NEW! U.S. import rule changes and Labour Day (Sept 1, 2025) processing and shipping advisory.
Diabetes Articles
What is gestational diabetes?
The term gestational diabetes (GD) refers to diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Current estimates place between 3% to 25% of all pregnant women to be at risk for gestational diabetes, which has significant consequences for both the fetus and the mother. Many women also develop type 2 diabetes mellitus after GD, which further compounds the need to identify the risks associated with this disease. To date, there has been no causal link established between sugar consumption and the development of GD because sugar consumption plays close to no role in influencing insulin resistance, which is the key mechanism that establishes GD.
Risks of gestational diabetes
As a pregnancy progresses throughout the trimesters, insulin resistance tends to increase in mothers that have GD. High blood sugar levels occur when the insulin-producing pancreas can no longer compensate for the resistance. There are, however, a multitude of known risk factors, and these include being under the age of 25 years; a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus or previous gestational diabetes; race, with those of African heritage particularly at risk; being overweight; having hypertension; polycystic ovarian syndrome; and chronic steroid consumption. These risk factors are used for early detection in the assessment of pregnant mothers who are prone to GD. Tackling the presence of high blood sugar levels is crucial in the early stages of fetal development, so as to ensure the organs develop normally. As mentioned above, being overweight or obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 kg/m2 has significant bearing in predisposing pregnant women to suffer from GD.
One reason for the misconception that sugar causes GD may come from the fact that there may be excess carbohydrate intake in individuals with the disease. Excessive consumption of dessert foods, such as cake, cookies, and other confectionaries that tend to be major part of the diets of some obese individuals can lead to the false assumption that sugar and gestational diabetes have a causal link.
—
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
Diabetes, Type 2
Does Ozempic Cause Depression or Mood Changes?
Ozempic is best known as a medication for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for its role in weight management. Many patients are aware of its effects on blood sugar…
Diabetes, Type 2
Buy Glumetza from Canada: Tips for Lower Prescription Costs
Managing type 2 diabetes often means balancing not only your health but also your healthcare expenses. Medications such as Glumetza, an extended-release form of metformin, play a critical role in…
Diabetes, Type 2
Mounjaro Face: Why It Happens and What to Do
Weight loss medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are transforming the way people manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. While many celebrate the success of shedding pounds, some notice changes in their…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Lantus Insulin Cartridge: Simple, Steady Blood Sugar Control
Research shows that 8.4 million Americans rely on insulin to manage diabetes, and many are looking for ways to make treatment simpler. The Lantus insulin cartridge, designed for use with…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Insulin Pen vs Syringe: Pros, Cons, and Differences
If you have diabetes, taking insulin is part of your daily life. But one decision you might not expect is choosing between an insulin pen vs syringe. Both deliver the…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Common Toujeo Side Effects and Tips for Handling Them
According to the American Diabetes Association, 38.4 million Americans live with diabetes, and many rely on injectable treatments to help control blood sugar. Toujeo is one such option, offering long-lasting…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Toujeo Dosage: Complete Guide for Insulin Use
Managing insulin can feel overwhelming at first. Fortunately, this comprehensive Toujeo dosage guide simplifies the process by breaking it down into clear, easy-to-follow steps — helping you use this long-acting…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
How to Use Insulin Pen: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Taking insulin can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to diabetes care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 5.3 million U.S. adults…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies
How to Use Glucagon Injection Kit in an Emergency
Severe low blood sugar, or severe hypoglycemia, happens when blood glucose drops too low, cutting off the brain’s energy supply. This can cause shaking, confusion, seizures, or even loss of…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
What Is Toujeo Insulin and How Does It Work?
If you’ve been prescribed Toujeo insulin, it likely means you’re managing diabetes that needs steady, long-acting insulin to keep your blood sugar in check. This medication offers a steady and…
Diabetes, Diabetes Supplies,
Novorapid Insulin Cartridge: Your Daily Diabetes Ally
Managing diabetes effectively requires the right tools, knowledge, and routine. One key tool for many people with diabetes is Novorapid insulin, a fast-acting insulin used to help control blood sugar…
Diabetes, Weight Loss
Buy Zepbound Online – Mounjaro as an Alternative
Zepbound is the latest FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management, and it’s already making waves among those looking for effective, science-backed weight loss solutions. However, it’s not always easy to…