{"id":1721,"date":"2022-11-22T09:13:40","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T09:13:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/?p=1721"},"modified":"2022-11-25T15:25:53","modified_gmt":"2022-11-25T15:25:53","slug":"can-you-prevent-gestational-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/south-miami-obgyn-associates\/can-you-prevent-gestational-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Prevent Gestational Diabetes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

November is National Diabetes Month and we celebrate by promoting awareness of the different types of diabetes and the treatment resources available.<\/span><\/p>\n

At South Miami OB-GYN Associates<\/span><\/a>, our focus is on gestational diabetes, the type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes often triggers anxiety and our goal is to provide education, treatment, and support during your pregnancy and after.<\/span> Gestational diabetes prevention is not always a reality but there are ways to minimize your risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Understanding Gestational Diabetes<\/b><\/h2>\n

Our bodies produce a hormone called insulin. This hormone is generated in the pancreas and regulates your blood sugar, also called glucose which produces energy. For some, the pancreas slowly begins to reduce the amount of insulin it produces, eventually producing none. This is what occurs with type 1 diabetes, which is generally caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. For others, the pancreas may not be producing enough insulin or the body\u2019s cells aren\u2019t absorbing it effectively. This is what occurs with type 2 diabetes which also has a strong genetic component.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregnancy can cause a third form of diabetes called <\/span>gestational diabetes<\/span><\/a>. During pregnancy, your body changes and produces hormones from the placenta. These hormones can block the insulin, making it difficult for the glucose to enter the cells. This is called insulin resistance and can result in your body needing additional insulin, typically in the second or third trimester.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>CDC<\/span><\/a>, between 2% and 10% of U.S pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes annually. An estimated 50% of women who develop gestational diabetes subsequently develop type 2 diabetes. Babies born from mothers with gestational diabetes are also at an increased risk for obesity and for developing type 2 diabetes. Generally, there are no noticeable symptoms of gestational diabetes though sometimes increased thirst or frequent urination may indicate a problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, understanding how to prevent gestational diabetes, aka gestational diabetes prevention, can help mitigate the risks of developing it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Although there is no way to completely prevent gestational diabetes, there are some ways you can reduce the risk of developing it, \u201cexplained OB-GYN <\/span>Xiomara Martinez MD.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

What Are My Risks of Developing Gestational Diabetes?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you don\u2019t already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your risk factors for developing gestational diabetes depend on your current health condition and your family history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some factors that may increase your risk for developing gestational diabetes include:<\/b><\/p>\n