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What
is Gestational Diabetes
by Alexander
Thomas
Gestational Diabetes is a rare form of Diabetes that affects a
small percentage of pregnant women. This can be a frightening
experience for a mother-to-be when she first learns of her condition.
The expectant mother's level of physical awareness is already
at its' peak so when she later learns of her Gestational Diabetes
condition, this make cause her significant anxiety.
How
Is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?
Most
OB/GYN doctors will require that the pregnant woman be tested
for gestational diabetes at or around the 24th week of
pregnancy. At this time there are a number of hormonal changes
in the body which can bring about insulin resistance, especially
the hormones that are produced by the placenta itself. At the
same time, the fetus will have increased demands for insulin which
brings up the total requirement to up to three times the normal
quantity. If the insulin required is not available in the body
or from external sources, the sugar remains in the blood. This
is called as gestational diabetes.
Once
gestational diabetes is diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe a
strict regimen of general exercise and a moderated gestational
diabetes diet plan which will help both the pregnant mother and
the baby stay away from any dangers caused by the disease. When
treated through moderation and close patient care, the pregnant
mother and unborn child should not suffer ill effects.
The
diet is one of the most important tools in fighting diabetes.
It has been observed through a number of medical research studies
that a well-designed and carefully prescribed gestational diabetes
diet plan can be the key ingredient to successfully treating the
disease. A mother-to-be will asked to pay strict attention to
the type and quantity of carbohydrates she ingests. Along with
general proteins, complex carbohydrates will be stressed over
the simple type and foods lower on the glycemic index scale are
considered the optimal choice for the gestational diabetes diet
plan.
Besides
following a balanced and carefully designed gestational diabetes
diet plan the pregnant mother should try to break her daily food
intake into more numerous smaller meals to give the pancreas sufficient
time to break down the sugar in the blood before the next batch
is sent. A pregnant woman will need a higher dose of glucose in
the blood to nurture the growing baby and with moderated more
frequent food ingestion, the pancreas is given sufficient time
to break down the ingested sugar, calories, and fat.
Through
continuous and simple blood sugar monitoring, regular exercise
and a structured diet plan, an expectant mother should
be able to lead a normal pregnancy. Paying particular attention
to the foods she eats and keying on those that are low in the
glycemic index will be the chief factors to success.
About The Author: Alexander Thomas is a respected author and contributor
to Diabetes-Assoc.org - (http://www.diabetes-assoc.org),
a leading authority and resource directory for information on
Diabetes on the internet.
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