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Gestational Diabetes
I am almost 30 weeks pregnant and have just got back a high blood sugar reading indicating borderline gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a complication many women experience during pregnancy due to hormonal changes influencing digestion and pancreatic function (a decrease in the amount of insulin produced). This "carbohydrate intolerance' usually occurs in the later stages of pregnancy and generally resolves itself after the delivery of the baby, however, in the meantime can be controlled through diet changes. Some caution needs to be taken due to further health complications because if this condition is not addressed and resolved it can develop into Type 2 diabetes in the coming years. The orthodox treatment for this is to prescribe insulin rather than anti-diabetic tablets due to risks to the baby.
If gestational diabetes is not controlled and your blood sugar continues to be too high then these excess amounts of sugar are transported to the baby. This is a serious concern because the baby is able to increase the production to use the extra sugar in the blood stream and this cycle of events can cause macrosomia (a larger baby), neonatal hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar after birth for the infant), stillbirth or birth defects.
Gestational diabetes is a condition that requires assessment and monitoring of blood glucose levels, specifically when making dietary changes. I recommend that you consult with a health professional so that a full history can be taken, which will take into account your general health status, current medications, diet and past medical history.