Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, are said to have gestational diabetes.Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnancies, making it one of the top health concerns related to pregnancy.What is the cause of gestational diabetes? While no-one really knows the true cause, there are some contributing factors that might increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. These factors include:* Obesity in the woman* A family history of diabetes* Older maternal age (over the age of 30).* Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.* A previous delivery of a large (greater than 9 pounds) baby .What are the risks of gestational diabetes? High sugar levels in your blood can be unhealthy for both you and your baby.If a woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a greater change of developing diabetes, but there is also some other risks involved, such as macrosomia, or a "fat" baby. Babies with macrosomia face health problems of their own, including damage to their shoulders during birth, or a higher risk for breathing problems.Treating gestational diabetes In most cases, gestational diabetes is managed by diet and exercise, and goes away after the baby is born. But because gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby, it is important to start treatment quickly. You should consult your doctor for special meal plans and scheduled physical activity.There is no need to panicWhile gestational diabetes is a cause for concern, the good news with the correct diet and exercise, you can keep your blood glucose levels under control, and give a healthy start for your baby.
About the Author:Andrew Palmer maintains the website diabetesweb.net, an informational website on all aspects of diabetes. For more information visit http://www.diabetesweb.net/

Six Simple Things You Can Do To Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that strikes more people every year. It also leads to severe complications such as heart problems, blindness, kidney trouble, and amputation of limbs. Diabetes has a genetic component that may make you more prone to the disease. It runs in families and women who have had gestational diabetes are at risk as well. Can we prevent or delay the onset of diabetes? Yes, there are some simple things you can do now that will allow you to avoid or delay this disease.1. Look at what you are eating. Eat smaller portions; you can make it look like more by using a smaller plate or a salad plate. Don’t snack while you are cooking. You probably don’t even realize how many calories you take in by snacking while cooking. Don’t be tempted to “clean up” the unfinished food to keep from throwing it away or storing it in the refrigerator. Eat breakfast every day, and make your meal and snack times regular by having them at the same time each day.2. Limit your meat, poultry, and fish intake to about three ounces a day. This is equal to about the size of a pack of cards. Another good tip is to listen to music instead of watching TV. If you are watching TV while you are eating, you are not aware of how much you are eating.3. Low salt broth is a good substitute for oil and butter. Drinking a full glass of water before eating will also help reduce your appetite. If you are eating at a fast-food place, try choosing the healthier foods, such as grilled chicken, salad instead of fries, or fruit instead of desserts or shakes. It isn’t necessary to deprive yourself of all your favorite foods, just cut down on portions and eat at regular times and choose healthier foods.4. Limit your desserts, and when eating out, have a good-sized vegetable salad to take the edge off your appetite. When you receive your entrée, either share it with your dinner companion, or ask for a take-home box immediately after receiving your meal. Have meals that have been stir fried, or make with a nonstick spray.5. Increase your physical activity! Yes, that means moving out of the chair and spending less time in front of the TV. There are small activities you can do to increase your physical activity. Turn the radio on and boogie while working on your household chores. Teach your kids how to dance the way you did when you were their age.6. If you are at work, instead of sending e-mail to your co-worker, walk over to their desk and deliver the message in person. Take walks; it’s a great way to keep up with your friends and an enjoyable, healthy way to take a break. Avoid the elevator and take the stairs as much as you are comfortable in doing that. One friend of mine marches in place during each commercial while she is watching TV. Don’t circle the parking lot looking for the closest parking spot, park as far out as you feel comfortable in walking. Not only will it increase your activity level, but it also may save your car from a few dings.By making of few simple changes like this in your life, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing and of course delay or prevent the onset of diabetes. Even if you can’t completely prevent diabetes, delaying it for a few years or more will go a long way in avoiding many of the long-term side effects of diabetes.
About the Author:For more information about diabetes, it’s treatment and prevention as well as some delicious diabetic recipes visit http://www.diabetesknowhow.com . For Information and tips on women’s health and beauty, visit http://www.healthandbeautyinfo.com .Read more articles by: Susanne Myers

Visit: Symptoms of diabetes mellitus

Foods To Be Avoided By Diabetic Patients

Certain foods tend to promote diabetes. Some others aggravate it, if the disease has already developed. These foods are white sugar, fats, meat and meat products, white flour, and excessive use of salt, tea and coffee. The harmful effects of these foods are many and should be carefully noted.There has been an enormous increase in the consumption of white sugar the world over. In tandem the sharp rise in the consumption of sugar, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence of diabetes. There is mounting evidence from any medical source that white sugar is extremely injurious to health. The heat and chemical process employed in sugar refining separate the mineral elements, protein and other substances from the sap, leaving nothing but pure sugar crystals bereft of minerals and the life-sustaining vitamins. A high incidence of diabetes occurs in persons eating too much sugar.White sugar has many disadvantages. It irritates the stomach and is difficult to digest. It is known as vitamin thief, high intake of white sugar can rob the body of vitamins available to it from other foods. Excessive use of white sugar leads to digestive system disorders and the development of diabetes. It is also associated with obesity.Dr. A.M. Cohen of Israel has identified excess consumption of white sugar as a contributory cause of diabetes along with hereditary predisposition. White sugar particularly increases the need for insulin.The critical aspect for people with diabetes is to keep an eye on their total carbohydrate intake rather than merely on the amount of sugar they consume. People with diabetes can and do eat sugar. In the body, sugar gets converted into glucose, and do other foods like a tomato sandwich, or a piece of cake, or a piece of bread, or a helping of potatoes. The rule with sugar is moderation. A moderate amount is safe, and this should be in substitution for other carbohydrates, and not in addition.

About the Author:Dr John Anne http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.comRead more articles by: Dr John Anne