Signs Of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that will occur among women who do not otherwise non-diabetic; but display symptoms of diabetes when they’re pregnant. Almost 3% to 6% of all pregnant women are known to get affected by this condition. It is usually known to begin during the 5th or 6th month of the pregnancy term; and the symptoms will eventually die out post the delivery.

What Really Happens?

When it comes to gestational diabetes, the woman’s body will produce the required amount of insulin that she needs. However, the effect of this insulin will end up getting partially blocked by a number of hormones that are produced in the placenta. The placenta is that organ which will help in providing the baby with nourishment while it is still developing inside the mother. While the placenta grows, quite a few more hormones will be produced and they will cause for higher rates of insulin resistance. In the case of most women, the pancreas will go into overdrive and produce higher levels of insulin to make up for these insulin resisting hormones. However, when there arise cases of the pancreas pushing itself to create as much insulin as it can, and yet not overcoming the results of the hormones, gestational diabetes will occur.

Signs of Gestational Diabetes:

Most women are not going to display symptoms or signs of gestational diabetes; and it is because of this fact that they will hardly ever be able to self-diagnose the condition. Here are some of the common signs of gestational diabetes that a pregnant woman or family member should look out for –

Excessive amounts of weight gain – During pregnancy, it is normal to undergo a reasonable amount of weight gain. However, any weight gain that goes beyond the range of the normal weight gain should be a cause of concern. The doctor might want to put you on a gestational diabetes test if this happens.

Excessive Hunger:

Women who have gestational diabetes will usually suffer from unusual hunger pangs. The body will then be rendered unable to provide for the required amount of glucose that the body needs; and this will cause for lowered levels of energy. Due to this phenomenon, the body will constantly crave for foods that are high on calories.

Excessive Thirst:

Dry mouth, excessive thirst and frequent trips to the bathroom; all of these are indicators of the fact that gestational diabetes is a possibility.

Fatigue:

Pregnant women get tired very easily. This is generally the case because the body is going to be working around the clock. However, if you feel like you want to collapse after walking around for a few minutes; then try and blame gestational diabetes. Get a testing done.