Treasure Magazine Volume 5 | Page 11

Treasure Magazine
Gestational Diabetes
This is triggered by pregnancy ( pregnancy to some degree leads to insulin resistance ). It ’ s often diagnosed in middle or late pregnancy . Since the high blood sugar level in the mother can be circulated to the baby through the placenta , this type of diabetes must be controlled to protect the baby ’ s growth and development . This type of diabetes usually resolves itself after pregnancy . However it poses a risk of type 2 diabetes to the mother in the future and it may also result in over weight of the baby before birth . Therefore a case of gestational diabetes requires a close work with the care team .
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus are
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Frequent and large volume of urine Excessive thirst Increased appetite Loss of weight Blurred vision
Help
For now there is no cure to diabetes but it can only be managed through nutrition and diet . In diet management the quality and not just the quantity of food must be considered . Thus try as much as possible to
AVOID or REDUCE the intake of sugar , honey , energy drink , flavored drinks , fruit drinks , alcohol , all malt drinks , condensed milk , pastries , yam flour excessive use of palm oil , vegetable oil and all other stimulants . Also avoid smoking or snuffing of tobacco .
TAKE more of vegetables as it contains fiber and other vitamins which help to control the rate at which sugar runs in the blood . Also you can take skimmed milks and low fat cheese .
ENSURE that you always consult the dietician on dietary , establish a routine of regular exercise , and avoid skipping meals . Also endeavor to take insulin or drugs as directed by doctors or medical practitioners

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