Second pregnancy gestational diabetes
Second pregnancy gestational diabetes is a metabolic condition that is triggered in women due to the increased hormone levels from the pregnancy. During digestion the foods we eat are metabolized to simple sugars. Insulin is used to transport the sugar into the cells for energy. But, when a women experiences the effects of gestational diabetes her body becomes resistant to the insulin that is produced and her body then turns to fat for energy.
This change in metabolism produces acid ketones which are excreted through the kidneys and urine. Some research has shown that ketones may affect the neurological development of the growing baby. Several studies have shown that babies exposed to untreated second pregnancy gestational diabetes suffer from lower IQ and an increased risk of obesity as they grow older. The jury is out as to what of the effects of gestational diabetes actually changes the neurological development of these children. The theory is that it could be the ketones that are produced from the metabolism of fat.
Women who have second pregnancy gestational diabetes often have very little symptoms that differ from the pregnancy itself. For this reason all women are screened with a simple blood sugar test between weeks 24 and 28. Those women who also have high risk factors for development of this condition will undergo a 5 hour glucose tolerance test to confirm or deny the presence of gestational diabetes.
One of those risk factors is having had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy. In a second pregnancy researchers have found that women run a risk of developing gestational diabetes by 30 – 50%. And those that do will develop type 2 diabetes later in life between 6 and 60% of the time. This large span is accounted for by the difference in numerical values attributed to gestational diabetes and the diagnosis of the condition.
Other risk factors of developing second pregnancy gestational diabetes is being obese before conception, a family history of type 2 diabetes, a previous stillbirth, a previous baby born larger than 9 pounds, or having too much amniotic fluid.
Researchers have found that exercise is an excellent way of decreasing the risk of second pregnancy gestational diabetes. Women who are obese at conception of their second pregnancy are at a higher risk of experiencing second pregnancy gestational diabetes. However, exercising while fasting can prove to be dangerous and you should always consult with your doctor before including exercise in your pregnancy regimen.
Women with second pregnancy gestational diabetes must follow a strict dietary protocol to support the growth of their new baby and decrease the risks and complications of gestational diabetes on themselves and their new child. Women should also be screened frequently for blood glucose level to monitor the control of their second pregnancy gestational diabetes.
Second pregnancy gestational diabetes is managed much the same as any gestational diabetes. Women should monitor their sugar daily, exercise, be on a strict nutritional intake, monitor your weight gain and potentially take insulin. Using these techniques, as prescribed by your physician and supported through a dietician, you will be able to manage your gestational diabetes so your risks of complications falls significantly.
