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Illness
Gestational diabetes is any dysfunction of the sugar
metabolism that occurs during pregnancy for the first time
and is usually temporary.
It is characterized by raised blood sugar values. Although gestational
diabetes occurs only in 1-5% of all
pregnancies, it is the most common metabolic dysfunction during these
nine months.
Risks for the child
Since sugar is a very
small molecule, it passes through the placenta without any problems, which
leads to an overfed, i.e. above
average big and fat child ("giant baby") with a belowaverage
maturity of its
organs and a higher susceptibilty to disease.
The placenta is only supplied with an inferior amount of
blood, which can cause a sudden deficiency in nutrients for the child, which
at worst leads to the death of the child whilst still in the womb.
In
the first few days after the birth these "giant babies" are subject
to a higher risk of hypoglycemia, convulsions, jaundice
and acclimatisation problems of the respiratory system.
Untreated gestational diabetes is the most
common cause of the death of a newborn child within its first days
of life!
Risks for the mother
Urinary tract and vaginal infections occur
frequently, as well as hypertension (high blood pressure). The
above average size of the child often leads to mechanical birth
methods.
Diabetic test
In our practice we offer all pregnant women between the 24th
and 28th week of pregnancy the diabetes test recommended by the German
Diabetic Society.
A selective blood sugar measurement is carried out 1 hour after
drinking a special sugar solution.
Useful Links:
http://www.gestationsdiabetes-suederelbe.de/
http://www.deutsche-diabetes-gesellschaft.de
http://www.diabetesstiftung.de/
http://www.diabeticus.com/infos/schwanger.html
http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/diabetes/pregnancy_main.asp
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