Striving For A Happy Childhood, The Happiness Of Every Home
Diabetes During Pregnancy Risks Fetal Development And Newborn Health Diabetes during pregnancy risks the well being of the baby, both before and after birth. 1 of every 10 pregnancies is challenged by the effects of diabetes mellitus. Yet more suffer lesser forms of glucose intolerance; enough to jeopardize fetal development and newborn health. Periconception normal glucose metabolism is crucial for favorable outcome of pregnancy. Pregnancy is associated with stress and weight gain, the common components involved in evolution of diabetes mellitus. Poor insulin response effectuates imbalance of glucose metabolism, thereby the gestational diabetes. Global incidence of diabetes has doubled in past decade, but only 10% of all diabetic mothers suffer from pre-existing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. In rest of the 90%, the onset of impaired glucose regulation occurs during pregnancy. Advanced maternal age Changing food habits: Consumption of diets high in saturated fats Besides genetic predisposition, periconceptional good control of glucose metabolism is the decisive factor for normal fetal development. Awareness of effects of diabetes mellitus on the fetus and the newborn can ensure good compliance of the to be parents. Only diligent preconception health care, necessary screening and timely interventions can prevent fetal morbidity, complications of child birth and newborn health issues attributable to diabetes during pregnancy. The chances of abortion and premature births are significantly higher in diabetic mother with poor blood sugar control around conception.Risks of preterm delivery. birth injuries and cesarean delivery are also aggravated due to macrosomia. High blood sugar during early phase of pregnancy, when the mother does not even know that she could be pregnant, al Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Pregnancy
One in twenty pregnant women in Australia is affected by diabetes. Although the disease can cause serious complications for mothers and babies, good planning and comprehensive antenatal care can keep you and your baby healthy. By Joanna Egan. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by the body's inability to control glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is a simple sugar found in foods such as breads, cereals, fruit, starchy vegetables, legumes, dairy products and sweets. A hormone produced by the pancreas, called insulin, converts this glucose into energy that is used to fuel the body. When a person has diabetes, they either don't produce enough insulin or are unable to use insulin effectively. This causes glucose to build up in their bloodstream. There are several types of diabetes: Type 1: People with type 1 diabetes don't produce insulin. As a result, they need to monitor their blood glucose levels carefully and require regular insulin injections (up to four times a day). Generally, type 1 diabetes arises in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age. Type 2: This is the most common form of diabetes. Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease but often, it is caused by lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, insufficient exercise and poor diet. People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but either don't produce enough or are unable to use it effectively. Generally, it is initially managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity, but as the condition progresses, glucose-lowering tablets and/or insulin injections may be prescribed. Gestational diabetes: This form of diabetes develops, or is first diagnosed, during pregnancy. It usually appears late in the second trimester and resolves after childbir Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Pregnancy
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't produce enough insulin, or it can't use it properly. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter the cells to be used as fuel. When glucose cannot enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Damage from diabetes comes from the effects of hyperglycemia on other organ systems including the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves. In early pregnancy, hyperglycemia can result in birth defects. What are the different types of diabetes? There are three basic types of diabetes including: Type 1 diabetes. Also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system destroys, or attempts to destroy, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age. Type 2 diabetes. A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It used to be called noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Gestational diabetes. A condition in which the blood glucose level is elevated and other diabetic symptoms appear during pregnancy in a woman who has not previously been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease, which, if not controlled, can be life-threatening. It is often associated with long-term complications that can affect every system and part of the body. Diabetes can contribute to eye disorders and blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, amputation, and nerve damage. What happens with diabetes and pregnancy? During pregnancy, the placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water. The placenta also makes a variety of horm Continue reading >>
I Have Gestational Diabetes. How Will It Affect My Baby?
