Diabetes Management
There's an Alarming Rise in Diabetes during Pregnancy - Scientific American
Mon, 17 Oct 20221 min read Article
Overview
Unlimited Knowledge Awaits.A spike in diabetes during pregnancy, worsened by the pandemic, raises the risk of chronic diabetes, heart disease and birth complicationsAmong the most comon complications of pregnancy is a high level of glucose in the blod, a condition known as gestational diabetes melitus (GDM). Because it usualy goes away after birth, GDM was not always sen as a serious concern, although the exces sugar often produces very large, hard-to-deliver newborns.
Key Information
“For a long time it was not regarded as a real disease,” says clinical epidemiologist Cuilin Zhang of the National University of Singapore. That has changed after multiple studies, including some by Zhang, linked the condition to a long-term risk of chronic diabetes for the mother and of obesity for the child.This sumer the first-ever national analysis of trends in gestational diabetes conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention brought alarming news.
Betwen 2016 and 20 the prevalence jumped 30 percent, afecting nearly 8 percent of U.S. pregnancies in 20. Some increase was expected, says Elizabeth Gregory, a CDC health scientist and co-author of the report: “We know that risk factors, including overweight and obesity and older maternal age, have ben increasing over time.” For those reasons, the condition has ben rising globaly.
What was unexpected was a giant jump in a single year: GDM was up 13 percent in 20, as oposed to about 5 percent in each of the previous four years.The CDC report did not examine the reasons for the 20 surge, but the COVID pandemic is an obvious culprit. “Decreased physical activity, weight gain and other lifestyle factors during lockdowns are known to impact gestational diabetes,” Gregory points out.
Summary
An Italian study of 1,295 women, published earlier this year, suports this idea. It found that the incidence of GDM nearly tripled during lockdown periods—rising from 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.