Pregnancy and Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of hyperglycemia that develops during pregnancy. It may cause the child to die before birth, and make the child grow so big that delivery may be difficult.
Prenatal screening is used to determine gestational diabetes rather than patient complaints of symptoms.
- Can be gestational diabetes (develops during pregnancy) or pre-existing diabetes (type 1 or 2).
- Increases risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia in the mother.
- May lead to excessive birth weight (macrosomia), causing delivery complications.
- Higher chance of preterm birth or cesarean section.
- Baby may experience low blood sugar or breathing difficulties after birth.
- Increases the child’s risk of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin or medication.
- Regular prenatal checkups and blood sugar monitoring are crucial.
Diabetic neuropathy
Persistent increase in blood glucose levels can damage nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy. This condition is common to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Nerve damage numbs some parts of the body, especially the feet, causing loss of sensation and sometimes pain. People who lose sensation are most likely to get ulcers on their feet, which, if not detected early, can lead to foot amputation.
However, you can reduce your risk of developing nerve damage by keeping your blood sugar level at your target range or as close to normal as possible and practicing careful foot care.
Final words
Millions of people in Africa have diabetes, and many more millions are set to have the disease. Many people do not know their diabetes status because they do not check their blood sugar levels regularly and because diabetes symptoms do not appear early. You can protect yourself by adjusting your diet and lifestyle.
