Signs of Diabetes - Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a medical condition in which the pregnant women have to suffer from blood sugar levels higher than normal. Medical science is unable to reveal the exact cause of gestational diabetes; still it is thought that gestational diabetes is linked to hormonal changes during pregnancy and stress of pregnancy on woman's body.

Most women are unable to notice the signs of diabetes and think that it is the part of pregnancy. They only come to know of it when the doctor sends them for laboratory test.

It is thought that placenta and its working are the major cause of gestational diabetes. Placenta produces many hormones during pregnancy. Some of these hormones adversely affect the efficiency of mother's insulin. The result is then increase in the blood sugar level. Insulin becomes unable to effectively move glucose in the cells where it can be used for the production of energy.

Sometimes the body of the mother produces three time added insulin to cancel the effect of pregnancy changes. This is termed insulin resistance.

Some women are able to notice some classic symptoms of diabetes during pregnancy these are

Excessive Urination: The increase in blood sugar level cause an increased flow of blood towards kidney.

Excessive Thirst: This is caused by the dehydration because of excessive urination.

Excessive Hunger: As the glucose is unable to move in the cells; the cells become starved of energy and brain gets the signal that body is hungry.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Though the woman is eating more than routine still she loses weight. The body has to break down the fat and protein reserves for the production of energy.

Tiredness: Tiredness is the result of the energy deficit

Blurriness In Vision: It is the result of increased flow of blood that may result in the swelling of the eye lens.

Though these are some of the sign of gestational diabetes. Still most women do not experience any symptom of diabetes. So it is critical that women must be screened for gestational diabetes towards the end of second trimester.