With gestational diabetes in pregnant women, the metabolism of carbohydrates is disturbed, the level of sugar in the blood rises. Gestational diabetes adversely affects the condition of the mother and fetus, therefore, the blood sugar level of a pregnant woman requires constant medical monitoring.
Sugar enters the body of a pregnant woman from carbohydrate-containing foods. With a reduction in carbohydrate intake, glucose is released from the liver, which is necessary for the life of the pregnant woman's body. For glucose to enter the blood, the hormone insulin is needed, which is produced by the pancreas. If it is not enough, then the cells do not have enough glucose.
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, the action of hormones can partially block the production of insulin, which causes the pancreas to release more insulin. With a lack of insulin, gestational diabetes occurs.
The causes of gestational diabetes in pregnant women can vary. Among the risk factors are overweight, heredity, age over 25 years, large fetal weight in history, recurrent miscarriage, stillbirth, polyhydramnios, fetal malformations in previous pregnancies.
Gestational diabetes is measured by fasting blood sugar. With its high value, pregnant women are assigned a special test with a glucose load. Normal blood sugar levels in pregnant women on an empty stomach are 4-5.2 mmol / L, which is significantly lower than in non-pregnant women.
High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to complications. Among them: a large fetus, underdevelopment of the internal organs of the baby, hypoglycemia.
Women with gestational diabetes have a high risk of gestosis (high blood pressure, edema, impaired renal function and cerebral circulation), urinary tract infections, and premature delivery.
For the prevention of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women, the doctor prescribes a special diet, women at risk need to reduce the consumption of sweets, fatty, starch. Exercise is recommended. If the condition worsens, insulin therapy is performed.
