- Overview
Diabetes is an illness in which the blood sugar of individual increases. Blood glucose comes from the food we eat and it is what gives us the energy to continue with our daily activities. It is when the pancreas can not make insulin or when the body cannot make use of the insulin it creates.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and it helps the glucose from the food get into our cells and that’s how we get energy but sometimes the body cannot make use of that glucose which eventually stays in the blood. Too much glucose in the blood leads to health problems like diabetes.
There are many types of diabetes like:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
How can diabetes affect my baby?
As mentioned before, diabetes occurs due to an excess of glucose in the blood. A baby’s organs (the brain, lungs, kidney, heart) begin to form during the first 8 weeks of the pregnancy.
Extra blood glucose goes to the baby through the placenta and because of this, the baby’s pancreas would make extra insulin to remove the glucose, this would lead to more energy in the child. That extra energy would be stored as fat in the baby. Because they would have extra insulin, they would face the risk of obesity and may get type 2 diabetes when they grow.
Also, high blood sugar could cause the baby to be born with defects in his heart, spine, or brain. There are also increased chances of having a miscarriage. Diabetes and pregnancy can be a fatal combination.
How can my diabetes affect me during pregnancy?
Diabetes for pregnant women can be very worrying and dangerous for both, the mother and child. If you’re pregnant and you have diabetes then you would have to change your meals, medicines, physical activities, and all daily activities because everything would affect the baby
What health problems could I develop during pregnancy because of my diabetes?
Diabetes could cause complications such as kidney damage, skin conditions, foot damage, eye damage, nerve damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and much more. Having diabetes while you’re pregnant could worsen eye damage or kidney damage.
There are also chances of developing high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine – this is called preeclampsia. This can cause serious problems which could be fatal for the child and the mother.
How can I prepare for pregnancy if I have diabetes?
During pregnancy blood, sugar levels should be kept as close to normal as possible and it is vital to stay healthy. Getting routine check-ups, following a strict diabetes diet during pregnancy, being active physically, taking medicines on time and such things are mandatory to keep precautions. One shouldn’t drink alcohol and smoke during pregnancy also.
What do I need to know about blood glucose testing before and during pregnancy?
Glucose tests during pregnancy need to be taken to ensure that the sugar levels are normal and there is nothing to worry about.
There are 2 types of sugar tests during pregnancy:
- This is the one-step test
The patient would have to go to the lab for a 2-hour glucose tolerance test. The patient shouldn’t eat or drink anything other than water for 8 – 14 hours before the test. During the test, you would have to drink a glucose liquid. Before you drink and after every hour you will have your blood drawn to check your glucose level.
- This is the two-step test
In this sugar test, your blood would be drawn an hour after drinking the liquid with glucose in it. if it is too high then you would have to return 3 hours later to do the test. The patient shouldn’t eat or drink anything other than water for 8 – 14 hours before the test. Before you drink and after every hour you will have your blood drawn to check your glucose level. This will be done 3 times.
There are also many Glucose tests during pregnancy that one can do to take precautions and know that the health of mother and baby is normal.
Conclusion
Getting pregnant with diabetes can be difficult but it can still be blissful if proper care is taken. Sugar tests for pregnancy are vital as they help to prevent anything wrong from happening and help to detect any health issues early.
Recommended blood glucose for pregnant women with diabetes should be:
- 90 or less before meals, overnight, and when going to bed
- 130- 140 an hour after eating
- Less than 120, 2 hours after eating
The New life hospital Meera Multispeciality provides treatment for Obstetrics & Gynaecology, surgeries, laparoscopies, deliveries that have high risks, and much more. They provide top-quality medical services to pregnant women and help them to deliver healthy babies. The New life hospital Pune has a treatment for all your problems.