Syrupy Facts
• The probable cause for this form of diabetes
is the placental hormones that temporarily cause
a change in the way insulin functions
• Some pregnant women are not able to produce
sufficient amount of insulin to keep the blood
sugar at safe levels, and therefore are at risk
of developing complications.
• The glucose test is a 2-step procedure
with the first being a screening test and the
second (glucose tolerance test) being used to
diagnose the problem.
• It is normally carried out between weeks
24-28, and performed earlier if there is a family
history of diabetes or your routine urine test
shows higher than normal glucose level
• Glucose screening test is performed to
detect the rate your body metabolizes blood sugar
or glucose. A high level of more than 150 mg (and
less than 200 mg) calls for the diagnostic test
to be performed.
• A simple test, there are no risks or pain
involved, apart from the possible nausea and vomiting
after drinking the syrup (more likely during the
diagnostic test since the solution is more concentrated
or in a higher volume).
• Gestational diabetes is a temporary problem
that goes away after the baby is born, though
a test at the 6th week postpartum will be necessary
just to be sure you do not have type 2 diabetes.
• Though the problem '‘fixes itself' once
the baby is born, the tendency to develop diabetes
is prevalent among obese women.
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