Carrying a life inside the womb for nine months is probably the most wonderful experience any woman could ever have. In this stage called "pregnancy," it is very important for an expectant mother to pay attention to good nutrition because this is very vital for her and her baby's health. Pregnancy for regular women is complicated as it is, how much more for women who are suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes?
During the course of the pregnancy, the mother and the baby need all the energy and nutrients they can get. Pregnancy is indeed not the time to lose weight or go on a diet because having a nutritionally sound diet can increase the chances for the baby to have a normal birth weight, proper brain development, and reduce the risk of certain birth defects. All these and more should be of topmost consideration for pregnant women who have diabetes.
What you need to know
Diabetes has three types, the "type 1 diabetes" which is the least common type but predominantly diagnosed among kids and teens, the "type diabetes" which is the most common to all ages and the "gestational diabetes" which are common for women once they get pregnant. It can be said that among these three types of diabetes, "gestational diabetes" is the easiest to deal with because it usually ends once the woman gives birth. However, this is not always the case because there are also those that continue to suffer from the disease that can lead to "type 2 diabetes" if not monitored and given proper medical attention immediately.
Although almost pregnant women are expected to suffer from gestational diabetes at one point during their pregnancy, there are also those who suffer from it even before they conceive. In this scenario, dealing with diabetes can be harder and much more complicated. But now, with the help of modern technology and advances in the field of medical research, pregnancy for women who are diabetics is fairly easier and lesser risk when it comes to the overall health of the baby and the mother as well.
First things first
For women who are diagnosed with diabetes, getting pregnant should be an utmost decision to make. This is because it will greatly determine not just the baby's health but the woman's overall health condition as well. For women who are planning to get pregnant despite suffering from diabetes, the major consideration to ponder on is the readiness of the woman's body. This is very important to ensure that the woman can meet all the challenges and difficulties that goes with pregnancy.
To know if the woman's body is ready for pregnancy despite diabetes, she should undergo a thorough physical examination administered by a licensed physician. This is very important because the physician can tell if the body is ready for the demands of pregnancy and labor and the possible complications that might occur along the way.
Experts say that pregnant women who have diabetes will most likely develop related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, kidney disease, autonomic neuropathy or nerve damage to the internal organs, and cardiovascular diseases.
What you can do
With proper daily management, many women were able to have successful deliveries. The following are just some of the things that helped them along the way:
- frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG);
- administering insulin injections and identifying how to adjust the doses depending on results of their SMBG;
- controlling and treatment of hypoglycemia;
- maintaining an appropriate level of regular exercise or physical activities; and an
- appropriate meal plan specially designed for women who have diabetes.
With obesity levels being at an all time high, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, and will only get worse.
Between 2001 and 2002, the diagnosis of diabetes went from 5.5 percent of Americans to an alarming 6.5 percent. In just one year!
Overall, twelve million Americans have been diagnosed and another 5 million Americans have diabetes and don’t know it. And yet another 12 millions are on their way to type 2diabetes because of impaired glucose levels.
Not knowing is the worst because risks of untreated diabetes puts us at a terrible risk of complications
including but not limited to blindness, amputations and ultimately death.
The stickler is, that type 2 diabetes is almost completely preventable. Doctor’s say eat less, eat better and exercise. The numbers show just how many Americans are currently overweight.
Statistically, people are now living longer, and it has been on the rise for years. But this will not continue if type 2 diabetes is not put under control.
We are a gluttonous society and ultimately it is affecting how we live and how long we live.
And unfortunately, the diabetes epidemic is not just a US problem. It is spreading worldwide with epidemic reports in Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.
It is estimated that by 2025, the number of diabetics worldwide will rise to 380 million. And diabetes is now affecting more of the young and middle-aged population in developing countries between the ages of 40 and 59.
Diabetes Mellitus is also simply known as diabetes. It is the disease characterized by a malfunctioning metabolism and a high blood sugar level.
The result can be low levels of insulin or abnormal insulin resistance. This mixed with inadequate levels of insulin secretion results in diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased urine production, excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, and
excessive thirst and weight loss. These symptoms though may not be present in those people with only mildly elevated sugar levels.
Diabetes mellitus includes type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, which occur only during pregnancy. Each type has a different cause and different severity of symptoms.
But all forms of diabetes are dangerous if not treated. With proper management though, people with diabetes can live a long, healthy, normal life.
The main cause of type 1 diabetes mellitus is the loss of insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This ultimately leads to an insulin deficiency.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is typically found in children and young adults. It is also termed juvenile diabetes. The common treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus is daily insulin injections to replace the insulin the body is not producing properly, along with careful blood glucose monitoring.
Without careful monitoring and treatment, complications from diabetes could include loss of limps such as arms, legs and feet, blindness and diabetic comas, which can be fatal.
It is extremely important that if you suspect you or your child to have symptoms of diabetes, that you visit your doctor to be tested. If the tests are positive it is not the end of the world. With careful monitoring and care, type 1 diabetics can live long healthy lives.
