Can A Woman Die From Gestational Diabetes

Can A Woman Die From Gestational Diabetes ?

Gestational diabetes, also known as glucose intolerance during pregnancy, is a form of carbohydrate intolerance that starts or gains recognition during pregnancy. In most cases it disappears after the child is born; but for some it leads to life long diabetes.

Most physicians recommend being tested for this form or diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks, regardless of the symptoms.

Many women do not experience symptoms of gestational diabetes until after the problem has been medically addressed. Symptoms include an excessive level of thirst, increase in urine output, weight loss, despite an increase in appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, frequent infections of the bladder, vagina and skin and blurry vision. While the symptoms are mild and do not pose a life threatening circumstance, increased glucose levels increase the risk for complications during childbirth including an enlarged size of the baby, jaundice, birth trauma and hypoglycemia. Although rare, sever gestational diabetes can lead to fetal death.

Gestational diabetes causes complications for the unborn baby rather than the mother. These complications include low glucose levels in the newborn, newborn illness, higher infant mortality rate, chances of developing diabetes later in life including juvenile diabetes.

This form of diabetes presents very little threat when treated. Coping skills like self education, physician assisted education and the right diet provide the best start for both mother and the baby. Self care is very important. Sticking to the recommended diet, monitoring glucose levels at home and learning to inject the appropriate amount of insulin are all small steps a woman can take to rectify the disease.

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Can A Woman Die From Gestational Diabetes