Tag: gestational diabetes

  • What is Diabetes? – Types of diabetes, Symptoms ,Treatment | Diabetes Guide

    What is Diabetes? – Types of diabetes, Symptoms ,Treatment | Diabetes Guide

    what is diabetes?

    What is diabetes mellitus?

    Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic disorder that affects the body’s ability to metabolise glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy.

    Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps the body use glucose for energy. People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or their bodies do not respond appropriately to insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to serious health problems.

    The food you eat is digested by enzymes and converted into glucose. Insulin is required for glucose uptake by the cells, which in turn provides energy to your body. Lack of insulin or insulin resistance causes the blood sugar levels to rise, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

    In the long run, untreated diabetes can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, and other ailments.

    ​5 rules Diabetic patients must follow – Diabetes care guide

    Types of diabetes

    There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

    1. Type 1 diabetes

    Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin in your pancreas. It usually develops in children and young adults, but can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes accounts for only 5-10% of all diabetes cases.

    2. Type 2 diabetes

    Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90-95% of all diabetes cases. It usually develops in people over the age of 40, but it can occur at any age. In Type 2 diabetes, your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, or your pancreas does not produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels.

    3. Gestational diabetes

    Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It usually develops in the second or third trimester and goes away after delivery. However, women with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

    types of diabetesSymptoms of diabetes

    The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type of diabetes and the severity of the condition. However, some common symptoms include the following:

    • Frequent urination
    • Increased thirst
    • Extreme hunger
    • Fatigue
    • Blurry vision
    • Slow-healing sores or cuts
    • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

    If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis.

    Diagnosing diabetes

    Diabetes can be diagnosed through a simple blood test that measures blood glucose levels. If your blood glucose level exceeds normal, your doctor may recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan to manage your blood glucose levels and prevent complications.

    Reference range for Diabetes

    The normal fasting blood sugar level range is between 70 and 100 mg/dL.

    Fasting blood sugar levels of 100-125mg/dL indicate the onset of prediabetes. It means that your blood sugar levels are higher than the normal range. However, this level is not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes

    A higher than 126mg/dL indicates a high blood sugar level. This can lead to several health problems, including diabetes.

    Treatment and management of diabetes

    There are several treatments available for diabetes, which include:

    1. Lifestyle changes:

    This includes making changes in your diet and exercising regularly. Eating a healthy and balanced diet with low amounts of sugar and carbohydrates can help manage blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity can also improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

    2. Medications:

    There are various medications available for diabetes, including insulin, oral medications such as Sitamet 50/500mg Tablet/Empaone 25mg Tablet/Linares E Tablet, as well as injectable medications. These medications work by lowering blood sugar levels and helping the body use insulin more effectively.

    Managing diabetes often includes addressing related conditions such as high blood pressure. Medications like Prestel 40mg Tablet are commonly used to support heart and kidney health in diabetic patients with hypertension.

    3. Insulin therapy:

    Insulin therapy is a treatment option for people with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes who require insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Insulin is usually injected into the body, but there are also insulin pumps available that can deliver insulin continuously.

    4. Blood sugar monitoring:

    Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential in managing diabetes. Self-monitoring of blood glucose can help people with diabetes adjust their treatment plan to keep their blood sugar levels within a target range.

    5. Bariatric surgery:

    This is an option for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes who have not achieved good blood sugar control with other treatments. Bariatric surgery can lead to weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

    It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

    diabetes treatmentSumming up

    Do not let diabetes scare you. Making healthy lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to manage this disorder. So, aspire to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle. This will help drastically reduce the progression of diabetes and allow you to live your life to the fullest.

    If you have any doubts, consult a healthcare professional. A doctor will help you figure out the best treatment and medication options for you.

    Know more about your medicines at Medkart, an online pharmacy platform that makes buying medicines convenient and cost-effective. To place your orders, download the app today!

    FAQs Related to Diabetes

    1. Are fruits good for people with diabetes?

    Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet. People with diabetes should choose fruits with a low glycemic index, such as apples, and control the portion size to stabilise their blood glucose levels.

    2. What foods should you avoid?

    People with diabetes should stay away from sugar-rich and processed foods. Also, avoid simple carbohydrates such as white flour, potatoes, and white rice.

    3. How to manage diabetes?

    One of the most effective ways to manage diabetes is through lifestyle changes. Eat nutritious, low glycemic index foods and have a consistent exercise regimen.

