It is best to understand what diabetes means in order for us to know how important the treatment for gestational diabetes is. Diabetes is a kind of disease wherein the pancreas isn’t capable of releasing insulin. It also occurs when the pancreas is not able to make use of insulin properly. By gestation we mean the duration of time from conceiving until the day of birth. Gestational diabetes will therefore mean having diabetes while pregnant.
As we take in food, carbohydrates are digested and broken down by our digestive system into glucose or sugar. This sugar goes into our bloodstream through the hormone called insulin which is released by the pancreas. This is the normal function of sugar and insulin in our body. In a diabetic person, however, it isn’t the case just like what happens with gestational diabetes. The flow of insulin inside a mother’s body is blocked by different kinds of hormones namely: prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and lastly human placental lactogen. This condition of being resistant to insulin usually takes place at approximately around 20 to 28 weeks into the period of gestation. The number of these hormones jamming the insulin increases while the placenta grows. No matter how much the pancreas tries to produce the needed amount of insulin, if it still cannot equate the number of the blocking hormones, gestational diabetes takes place.
What is the possible treatment for gestational diabetes? A pregnant mother must be monitored every so often by her doctor during her entire pregnancy as gestational diabetes will have an effect both on the mother and her unborn child. Once positively diagnosed with this condition, the mother would have to be mindful of what she eats. This is because her diet must help keep the blood glucose level at normal levels of about 60 to 120 mg/dl. The level of blood sugar is closely monitored from time to time. There are even cases when injected doses of insulin are necessary.
The treatment for gestational diabetes also includes regular exercise all of which will be properly recommended by her attending doctor. Mothers are being encouraged to do daily exercises according to her capability and as regulated by the doctor. No strenuous activities are permitted. Exercises are introduced gradually so as to avoid fatigue. In as much as weight is a careful consideration, the doctor will also give her a diet plan which she should follow by heart.
Definitely, foods that are high in sugar content are not allowed. The diet must be rich in fiber. She should eat a lot of whole grain breads and cereals, fresh vegetables especially green and leafy ones and fresh fruits. Artificial fruit juices and sodas should also be avoided since they are full of simple sugars. Potatoes, pastas, rice, dried beans, crackers and peas would be nutritious. Saturated fats should also be avoided such as fats from meat and poultry, bacon and butter. Lean meat is okay.
Following the doctor’s advice is the only way to overcome gestational diabetes.
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