Gestational Diabetes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gestational Diabetes - Research Paper Example Fetal and neonatal problems that are linked with GD mainly include amplified risk for miscarriage, stillbirth and macrosomia. A regular check and a good meal plan together with physical activity can help pregnant women with GD to have healthy babies. GESTATIONAL DIABETES INTRODUCTION Gestational Diabetes (GD) as the name suggests refers to the diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is a serious problem that can be detrimental for both mother and child if not checked regularly. The high blood sugar during pregnancy is mainly linked to the hormonal changes that inhibit the production of insulin. Statistics suggest that about 4 % of all pregnant women have GD. According to the statistical data, in every 100 pregnancy in US, 3 to 8 women get GD that is type-2 diabetes. It is anticipated that about 135,000 cases of GD take place in the US annually (Diabetesinformationhub.com, 2011). Though it is a common problem it is important to keep a check on the blood glucose level because an incr eased glucose level can result in deformities in the baby. In general the fetal and neonatal problems that are linked with GD mainly include amplified risk for miscarriage, stillbirth and macrosomia (Big baby). A regular check and a good meal plan together with physical activity and proper medication can help pregnant women with GD to have healthy babies. ... The main hormones that are responsible in development of placenta during pregnancy are involved in blocking the activity of insulin in the body. In other words the insulin become resistant and does not function normally during pregnancy. Additionally, studies point out that during pregnancy the need of insulin production is about 3 times when compared to normal period. For instance, a mother may require up to three times more insulin for the conversion of glucose to the energy. The need for energy is very high during pregnancy. When body is unable to use insulin due to insulin resistance GD develops. If the high blood glucose level is not kept under check it may lead to hyperglycemia which is dangerous for both mother and child. GD does not usually start until halfway of the pregnancy. It is a common practice to during pregnancy between the 24th and 28th week to receive an oral glucose tolerance test to screen for GD. Women who have risk factors for gestational diabetes may have this test earlier in the pregnancy. Further, the symptoms of GD include blurred vision, fatigue, increased thirst, increased urination, infections in the bladder, vagina and skin, nausea and vomiting and also weight loss in spite of increased appetite (NCBI, 2010). The high risk for GD include the age factor, family history, GD in earlier pregnancies, high urine sugar, high blood pressure, increased amniotic fluid, earlier cases of miscarriages and stillbirths, and also overweight or obese before pregnancy. Chances of GD are high in case the woman is older than 25 years when pregnant. Additionally if the blood relations such as father, mother or siblings of the woman have a history of diabetes, then the chances