Learn About Gestational Diabetes in WiRED’s New Module
BY OLIVIA SPIRITO
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ne in 20 pregnant women develops gestational diabetes, most commonly between 24-28 weeks. This type of diabetes typically goes away after the mother gives birth; however, type 2 diabetes can still develop in the mother’s and child’s future. Without prevention and treatment, gestational diabetes can affect the unborn child, who could develop macrosomia, hypoglycemia and jaundice and even have a higher chance of dying before or shortly after birth.
Protecting a baby’s life is the most important concern of pregnant mothers. Being aware of the symptoms of gestational diabetes can help prevent serious medical consequences during pregnancy and into the child’s future. WiRED International’s newly launched Gestational Diabetes Module offers an overview of the disease, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and consequences.
When women are pregnant, their hormones do not allow insulin to do its job. As a result, women’s bodies usually make more insulin to compensate. However, when the body does not make enough insulin, gestational diabetes develops. Some symptoms include feeling thirstier and hungrier than normal, losing weight, having sores that heal slowly, dry itchy skin and losing feeling in the hands and feet.
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The only way to diagnose whether the mother has gestational diabetes is through a blood test. If the mother tests positive, that means this disease could also impact the fetus. For that reason, other tests are run to determine the baby’s health. These examinations include ultrasounds, stress tests and counting the kicks of the baby. To help manage this type of diabetes during pregnancy, mothers should eat healthy meals, engage in physical activity, keep track of glucose levels and, if necessary, take insulin to keep their levels healthy.
The Gestational Diabetes Module is one of 14 health education courses in WiRED’s Diabetes Series. The series modules span all aspects of diabetes through an overview, and they include separate guides for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers, and courses on healthy eating, physical activity and how to keep the body healthy.
WiRED believes health education and knowledge are important to everyone, especially to people in underserved populations.
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