  • Does smoking increase the risk of Gestational Diabetes

    Does smoking increase the risk of Gestational Diabetes

    Does smoking increase the risk of Gestational Diabetes

    Most people know that smoking increases cancer risk, especially lung cancer. However, the impact of smoking during pregnancy on gestational diabetes is not frequently discussed. Smoking among pregnant women is a major concern as it leads to health problems for both the mother and the child. Therefore, smoking is a risk factor for gestational diabetes.

    What is gestational diabetes?

    https://unsplash.com/photos/y16sN3fCwIw

    Gestational diabetes, or diabetes during pregnancy, is associated with high blood sugar levels as your body can’t make enough insulin during pregnancy. Due to the hormonal changes and weight gain associated with pregnancy, pregnant women may experience some amount of insulin resistance.

    Risk factors for gestational diabetes

    1. Advancing maternal age

    2. Maternal obesity

    3. Smoking

    4. Excessive alcohol intake

    5. Maternal short stature

    6. Genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus. Though there are various oral medications present, such as Sitamet 50/500mg Tablet, that are effective against type 2 Diabetes.

    Prevalence of gestational diabetes

    Research conducted on pregnant women shows that the prevalence of gestational diabetes was 19.8% in non-smokers, 24.3% in smokers who quit, and 26.6% in those who continued smoking till the first trimester. Chronic smoking increases insulin resistance by directly affecting insulin-mediated glucose uptake, pancreatic β-cell function, and insulin secretion.

    Impact of smoking on the mother and baby’s health

    Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk for severe pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, perinatal mortality, and stillbirth, low birth weight offspring. Compared to non-smoking mothers, women who smoked in the first trimester of pregnancy gave birth to babies with lower birth weights.

    Smoking also reduces the delivery of oxygen to the fetus, creating a greater demand for oxygen in the maternal body and increasing fetal and maternal stress. The baby is prone to develop respiratory illnesses later in life if the mother has been a smoker during pregnancy. Moreover, smoking during pregnancy is associated with a high risk of premature bleeding and other complications. Here’s how smoking can affect different health determinants:

    1. Post-food glucose concentration

    In pregnant women with gestational diabetes, 1-hour post-eating concentrations of glucose were higher. 2-hour post-eating concentrations were lower in women who smoked at the beginning of their pregnancy than non-smokers.

    2. Oral glucose tolerance test

    Compared to non-smokers, women who continued smoking after the first trimester had higher fasting and 1-hour glucose concentrations. Women who stopped smoking after the first trimester also had higher fasting glucose concentrations but not higher 1-hour glucose concentrations. Chronic cigarette smokers have lower insulin sensitivity compared with non-smokers.

    3. HbA1c level

    HbA1c is a test that measures the average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. The HbA1c test is commonly used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. HbA1c was found to be higher in heavily smoking pregnant women.

    Former smokers and current smokers with gestational diabetes require higher amounts of insulin compared to non-smokers. Pre-pregnancy smoking is also associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes. 2 pack-years of smoking (a pack-year is the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years the person has been smoking) can increase gestational diabetes risk by 50%. Smoking reduces HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol and increases triglycerides leading to an increased risk of obesity.

    Smoking cessation is encouraged among pregnant women, as it reduces cardio-metabolic risk factors and improves blood sugar levels in people with gestational diabetes.

    Conclusion

    Smoking is associated with adverse outcomes on maternal and child health. It also increases the risk of gestational diabetes and negatively affects blood glucose regulation of the body leading to insulin resistance in the pregnant woman. Smoking cessation reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and is thus encouraged in pregnant women to avoid the adverse effects of smoking. For more such information, head to the Medkart website today!

    FAQ

    1. Does smoking affect gestational diabetes?

    Smoking can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Mothers who continue to smoke after the first trimester have babies with low birth weight.

    2. Can smoking during pregnancy lead to diabetes in the baby?

    A study showed a 4 fold higher risk of type 1 diabetes among children whose mothers smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day during pregnancy.

    3. What are the risks associated with smoking during pregnancy?

    Smoking during pregnancy might increase the chances of:

    • Low birth weight of the baby

    • Lung diseases in the baby

    • Miscarriage

    • Stillbirth

    3. Can smoking affect gestational diabetes testing?

    Yes, the oral glucose tolerance test showed higher fasting glucose levels and higher glucose levels in the 1-hour glucose tolerance test, indicating low insulin sensitivity in smokers.