levels of sugar and other nutrients in the mother are passed to the baby, which in turn makes the baby's pancreas start to produce insulin. By producing more insulin the sugars are absorbed into the body where they are stored as fat. The areas where fat is stored tend to be the arms, legs, abdomen and chest.

Macrosomia means that the baby gains weight and size more quickly than normal, that often results in the necessity of an early delivery and a premature birth.

A moderate amount of exercise, gentle walking for example, is of benefit during pregnancy, as well as stopping smoking, which has been proved to increase the risk of the baby becoming obese and diabetic later in life.

Learn How To Prevent Gestational Diabetes, And Deliver A Healthy Baby

Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops during the pregnancy, when a woman's blood sugar levels rise above the normal levels. It can be dangerous because it can cause the baby to gain too much weight, and lead to premature delivery, endangering the life and health of the baby. Typically, blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, but the woman is at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that gestational diabetes can be prevented with proper nutrition and physical activity - all you need is to have the right knowledge and implement that knowledge for your own sake and for the sake of your baby.

Years ago, I did not have that information. I was pregnant and did not know what to do. I followed well-meaning, but dangerous advice on what to eat. I consumed way too much protein and fat, and not nearly enough of greens, fruits and vegetables. I almost developed diabetes. That's why I want to share what I learned later, so that pregnant women who read it can avoid making the same mistakes.

Gestational diabetes diet plan does not differ from a healthy diet that we should all be following every day to ensure the best of health and well-being. It's a diet that is based mostly on fresh plant foods - raw fruits, vegetables, and greens, with small amounts of nuts, seeds, as well as whole grains, and beans. The bulk of the calories should be coming from unprocessed, preferably raw plant sources. Animal proteins, such as dairy and meats should be consumed in limited amounts.

When you are eating mostly green vegetables, green leaf salads, fruits and other natural foods, you will provide you and your baby with all the nutrients you need need. Unprocessed plant foods contain all the proteins, fats, vitamins, calcium and other nutrients our body need in perfect proportions to properly function and stay healthy.