Attention to the risk of type 2 diabetes during pregnancy

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who cannot overcome insulin resistance. In most cases, gestational diabetes disappears after the baby is born.

However, women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Gestational diabetes is at risk for type 2 diabetes

Remember that gestational diabetes in pregnancy is the first sign of a condition that can cause type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is triggered by risk factors for type 2 diabetes, which has not yet happened. developed.

As you get older, especially with being overweight, unhealthy eating habits or other factors, you may suffer from type 2 diabetes.

Women with gestational diabetes have a risk of three to seven times higher, or 50% of people with type 2 diabetes in the next five to ten years.

Risk of type 2 diabetes in children

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of birth to the baby above normal (macrosomia). Not only you, children are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.

There is evidence that if women have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, the baby's pancreas needs to work harder. As a result, insulin secretion in infants is damaged and the risk of diabetes increases.

Over the years, this will put your baby at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Even then, your child will be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than other children. However, a healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk.

Research shows that lifestyle can play an important role in managing this risk. Women who are more active and maintain a healthy weight are less likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, despite gestational diabetes.

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes who lose between 5 and 7% of their body weight and who exercise at least 150 minutes a week can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next ten years .
 
3 steps to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

You can take these three steps to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

1. Maintain ideal body weight

Keep your weight in the normal range. Avoid foods that can increase your weight, such as fast food, especially those containing fat and flour.

Eat nutritious fresh or frozen vegetables and unsweetened fruit to help you maintain your weight.

2. Eat healthy food

Eat healthy foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, fruits, whole wheat bread and lean protein. Not only do you have good nutrition, these foods can also make your body healthier.

Avoid eating red meat, sausages, sweet tea, lemonade, soda, candy, and ice cream. Do not forget to drink water regularly.
 
3. Exercise regularly

Exercise regularly and make it a habit. Exercise can help you lose weight and help your body use insulin effectively to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

You can exercise for at least 30 minutes, walk, run, swim or bike. Exercise can help reduce insulin resistance which causes type 2 diabetes.

4. Monitor blood sugar
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Your blood sugar levels will likely return to normal about 6 weeks after giving birth. However, you must continue to monitor your blood sugar.

It is recommended to do a sugar test every three years.

Share this post