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Expectant mothers take every precaution to ensure the very best health for their babies, and themselves. They must be aware of particular medical conditions, like gestational diabetes, that can affect the health of both mother and child. Fortunately, diabetes during pregnancy can be successfully moderated and treated.

The American Association of Diabetes has indicated that there are two types of diabetes: Type II and I. Type I diabetes affects mostly children and adolescents, while Type II is often indicated in overweight adults. In some cases, diabetes is directly related to certain genetic problems.

Another type of diabetes is of particular importance to pregnant women. Can a woman develop diabetes during pregnancy? Does a woman with diabetes need to take extra care during pregnancy? Is there a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy?

Your healthcare provider can answer all of these important questions. There are particular considerations for a woman with diabetes to take into account before becoming pregnant. When a diabetic woman carries a child, she needs to appreciate the risks associated with having the disease. The pregnancy must be treated with a great deal of discipline.

Third Type of Diabetes

In addition to Type I and Type II diabetes, women who wish to become pregnant should be aware of another potential cause of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition developed during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes disappears following birth, the mother faces a higher probability of acquiring Type II diabetes later in life.

There is indeed a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy, and expectant mothers must be very careful about this condition. The body resists the assimilation of insulation, making this condition similar to Type II diabetes. The symptoms, however, are a bit different than those presented by the typical Type II diabetic.

A mother with gestational diabetes may notice an unusually high weight gain. This is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood, resulting in an increase in fetal urination. Pregnant women should be tested during the 24th to 28th weeks of gestation to ensure that they are not affected.

Only 2 percent to 3 percent of women acquire gestational diabetes, making the conditional relatively rare. Still, there are certain factors that can increase the risk:

* Age (older women are at greater risk)

* Weight (overweight women are at greater risk)

* Family history of Type II diabetes

* Ethnic background

* Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

* Prior birth of a child weighing nine pounds or more

If you show one or more of these potential risks, speak with your doctor about the possibility of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Statistics show that as many as 40% of the women who suffered from gestational diabetes went on to develop Type II diabetes over a period of 5 to 10 years following pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully in order to avoid contracting Type II diabetes later in life. Although many people lead normal lives with Type II diabetes, it's best to avoid it.

Gestational diabetes is a condition that poses certain risks to expectant mothers, but it can be controlled. Speak with your obstetrician or healthcare provider to learn more about the causes, preventions and treatments to ensure the best health for you, and your baby.