Will gestational diabetes hurt my baby? Most women who develop diabetes during pregnancy go on to have a healthy baby. Dietary changes and exercise may be enough to keep blood sugar (glucose) levels under control, though sometimes you may also need to take medication. But untreated gestational diabetes can cause serious problems. If blood sugar levels remain elevated, too much glucose ends up in the baby's blood. When that happens, the baby's pancreas needs to produce more insulin to process the extra sugar. Too much blood sugar and insulin can make a baby put on extra weight, which is stored as fat. This can make the baby grow very large (macrosomia). Also, high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and labor increase the risk of a baby developing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after delivery. That's because the baby's body produces extra insulin in response to the mother's excess glucose. Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in the blood. The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia in an infant include: jitteriness weak or high-pitched cry floppiness lethargy or sleepiness breathing problems skin that looks blue trouble feeding eye rolling seizures A baby may also be at higher risk for breathing problems at birth, especially if blood sugar levels aren't well controlled or the baby is delivered early. (If you have gestational diabetes, your baby's lungs tend to mature a bit later). The risk of newborn jaundice is higher too. If your blood sugar control is especially poor, the baby's heart function could be affected as well, which can contribute to breathing problems. Gestational diabetes sometimes thickens a baby's heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), causing the baby to breathe rapidly and not be able to get enough oxygen from her blood. It's understandable to feel anxi Continue reading >>
High Blood Sugar In Pregnancy Puts Baby At Risk
Print Font: CHICAGO — The higher a pregnant woman’s level of blood sugar, the greater the risk to her newborn — whether the mother has diabetes or not, the largest study on the problem suggests. More women opting for preventive mastectomy - but should they be? Rates of women who are opting for preventive mastectomies, such as Angeline Jolie, have increased by an estimated 50 percent in recent years, experts say. But many doctors are puzzled because the operation doesn't carry a 100 percent guarantee, it's major surgery -- and women have other options, from a once-a-day pill to careful monitoring. The findings released Friday may lead to more women being diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy and given stricter diet advice or medication to lower blood sugar. The research involved more than 23,000 pregnant women in nine countries. It found a surprisingly strong relationship between the blood sugar levels of the women and the rate of big babies and first-time Caesarean sections, said lead investigator Dr. Boyd Metzger of Northwestern University. The newborns also were more likely to have low blood sugar levels and high insulin levels if their mothers’ blood sugar levels were higher. The problems can lead to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure later in life. Risks for large babies Large babies risk shoulder damage and other injuries if delivered vaginally and lead to more C-sections, which also pose health risks to mothers and babies. Large babies were defined in the study as those bigger than 90 percent of those born in the local population, so large Thai babies would be smaller than large U.S. babies. Researchers reported the findings Friday at the American Diabetes Association’s annual scientific meeting. The higher the mother’s blood sugar, the more Continue reading >>
Gestational Diabetes
KEY POINTS Most pregnant women get a test for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. If untreated, gestational diabetes can cause problems for your baby, like premature birth and stillbirth. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after you have your baby; but if you have it, you’re more likely to develop diabetes later in life. Talk to your health care provider about what you can do to reduce your risk for gestational diabetes and help prevent diabetes in the future. What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes (also called gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM) is a kind of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. Seven out of every 100 pregnant women (7 percent) develop gestational diabetes. It’s a condition in which your body has too much sugar (called glucose) in the blood. When you eat, your body breaks down sugar and starches from food into glucose to use for energy. Your pancreas (an organ behind your stomach) makes a hormone called insulin that helps your body keep the right amount of glucose in your blood. When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin well, so you end up with too much sugar in your blood. This can cause serious health problems, like heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. It’s really important to get treatment for diabetes to help prevent problems like these. Can gestational diabetes cause problems during pregnancy? Most of the time gestational diabetes can be controlled and treated during pregnancy to protect both you and your baby. But if not treated, it can cause problems during pregnancy, including: Preeclampsia. This is when a pregnant woman has high blood pressure and signs that some of her organs, like her kidneys and liver, may not be working properly. Signs of pre Continue reading >>
- Women in India with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Strategy (WINGS): Methodology and development of model of care for gestational diabetes mellitus (WINGS 4)
- Leeds diabetes clinical champion raises awareness of gestational diabetes for World Diabetes Day
- Gestational Diabetes: The Overlooked Form of Diabetes
What Are The Risks Of Gestational Diabetes?
