Expectant mothers are careful to take precautions to ensure the very best health for themselves, and their babies. There are certain medical conditions, including diabetes, that pose particular concern for both mother and child. Diabetes during pregnancy can, however, 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.

The Third Type of Diabetes?

Even a woman who has never had diabetes is prone to developing the disease during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is considered by some to be the "third type of diabetes", developed during the late stages of pregnancy. This form of diabetes will disappear after the baby is born, but mother will face a higher probability of acquiring Type II diabetes later in life.

Indeed, there is a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy, and expectant mothers must be very careful about this condition. Gestational diabetes causes the body to resist the assimilation of insulation, making this condition similar to Type II diabetes. Symptoms, however, are a bit different than those presented by typical Type II diabetics.

A mother with gestational diabetes may notice an unusually high increase in weight. This happens because the high levels of glucose in the blood will result in an increase in fetal urination. Pregnant women should be tested during the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy to ensure that they are not affected.

Gestational diabetes is quite rare, and affects only 2 percent to 3 percent of the total population of pregnant women. Some factors can increase the risk of acquiring the condition:

* Age (older women are at greater risk)
* Being overweight
* Genetic history of Type II diabetes
* Racial/Ethnic background
* Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
* Previous children born weighing nine pounds or more

If you feel that you have one or more of these potential risk factors, speak with your doctor about the possibility of developing 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. Keefe Figgatt