Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin (a chemical that allows the body to digest sugar or glucose), or is unable to use the insulin it has (insulin resistance). When this happens, sugar or glucose accumulates in the bloodstream and throughout the body, causing damage to internal organs, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.

Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, is a milder form of diabetes. Generally, the blood glucose levels in gestational diabetes are only mildly elevated compared to overt diabetes and do not cause a problem for the mother. These mildly elevated glucose levels can, however, affect the baby. These problems can cause the baby to be oversized, which can lead to delivery problems and an increased need for C-sections. Occasionally stillbirth can occur. The baby can have problems after birth such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and jaundice. Childhood obesity and a predisposition to diabetes can also be a problem for the child.  -taken from the article, Gestational Diabetes by Brette McWhorter Sember

Some things I'm learning:

>Women over the age of 35 are twice as likely to develop GD.

>If you've been diagnosed with GD, you have a 50-60% chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

>Once you've received a GD diagnosis, you should be checked annually for Type 2.

>Women who have been diagnosed with GD have also been found to be deficient in Vit. D and Vit. C.

>The CDC reported a 61% increase among all women in the years 1991-2001

>The placenta releases hormones that hinder the action of insulin from the mother's pancreas.

>The insulin resistance in a pregnant mother can result in the need for 3x the amount of insulin normally needed to avoid hyperglycemia.

>The official recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for requiring insulin is 105 fasting.  There is controversy over whether this number should be lower. There is also controversy over the ill effects of overuse of insulin.

>Requirements for testing fasting numbers (the ones I'm struggling with) vary between caregivers. Some want numbers from 12 hours fasting, others only allow numbers from 8-9 hours fasting. Interesting.

>Standard of treatment is has no definded standard. Because there is much controversy surrounding GD, caregives may vary greatly on their approach to care. While some will want to keep numbers strictly low to protect from macrosomia, others will allow for more flexibility to protect from the unknown risks of overuse of insulin. (personal note: When you are working with 6 different caregivers, be prepared for a rough ride. Sigh.)

>Home monitors have an error range of plus or minus 10 mg/dl. I have seen crazy discrepencies in my own monitoring.  Because of these variations and the potential for misdiagnosis because of them, venous blood tests are often most reliable. (personal note: Remember this when next you want to fuss about the lab work the doc has ordered)

More to be added:


Sources:
Plus Sized Pregnancy - Gestational Diabetes: The Numbers Game
Home Remedy Central: Gestational Diabetes