A risk means there is a chance that something might happen. With every pregnancy there are some risks, but if you have gestational diabetes your risks of some things will be increased. Managing your blood sugar level brings these risks right down again though and most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. These things are very unlikely to happen to you, but understanding the risks may help you see why it is important that you follow your healthcare team’s advice. The risks linked to gestational diabetes are caused by blood glucose levels being too high. If you can keep your blood glucose as close as possible to the ideal level, your risks will be reduced. Risk of having a large baby (macrosomia) If your blood glucose level is high, it can cause high blood glucose levels in your baby. Your baby will produce more insulin in response, just like you do. This can make your baby grow larger than normal. This is called macrosomia. Babies weighing more than 4kg (8lb 8oz) at birth are called macrosomic. Macrosomia increases the risk of: Birth trauma - either the mother or baby can be affected when it is difficult for the baby to be born. Trauma may include physical symptoms, such as bone fractures or nerve damage for the baby, or tearing and severe bleeding for the mother as well as psychological distress. Shoulder dystocia - where the baby’s shoulder is stuck in your pelvis once the head has been born. This can squash the umbilical cord, so the team need to use additional interventions to deliver the baby quickly and safely. It means you may have labour induced early or to have a caesarean section so that your baby is born safely. Your baby's weight will be monitored carefully in pregnancy to see whether these interventions are needed. Continue reading >>
Weight And High Blood Sugar During Pregnancy May Cause Risks For Baby
Pregnant women who are even marginally overweight or with high blood sugar levels could face risks not only for themselves, but for their unborn babies. Northwestern University’s Dr. Boyd Metzger talks about the effect of a mother’s blood sugar levels on pregnancy and what women can do to help prevent problems. Metzger’s research has showed that women with slightly high levels of blood sugar could raise blood sugar levels in unborn babies. And the latest review of the data suggests that elevated blood sugar levels, as well as too much weight gain, can lead to riskier pregnancies. Obstetricians routinely monitor a mother-to-be’s weight and blood sugar during pregnancy. Women may develop gestational diabetes, which is any form of glucose intolerance or high blood sugar that begins during pregnancy. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 18 percent of pregnant women develop this condition. Metzger is a professor of metabolism and nutrition in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Molecular Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He was the lead researcher of a large-scale international study focusing on weight gain and blood sugar levels during pregnancy. What are your areas of interest and expertise?I am interested in gestational diabetes. I also study the impact of a mother’s nutrition on the development of the fetus. As the lead investigator in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study, can you explain a little bit about what you researched and how you did it?There has been a debate about how much high blood sugar contributes to an increased risk in adverse pregnancy situations. The purpose of the study was to determine where and how blood sugar levels, regardless of other factors, can affect a fetus. So Continue reading >>
Elevated Blood-sugar Levels In Pregnancy Tied To Baby's Heart-defect Risk
Pregnant women with elevated blood-sugar levels are more likely to have babies with congenital heart defects, even if their blood sugar is below the cutoff for diabetes, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Children’s Health. The study, published online Oct. 12 in JAMA Pediatrics, extends the scope of prior findings on the connection between maternal diabetes and fetal heart defects. It is the first to show the link in women without a diabetes diagnosis. “Diabetes is the tail end of a spectrum of metabolic abnormalities,” said James Priest, MD, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar in pediatric cardiology. “We already knew that women with diabetes were at significantly increased risk for having children with congenital heart disease. What we now know, thanks to this new research, is that women who have elevated glucose values during pregnancy that don’t meet our diagnostic criteria for diabetes also face an increased risk.” Priest treats patients with congenital heart defects at the Children’s Heart Center at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Pregnancy normally involves metabolic changes that make blood sugar — glucose — more available to the fetus than to the mother, an important adaptation for ensuring that the fetus gets enough nourishment. However, in some women, especially those who are obese or who have a family history of diabetes, these changes progress too far, to the point that the mother develops gestational diabetes. Although the risks of gestational diabetes have been well-studied, less attention has been paid to smaller metabolic changes in pregnancy. Two serious heart defects In the new study, the researchers examined blood samples taken from 277 California wome Continue reading >>
Infant Of Diabetic Mother
