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.
Probiotics and Type 2 Diabetes: A Promising Partnership for Better Health
Discover how probiotics may help manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and improve your overall well-being.Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by high blood…
Metformin: Combating Inflammation in Multiple Organ Systems-An Overview
Discover how a common diabetes medication is showing promise against inflammation-driven diseases.Introduction: More Than Just a Diabetes DrugMetformin, a medication that has been prescribed for over 50 years, is widely…
Geographical Analysis of Diabetes Prevalence and Insulin Demand in the U.S.
Diabetes has become a major public health challenge in the United States, affecting millions of individuals across all regions. The disease’s prevalence varies significantly by state, influenced by lifestyle, genetics,…
New Data Proving Metformin is Healthy for the Heart in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects millions of people worldwide and significantly increases the risk of heart disease. While managing blood sugar levels is crucial, recent research suggests that some…
Pioglitazone: A Promising Ally Against Sepsis in Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Understanding Sepsis and Its Impact on Diabetic PatientsSepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. It’s a…
Understanding Mechanistically How Pioglitazone Can Help Combat Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the global population. Closely linked to obesity and insulin resistance, NAFLD can progress to more…
How an Old Diabetes Drug – Pioglitazone Shows Promise in Fighting Leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects thousands of people worldwide. Traditional treatments often come with severe side effects, especially for…
Pioglitazone: A Potential Future Use for Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Heart Failure
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and life-threatening condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs. This increased pressure puts a significant strain on…
Prescription Policies and Their Impact on Diabetes Management in the U.S.
Managing diabetes effectively relies not only on access to medications like insulin but also on the framework of policies that govern their prescription and distribution. These policies directly influence whether…
Summary of Key Findings on the Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Pioglitazone in Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health concern, often resulting from accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Each year, millions of people worldwide suffer from TBIs, leading to long-term…
Pioglitazone: Beneficial for Everything Including Heart Failure?
Pioglitazone is a medication that has been used since 1985 to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As an insulin sensitizer in the thiazolidinedione (TZD) class, it helps control blood…
Understanding Insulin Pricing: A State-by-State Comparison in the U.S.
The cost of insulin remains a critical concern for many Americans living with diabetes. Insulin pricing varies significantly across states, influenced by factors like healthcare policies, insurance coverage, and local…