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.
PCOS and Diabetes
There are a lot of diseases known today that are being linked and associated with diabetes, and one of them is PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome. What is the connection…
Breakfast Ideas for Diabetics
Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. Aside from following your daily meal consumption, it gives you enough energy and strength for you to use the whole…
Sweet Potato and Diabetes
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be both overwhelming and challenging. Aside from observing your regular insulin medication, you also need to follow a strict and healthy meal plan every single…
Diabetes and Dizziness
What is Dizziness? Dizziness is defined as a sensation of spinning and losing balance. It can be identified by different ranges, such as being weak, unsteady, and woozy. The sensation…
Hypoglycemic Shock (Diabetic Shock): Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What is Hypoglycemic Shock? Also known as diabetic shock, the occurrence of hypoglycemia is described as the drop of blood sugar state into severely low levels. Although not considered as…
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
What is a diabetic foot ulcer? When diabetes becomes more complicated, foot ulcers can emerge. It refers to a type of skin sore that involves the loss of skin or…
Ketones in Urine During Pregnancy
What are Ketones? When the body begins its process of burning fat for energy use or consumption, chemicals are produced. These chemicals are known as ketones. The build-up of these…
Can Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes be Cured?
Diabetes is considered life-threatening, most especially if no proper medical care is given. Its symptoms are alleviated by means of different treatment options, but the condition itself has no cure.…
Insulin Vs. Metformin
Defining “Insulin” and “Metformin” Two of the major treatment options for diabetes are insulin injection and metformin medication. Both of these treatment choices are prescribed based on the needs of…
Insulin Allergic Reaction Symptoms
Insulin is a widely used medication for people with diabetes. It helps in regulating the blood sugar levels of people who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. It controls and…
Diabetes and Wound Healing
Overview For someone who has been experiencing an increase in their blood sugar levels or their incapacity to produce and use enough insulin, their condition is medically concerned as diabetes.…
Best Fruits for Diabetics
When you are diagnosed with diabetes, your eating habit will likely change. Aside from observing the right diet and appropriate menu for your daily food consumption, choosing the best fruit…