Gestational diabetes when does it go away

The signs of gestational diabetes usually begin around the 20—24th week of pregnancy in the second trimester. A doctor usually tests for the condition between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Excessive levels of glucose in the bloodstream could cause complications for the pregnant person and their unborn baby. This is why it is important that a doctor diagnoses gestational diabetes promptly to ensure blood glucose levels are kept stable. Gestational diabetes is a condition that makes a person resistant to insulin.

They still produce insulin, but that insulin is no longer effective at reducing blood sugar levels. Hormones released from the placenta interfere with how well insulin is able to store glucose in fat and muscle cells, so the level of glucose rises in the blood. All pregnant people will experience some insulin resistance during pregnancy. They are usually able to produce additional insulin to compensate for insulin resistance.

However, people with gestational diabetes do not produce enough insulin to overcome the state of insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes does not typically cause symptoms. But the condition may cause increased feelings of thirst and a person may notice they are needing to urinate more than usual. If anyone notices symptoms during pregnancy that are causing them concern, no matter how subtle, they should contact their doctor.

The goal of treatment is to manage blood glucose levels, usually through changes in lifestyle. After receiving a gestational diabetes diagnosis, a person should limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats altogether. A healthful diet for diabetes includes :.

Learn more about counting carbs here. If someone feels overwhelmed about making food choices after receiving a gestational diabetes diagnosis, they may find talking to a relevant healthcare professional helpful.

Learn more about healthful diets for gestational diabetes here. Regular physical activity is another important component of managing blood glucose levels. It is important a person speaks with their doctor before increasing physical activity, especially when they are pregnant.

These medications may include insulin. The key is to get your blood sugar levels under control as soon as you're diagnosed. While most women with gestational diabetes have no obvious symptoms, some experience extreme hunger, thirst, or fatigue. Since these symptoms are also common during typical pregnancies, Dr. Esakoff says it's essential to get proper screening. Tests include a 1-hour glucose tolerance test, and if it's positive, a follow-up 3-hour test to confirm the diagnosis.

Unless your doctor has restricted exercising, keeping active is important. It keeps you and the baby healthy and it minimizes weight gain—women who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

Esakoff also recommends consulting a diabetic nurse educator, dietitian, or doctor to find a way of eating that works for you. Any woman can develop gestational diabetes when she's pregnant, but you're at higher risk if you:. For most women, yes, but half the women who test positive for gestational diabetes have an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

All women with gestational diabetes should be screened at 6 weeks postpartum to determine if they actually have diabetes outside of pregnancy. That benefits her and the whole family," says Dr. Typically, your blood sugar will be checked several times before you are discharged from the hospital after giving birth, so that you can be sure your gestational diabetes has resolved. In 2 to 3 percent of women, diabetes continues after delivery.

All women should have their glucose checked at between six and eight weeks," advises Robert O. Depression after childbirth peaks at three to four months. We can't say that gestational diabetes causes postpartum depression , but studies indicate that the risks may be higher for these women," warns Linda Chaudron, MD, a psychiatrist at University of Rochester Medical Center in New York.

Some women will continue to have trouble with blood sugar after giving birth. If you are able to maintain a healthy weight, you have a much lower chance of developing gestational diabetes. Pregnancy can be a great opportunity to learn habits that will keep you healthy for many years to come.

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