Understanding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

For the majority of women, carrying a child is the greatest blessing one can ever experience. It is a joyous time for both expectant parents because it is a celebration of another life. Even though a lot of women go through discomforts while pregnant, these are quickly managed since most of these minor pains ease off typically right after the first trimester. Unluckily for a couple of women, pregnancy is considered a problematic time because of complications that need a whole lot of attention and consideration. And one particular common complication of pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM, also known as gestational diabetes in pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes mellitus is defined as glucose intolerance that affects pregnant women. It occurs in around 4 percent to 10 percent of women that are pregnant and often goes away after delivery. Women who are likely to suffer from GDM are the following: pregnant women who are obese, women who are 25 years and older, women who have history of GDM with previous pregnancies, history of giving birth to a big baby (usually 9 lbs. or more) and family history of type 2 diabetes.

The symptoms of gestational diabetes mellitus are usually ignored because they are confused with the normal discomforts of pregnancy. The most prevalent symptoms of gestational diabetes are: increased frequency of urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. However, there are tests available in order to know whether these symptoms are brought about by hormonal imbalances that normally occur during pregnancy or if these are already signs of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures the response of insulin to glucose loading. This type of procedure is typically done during the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. This gestational diabetes test necessitates the pregnant woman to fast at least eight hours before heading to the lab. Later on, she will be requested to consume a sweetened liquid with 50- to 200-g of sugar. A small amount of blood sample will then be extracted at .25, 1, 2 and 3 hours intervals. Gestational diabetes mellitus is confirmed if the 2-hr value is 200 mg/dL or greater.

Being healthy is always a priority when one is pregnant. It’s worthwhile to have regular checkups so that your doctor can keep track of your condition and try everything that’s possible to help you and your little one become satisfied and healthy.


By Health Tips