Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes which starts during pregnancy, usually detected in the 2nd trimester.

An estimated 3-4% of pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes each year.

The cause of GD is an increase in insulin resistance in the expectant mother.

It was found that the placenta, while supporting the baby's growth and development, produces hormones that also affect and somehow hinder the action of insulin from the mother's pancreas.

This now leads to an increased amount (up to 3x more) of insulin needed by the mother to control her blood sugar level. With less amount of insulin in action, the mother starts to have high blood sugar, termed as "hyperglycemia".

Hyperglycemia can affect the baby in a number of ways. High blood sugar in the mother makes the pancreas work harder in producing insulin. Although this insulin does not reach the baby, the sugar does.

The excess blood glucose reaches the baby thru the placenta. The baby in the womb now has high blood sugar as well, causing its own pancreas to produce more insulin.

This sugar is then converted to energy that is used by the baby to grow and develop but since there's an excess, the extra energy becomes stored as fat.

This now results in macrosomia, or a "big" baby. Babies with macrosomia are prone to shoulder damage during delivery.

They may also suffer from hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels after birth because their pancreas is overproducing insulin to counteract the hyperglycemia while in the womb.

After delivery, the baby is disconnected from the source of the glucose while still having a high level of insulin in the blood resulting to hypoglycemia.

This condition may even cause death.

Breathing problems may be another concern. As children, they are at risk for obesity. As adults, they are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes can predispose the mother to high blood pressure which can lead to preeclampsia.

The good news is that it usually resolves after pregnancy.

However, mothers are likely to develop this disease again in future pregnancies.

Type 2 diabetes may also arise after some time.

Natural Cures for Gestational Diabetes:

Diet:

Eating a well balanced diet is a simple home remedy to prevent and to get rid of GD.

Watch out for too much sweets and cakes.

Better to include in your diet are foods containing natural sugars such as fruits and vegetables instead of those with simple sugars found in candies, chocolates, ice cream and cookies.

Exercise:

Regular exercise or physical activity (allowed by your obstetrician) lets the body use up glucose for conversion to energy.

This is also a natural cure for hyperglycemia because your muscles can absorb glucose even without insulin.

Therefore, your blood glucose levels are lowered after moderate exercise. Insulin resistance is also reduced.

Herbal Supplements:

One of the most widely used natural cures consists of Momordica charantia, commonly known as Ampalaya, which is a proven effective herbal medicine for diabetes.

It contains flavonoids and alkaloids which stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin, allowing better control of blood sugar levels.

Extracts from ampalaya leaves are taken orally.

One spoonful a day is the current recommendation. A

s an added bonus, ampalaya is also a good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folate, phosphorus and calcium, all of which are beneficial to pregnant women.

Insulin:

Important treatment includes the use of insulin for those with blood sugar levels that cannot be controlled by the home remedies mentioned.

You should understand that oral hypoglycemics, or the antidiabetic medications, are contraindicated in pregnant women so only insulin is used.

Your physician will determine the appropriate dosage, interval and proper administration of the medication so regular pre-natal follow-ups are necessary.