Expectant mothers are careful to take any and all precautions to ensure optimum health for themselves, and their babies. Some medical conditions, including diabetes, can pose particular concern for both mother and child. It can, however, be successfully moderated and treated.

The American Association of Diabetes indicates that there are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Children and adolescents are most commonly afflicted with Type I diabetes, while Type II is often indicated in overweight adults. Some types of diabetes are directly related to certain genetic problems.

Another type of diabetes is of particular importance to pregnant women. Can a woman develop diabetes during pregnancy? Does a woman with diabetes need to take extra care during pregnancy? Is there a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy?

Your healthcare provider can answer all of these important questions. There are particular considerations for a woman with diabetes to take into account before becoming pregnant. When a diabetic woman carries a child, she needs to appreciate the risks associated with having the disease. The pregnancy must be treated with a great deal of discipline.

Developing Gestational Diabetes

Aside from Type I and Type II diabetes, mothers who wish to have a baby must be aware that there is another possibility for acquiring diabetes. This condition, known as gestational diabetes, is developed during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this type of diabetes will disappear after the birth of the child, the mother will face a higher probability of acquiring Type II diabetes later in life.

There is indeed a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy, and expectant mothers must be very careful about this condition. The body resists the assimilation of insulation, making this condition similar to Type II diabetes. The symptoms, however, are a bit different than those presented by the typical Type II diabetic.

Women who develop gestational diabetes may notice unusually high weight gain. This excess weight is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood and, as a result, an increase in fetal urination. It's important for expectant mothers to be tested during the 24th to 28th weeks of gestation to ensure that they have not acquired gestational diabetes.

Only 2 percent to 3 percent of women acquire gestational diabetes, making the conditional relatively rare. Still, there are certain factors that can increase the risk:

* Age (older women face an increased risk)

* Weight (overweight women are more likely to develop the condition)

* Genetic history of Type II diabetes

* Racial/Ethnic background

* Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

* Prior birth of a child weighing nine pounds or more

If you show one or more of these potential risks, speak with your doctor about the possibility of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Studies suggest that as many as 40 percent of women suffering gestational diabetes went on to develop Type II diabetes 5 to 10 years after pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid contracting Type II diabetes later in life. While many Type II diabetics lead normal lives, it's best to avoid it.

Gestational diabetes poses a certain degree of risk to expectant mothers, but it can be controlled. Talk to your obstetrician or healthcare provider to learn more about the causes, preventions and treatments. It's one more way to ensure the health of you, and your baby.

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