Normally, sugar( glucose) is found in the blood of any person. Some hormones lead to an increase in glucose, but one of them reduces it - it's insulin.
Insulin is produced by cells of the pancreas, if they begin to do poorly their task, this can lead in many cases to an increase in the level of glucose( hyperglycemia). This condition indicates the presence of a dangerous disease, namely, diabetes mellitus , in which the release of ketone bodies is a strong toxins for humans. Less is observed a decrease in the level of glucose( hypoglycemia), a critical reduction is also a serious factor for the violation of normal health.
Risk groups for the onset of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy
- are pervasive at the age of 35 years;
- having a bad heredity;
- women who gave birth to former toddlers with a weight above the norm;
- who gave birth to a dead child or who had miscarriages;
- with high water;
- with excess weight.
What tests should be taken
Women waiting for a baby are at risk for diabetes, which is often a temporary phenomenon( gestational diabetes) and disappears after the birth of the child, i.e.when the hormonal background of a woman comes back to normal. There is a possibility that the disease will turn into a real form.
That's why you need to know the amount of glucose in your blood in pregnant women. Mandatory analysis for sugar is carried out for a period of 8 to 12 weeks, after registration for pregnancy, and at 30 weeks.
Analysis is best done on an empty stomach, take it from a vein or a finger.
The laboratories differ in the units of measurement. In most cases, the measurement results are measured in mmol / L. When taking blood from a finger, the norm is 3.3 - 5.5 mmol / l( with pregnancy up to 5.8 mmol / l), from the vein - 4.0-6.1 mmol / l.
mg / dl units can be used, the norm when taking blood from the finger is 60-100 mg / dL.To determine this result in mmol / L, the indicator is divided by the number 18.
With an existing diabetes mellitus or risk of its occurrence, a pregnant woman should donate blood to the sugar level and a test for glucose tolerance. This test is also taken when the glucose level is 5.6 - 6.6 mmol / l.
In cases where there is no risk of the disease, this test is given once in the middle of pregnancy.
Table of norms:
| Method of fasting blood fasting | Glucose level norm, mmol / l |
| From finger | 3,3 - 5,5 |
| From vein | 4,0 -6,1 |
| After 2 hours after eating | is not & gt;7.8 |
| Any time of day | is not & gt;11.1 |
Elevated glucose level
Very good if the glucose tolerance test and the sugar level test are in compliance. But even if he is promoted, there is nothing wrong with this, becauseduring pregnancy there is a hormonal adjustment in the body of a woman and there may be differences from the norms in terms of even against the background of good health. Also, the results may be affected by improper preparation for blood donation( drinking and eating less than 8-10 hours), stress, infection, fatigue or disturbed sleep.
In this case, it is necessary to prescribe the retake of tests and only then make a conclusion and put an accurate diagnosis. It is more likely that diabetes is present if the glucose level is more than 6.7 mmol / L. The doctor must send a woman for an additional examination.
Consequences of hyperglycemia
This is a very dangerous condition that can lead to:
- to spontaneous abortion,
- gestosis( late toxicosis);
- aging of the placenta - its vessels are destroyed because of the effect of excess sugar, the fetus does not receive enough nutrients with oxygen and dies.
Often in women there is a lot of water, which can cause hypoxia, improper presentation of the fetus and twisting the umbilical cord. The result is an emergency caesarean section.
Measuring the level of sugar at home
Sugar can be measured even at home, for this purpose there is a special device - a glucometer, which is very convenient for every pregnant woman. It gives you the opportunity to get reliable results and monitor your health without leaving your home.
The main thing is to correctly measure the indicator, for this it is necessary to observe all the preparatory measures as before the usual analysis. Monitor the device and the quality of the test strips to ensure that they are not overdue and properly stored. Before measuring, be sure to carefully read the rules for using the device.
What signs should alert the woman
Get medical attention as soon as possible if the following health problems were detected:
- pressure increase;
- feeling of weakness and rapid fatigue;
- frequent urination;
- thirst;
- feeling of constant hunger;
- dryness and metallic taste in the oral cavity;
- smells from the mouth.
How to normalize blood sugar level
- First and foremost is compliance with the diet. It is necessary to refuse fatty, sweet, roast, whole and condensed milk, mayonnaise sauces, chocolate, ice cream, cheese and sausage products, carbonated drinks, sweet juices and fruits.
- Food is useful with slowly absorbed carbohydrates - it can be rice, buckwheat, vermicelli of solid wheat varieties, baked potatoes,
- You need to consume legumes( peas, beans, lentils), lean meat, fresh vegetables. Consult with a doctor about taking special vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women, which contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the correct development of the baby and maintaining the health of the future mother.
To prevent gestational diabetes, it is necessary to undergo all routine examinations, observe a healthy lifestyle and eat right. Thus, even with increased sugar in the body of a future mother, it is possible, with a very high probability, to give birth to a healthy baby, the most important thing is to consult a doctor in a timely manner, clearly follow its prescriptions and start treatment as early as possible. After all, only from the way a woman treats herself, the future and health of her child is directly related.
