7th April is world health day and this year the day has been committed to raising awareness about diabetes which is on the increase all over the world. This year’s theme is “Beat Diabetes”
The burden of diabetes on women is unique and hard because the disease can affect both mothers and their unborn children.
Diabetes can cause difficulties during pregnancy such as a miscarriage or a baby born with birth defects. Women with diabetes are also more likely to have a heart attack, and at a younger age, than women without diabetes.
During pregnancy – usually around the 24th week – many women develop gestational diabetes. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn't mean that you had diabetes before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. But it's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding blood glucose the main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy.
Because gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby, you need to start treatment quickly.
Treatment for gestational diabetes aims to keep blood glucose. The food you eat gets digested and broken down into a sugar your body's cells can use. This glucose is one of the simplest forms of sugar levels equal to those of pregnant women who don't have gestational diabetes.
Treatment for gestational diabetes always includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity. It may also include daily blood glucose the main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. When the body cannot make enough insulin, it is taken by injection or through use of an insulin pump X injection.
Sticking with your treatment for gestational diabetes will give you a healthy pregnancy and birth and may help your baby avoid future poor health.