Gestational Diabetes |
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DESCRIPTION
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Diabetes---the body's failure to convert sugar to energy---usually strikes people in their later years. However, some women are also liable to develop a temporary form of diabetes while carrying a baby. This type, which occurs in about 1 out of 25 pregnancies, has been labeled gestational diabetes. It occurs most frequently in the final 3 months before delivery. Like other forms of the disease, gestational diabetes is caused by either a shortage of the natural hormone insulin or the body's inability to use whatever insulin is available. When insulin fails to do its work, sugar builds up in the blood---and excess sugar can be very harmful to the baby. For this reason, it's essential to control your blood sugar level if you develop this disease. Although gestational diabetes usually goes away a few weeks after delivery, the problem may return later in life.
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CAUSES
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Hormones released by the placenta (the tissue in the uterus that connects mother and baby) tend to interfere with insulin. Gestational diabetes is more likely to result if you are overweight or over 30 years old, have had a previous stillborn delivery, or have a family history of diabetes. It's also more likely if the baby is unusually large (more than 9 pounds at birth).
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SYMPTOMS
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Hunger Thirst Frequent urination Blurred vision Excess weight gain during your pregnancy
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CARE
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Immediately If... If you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Quickly drink one-half to 1 cup of fruit juice or non-diet cola, or quickly eat some hard candy, sugar pills, or sweet syrup, then call 911 for help. Signs of hypoglycemia are: Blurred or double vision Confusion Fainting Hunger Quick heart rate Quick, shallow breathing Shaking Sweating If you have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): Take insulin based on your blood sugar level, then call your doctor immediately. If you cannot reach your doctor, have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Signs of hyperglycemia are: Abdominal pain Fast breathing "Fruity" smelling breath Headache Fast, weak pulse Nausea and vomiting Frequent urination Reddened, dry skin Sleepiness Thirst
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