Diabetes in pregnancy There are two types of diabetes that occur in pregnancy: Gestational diabetes. This term refers to a mother who does not have diabetes before becoming pregnant but develops a resistance to insulin because of the hormones of pregnancy. Pregestational diabetes. This term describes women who already have insulin-dependent diabetes and become pregnant. With both types of diabetes, there can be complications for the baby. It is very important to keep tight control of blood sugar during pregnancy. What causes diabetes in pregnancy? The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water. It also produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy. Some of these hormones (estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen) can block insulin. This usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy. As the placenta grows, more of these hormones are produced, and insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally, the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when the production of insulin is not enough to overcome the effect of the placental hormones, gestational diabetes results. Pregnancy also may change the insulin needs of a woman with preexisting diabetes. Insulin-dependent mothers may require more insulin as pregnancy progresses. Who is affected by diabetes in pregnancy? About 5 percent of all pregnant women in the U.S. are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetics make up the vast majority of pregnancies with diabetes. Some pregnant women require insulin to treat their diabetes. Why is diabetes in pregnancy a concern? The mother's excess amounts of blood glucose are transferred to the fetus during pregnancy. This causes the baby's body to secrete increased amounts of insulin, which result Continue reading >>
Gestational Diabetes
High Blood Sugar in Pregnancy Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The term 'gestational' refers to pregnancy. When a woman develops high blood glucose (sugar) during pregnancy but has never had elevated blood glucose in the past, she is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects how the cells use glucose, the body's main fuel source. Gestational diabetes causes high blood glucose levels that can adversely affect pregnancy and the baby's health. The good news is that expectant mothers can help control gestational diabetes by exercising and eating healthy foods ensuring a healthy pregnancy and baby. Gestational diabetes mellitus and type II diabetes mellitus are different problems but have some key similarities. In either case, your insulin is not working well or it is not being produced in sufficient supply to keep blood glucose levels normal. In pregnancy, some insulin resistance is expected, as the placenta makes hormones that work against insulin. But as long as the pancreas can keep up with the demand to counteract the pregnancy hormones from the placenta, blood glucose levels can remain normal. If the pancreas cannot keep up, then gestational diabetes is the result. Risks Factors for Gestational Diabetes Pregnant women with any of the following appear to be at an increased risk for developing gestational diabetes; the risk increases when multiple risk factors are present. They include: Obesity Glycosuria - sugar in your urine Family history of diabetes You have a prior history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies If you are of Black, Hispanic, Asian or American Indian descent Over the age of 25 What are the Risks to Babies Born to Mothers with Gestational Diabetes? Gestational Diabetes affects yo Continue reading >>
- Women in India with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Strategy (WINGS): Methodology and development of model of care for gestational diabetes mellitus (WINGS 4)
- Leeds diabetes clinical champion raises awareness of gestational diabetes for World Diabetes Day
- Gestational Diabetes: The Overlooked Form of Diabetes
What Happens When You Have Untreated Diabetes During Pregnancy?
Before Delivery High blood glucose -- the result of uncontrolled diabetes -- exerts profound effects on a mother and her developing fetus. Infants of women who have diabetes at the outset of pregnancy are 5 times more likely to have heart defects and twice as likely to have neural tube defects and urinary tract abnormalities as babies born to nondiabetic mothers. The rate of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth among diabetic mothers is similarly elevated, and the infants of diabetic mothers are often larger than normal. For mothers with pre-existing diabetes, the risk for diabetic eye and kidney damage increases during pregnancy, particularly if their diabetes is not controlled. Untreated diabetes -- whether it was present before pregnancy or developed during pregnancy -- significantly increases your risk for high blood pressure, preeclampsia, toxemia and cesarean section. The Northern Diabetic Pregnancy Audit, a British study completed during the 1990s, showed that women whose diabetes is poorly controlled during pregnancy have a 5 times higher death rate than their nondiabetic counterparts. Labor and Delivery In addition to an increased risk for stillbirth and cesarean section, women with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to encounter difficulties during labor and delivery than nondiabetic women or women whose diabetes has been well controlled. For mothers, large birth-weight infants -- the most common fetal side effect of maternal diabetes -- are associated with difficult or arrested labor and excessive bleeding. Larger birth-weight infants are more likely to experience birth trauma and are at risk for respiratory distress, heart failure and jaundice and other severe metabolic disorders following delivery. Long-Term Effects The problems associated with un Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Pregnancy
