This is a type of diabetes which women develop during their pregnancy. It has been estimated that nearly 2-10% of women develop this condition. The condition is said to occur due to the massive hormonal changes occurring in the body. These hormones wreak havoc on the body and make the body less responsive to insulin.
As a result your body is not able to effectively metabolize the sugar. The pancreas cannot produce or secrete insulin when the person ingests high amounts of sugar. This causes blood sugar levels to spiral out of control and causes gestational diabetes. There are some risk factors and causes that are associated with gestational diabetes. Here are some of them.
Causes Of Gestational Diabetes
Previous History Of Gestational Diabetes
If you have had gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancy, the chances of your developing gestational diabetes in your next pregnancy are very high. It predisposes you to developing gestational diabetes in your next pregnancy. Of course with correct diet and lifestyle practices, the recurrence can be minimized.
If you are overweight or obese, the chances of you developing gestational diabetes automatically increase. Obesity combined with enhanced weight gain during pregnancy can cause temporary insulin resistance in the body as your body copes with the massive influx of sugar. The effect of hormones can compound this problem.
Family History Of Diabetes
Having a strong family history of diabetes means that you have to be extra cautious and mindful of developing the condition in your next pregnancy. A family history automatically puts you in the high risk zone. Most of us already know that diabetes is an inherited condition with the disease running rampant within the same family.
Over The Age Of 35
If you are over the age of 35, your chances of becoming gestational diabetic multiply.This is largely to do with the development of complications during pregnancies, weight gain and high blood pressure which lead to the problem.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
A glucose screening test is often done in the 5th month of pregnancy. This is done as a regular screening procedure to check for high blood sugar levels.
Impaired glucose tolerance detected during this screening procedure means that you could have developed the condition or are in the high risk zone. The blood sugar levels may be high but not high enough to come in the category of gestational diabetes. At the same time, the woman may have to take necessary precautions to prevent it from becoming full blown gestational diabetes.
Giving Birth To Large Babies
Research has indicated that women who previously gave birth to large babies who weighed heavier than 8 pounds are more at risk for developing gestational diabetes. This somehow indicates moderate levels of glucose intolerance which often gets manifested in large babies being born.
It has also been seen that poor eating habits, excessive weight gain during pregnancy can all lead to the sudden development of gestational diabetes. Keeping a strict watch over weight gain and exercising portion control along with sound eating habits can greatly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.