World Diabetes Day: Tips On How Pregnant Women With Diabetes Can Stay Safe

Diabetes is one of the most common health problems today. When a person suffers from diabetes, their blood sugar level increases way more than the normal blood sugar level. This further leads to problems in the functioning of any of the body parts of the patient. Especially among women, diabetes leads to 'infertility' problems. Diabetes can make it really difficult for women to conceive a baby. Medical experts say that if the woman is suffering from diabetes and her diabetes is not in control then many problems can arise for both the mother and pregnant infant. This can cause miscarriage too.

What Do Experts Say?

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day (November 14th), Indira IVF Hospital's gynecologist and IVF specialist doctor Dr. Sagarika Agrawal said, "In our country, this disease is caused due to excess fat consumption, genetic and fats in internal organs. After giving glucose to pregnant women, OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) is done and this helps in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes."

She added, "This test is usually done between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, after two weeks, the sugar test is done again. It was found that during this period, 10 percent of women did not recover gestational diabetes. Disease control is done by giving insulin, and by doing so, their infant can be saved from the danger of this disease. "

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Diabetes In Pregnancy

Dr. Sagarika said, "In the type one diabetes, the level of insulin is reduced and type 2 has insulin resistance. The patient needs to take insulin injections in both cases. These injections help in keeping the glucose level of the body normal. Pregnancy requires a minimum level of insulin and in the case of type one diabetes, cells producing insulin are destroyed. Usually, the mother and the child are in danger during this time. It has a negative effect on the health of both."

She also said that on the other hand, in type 2 diabetes the body is unable to maintain the normal glucose level as the body does not have enough insulin to form. Diet can be changed to cope with this situation and regular insulin levels can be made normal by exercising regularly.

Preventing Diabetes

Dr. Sagarika said that most women in the 12th week of pregnancy need to consume 300 extra calories every day. At the same time, the quantity of protein has to be increased. Keeping yourself active is very important during this time. Cardiovascular exercises such as hydrotherapy, walking or cycling help to stay fit during this time, but be sure to consult a doctor before starting any activity. During this time, avoid sitting or lying down for long periods.

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