Diabetes and your unborn baby Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too high. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods, such as bread and rice. Insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, helps your body to use glucose for energy. Three types of diabetes can affect you when you're pregnant: type 2 diabetes – long-term conditions that women may have before they get pregnant (pre-existing diabetes) gestational diabetes – develops only in pregnancy and goes away after the baby is born The information on this page is for women who have pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy. Most women with diabetes have a healthy baby, but diabetes does give you a higher risk of some complications. If you already have diabetes If you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you may be at a higher risk of: having a large baby – which increases the risk of a difficult birth, having your labour induced, or a caesarean section People with type 1 diabetes may develop problems with their eyes (diabetic retinopathy) and their kidneys (diabetic nephropathy), or existing problems may get worse. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your baby may be at risk of: not developing normally and having congenital abnormalities, particularly heart and nervous system abnormalities being stillborn or dying soon after birth having health problems shortly after birth, such as heart and breathing problems, and needing hospital care developing obesity or diabetes later in life Reducing the risks if you have pre-existing diabetes The best way to reduce the risk to your own and your baby's health is to ensure your diabetes is controlled before you become pregnant. Ask your GP or diabetes specialist (diabetologist) for advice. You should be referred to a diabetic Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Gestational Diabetes
In every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called her background risk. This sheet talks about whether may increase the risk for birth defects over that background risk. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your health care provider. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin correctly. Insulin is a hormone in the blood that is necessary for providing our cells with energy to function. Insulin helps sugar (glucose) move from the bloodstream into the cells. When glucose cannot enter our cells, it builds up in the blood (hyperglycemia). These high sugar levels can lead to damage of organs like the eyes and kidneys, and damage blood vessels and nerves. There are different classes of diabetes. Some people have Type 2 diabetes (once called adult onset diabetes). This means that the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin is not able to work well. In contrast, people with Type 1 diabetes (once called juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) have a condition where the body does not produce any insulin at all. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin injections and close monitoring to control their blood sugar levels. I have diabetes and I am planning on getting pregnant. Is there anything I need to know? It is recommended that you speak with your health care providers before becoming pregnant. This will help determine the best plan of care to keep your blood glucose levels under control before and during pregnancy. A blood test called hemoglobin A1c (glycosated hemoglobin) can be done to estimate glucose control over the past 2-3 months. Ideally, this level should be within Continue reading >>
- Women in India with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Strategy (WINGS): Methodology and development of model of care for gestational diabetes mellitus (WINGS 4)
- Conjoint Associations of Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension With Diabetes, Hypertension, and Cardiovascular Disease in Parents: A Retrospective Cohort Study
- Does Gestational Diabetes always mean a Big Baby and Induction?
Gestational Diabetes
Overview Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. Any pregnancy complication is concerning, but there's good news. Expectant women can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can prevent a difficult birth and keep you and your baby healthy. In gestational diabetes, blood sugar usually returns to normal soon after delivery. But if you've had gestational diabetes, you're at risk for type 2 diabetes. You'll continue working with your health care team to monitor and manage your blood sugar. Symptoms For most women, gestational diabetes doesn't cause noticeable signs or symptoms. When to see a doctor If possible, seek health care early — when you first think about trying to get pregnant — so your doctor can evaluate your risk of gestational diabetes as part of your overall childbearing wellness plan. Once you're pregnant, your doctor will check you for gestational diabetes as part of your prenatal care. If you develop gestational diabetes, you may need more-frequent checkups. These are most likely to occur during the last three months of pregnancy, when your doctor will monitor your blood sugar level and your baby's health. Your doctor may refer you to additional health professionals who specialize in diabetes, such as an endocrinologist, a registered dietitian or a diabetes educator. They can help you learn to manage your blood sugar level during your pregnancy. To make sure your blood sugar level has returned to normal after your baby is born, your health care team wil Continue reading >>
- Women in India with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Strategy (WINGS): Methodology and development of model of care for gestational diabetes mellitus (WINGS 4)
- Leeds diabetes clinical champion raises awareness of gestational diabetes for World Diabetes Day
- Gestational Diabetes: The Overlooked Form of Diabetes
