Women who develop high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. These women should be tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after their baby is born. In many cases their blood glucose levels show they are no longer considered to have diabetes. But what many people don’t realize is that new moms who had gestational diabetes will continue to have a greater risk for getting diabetes during their entire lifetime. So even if the test for diabetes is normal right after the baby is born, these women should continue to get tested for diabetes at least every three years.
“Many American Indian/Alaska Native women with gestational diabetes may believe that a normal blood sugar test after their baby is born means they no longer have to worry about getting diabetes. But that just isn’t true,” said Kelly Moore, a pediatrician and diabetes researcher with the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health at the Colorado School of Public Health. “The greater risk for these women developing diabetes later in their lives does not disappear. The good news is that there are small but significant steps these women can take to prevent or delay developing diabetes.”
Gestational diabetes occurs more often in women with a family history of diabetes, obese women and American
Indian and Alaska Native women. Moms who have had gestational diabetes should be tested on a regular basis for diabetes, so it is important that they tell their doctors about their history of gestational diabetes. This follow up screening may be a simple blood test. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a two in three chance that it will return in future pregnancies, so they should also talk to their obstetricians if they plan on becoming pregnant again.
Women with a history of gestational diabetes should also make an effort to reach and maintain a healthy weight by making healthy food choices and being active for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. Even if women do not reach their “goal” weight, research shows that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce risk. These action steps are also good for the entire family.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Native American Heritage Month. As we celebrate the heritage and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, it is important to keep a healthy lifestyle as a family.
“Children of women who had gestational diabetes are also at risk for obesity and diabetes, so mothers should let their child’s doctor know that they had gestational diabetes,” Moore said. “Healthy eating and keeping physically active as a family is good for everyone. It helps dad, mom, and the kids reduce their risk for getting diabetes in the future.”
For a free tip sheet on gestational diabetes, including steps to reduce the risk of developing diabetes, go to www.yourdiabetesinfo.org/media/gdm-article.pdf. For more information on preventing diabetes, call the National Diabetes Education Program at (888) 693-NDEP (6337) or visit their website at www.YourDiabetesInfo.org.
National Diabetes Education Program is a partnership of the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 200 public and private organizations.
source: indiancountrytoday
No comments:
Post a Comment