What exactly is this gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. It is one of the top health complications that a woman has to face during pregnancy. Indeed a double curse! If the woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy then she is most likely to pass it on to the child. So, if a woman has gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Timely knowledge about this condition, goes to control it effectively by diet and exercise. After the baby is born, the mother and the child both recoup their original health. One problem gives room for a series of problems. The major risk is the birth of a fat baby. The condition is known as macrosomia. The baby by birth will have its own problems, the common one being damage to its shoulders during birth. Some basic precautions have to be taken to prevent the risk of gestational diabetes. It is taking recourse to natural methods again! Make it a point to lose weight, if you are overweight. Be careful and choosy about your food, and above all, do exercises regularly. This type of diabetes is a temporary condition, a passing phase, that occurs during pregnancy. There is another risk for the baby. It may develop breathing problems. The exact causes of the gestational diabetes are not known yet. But there are certain clues and possibilities, why gestational diabetes occurs! It is insulin resistance. The baby, as it grows, is supported by the placenta. Hormones help the baby develop. But the hormones also do a damaging act. They block the action of the mother’s insulin in her body. The mother’s body finds it hard to use insulin, so her requirement of insulin goes up by 300 % and gestational diabetes is the result! Utmost care is needed to combat gestational diabetes, as it concerns the health of the mother as well as that of the baby. Food choices are of paramount importance. This will have beneficial effects on the health of your baby’s growth. If you are fit and healthy, the risk of cesarean section birth can also be avoided. In many cases, it has been found that gestational diabetes leads to type II diabetes later. Do exercises regularly even during pregnancy, but only after consulting your doctor. This is the formative period for you as well as for the baby. Proper exercises provide strength to your body and act favorably for the growth of the baby within. Shut the door on the face of the diabetes, even if it pleads that it is only gestation. This evil does not deserve mercy.

Preparing for disaster. diabetic preparedness key to survival this season

When Hurricane Katrina struck last August, people with diabetes faced particular challenges, especially those using insulin. More than 20 million people in America have diabetes, and many others suffer with other chronic health conditions. During this year's hurricane and tornado season, Eli Lilly and Company, one of the world's leading manufacturers of insulin, suggests that individuals with diabetes or any other chronic illness should follow the guidelines below, no matter where you live: • Medicine and supplies should be stored in a defined location to be easily gathered if you must quickly evacuate home or work. • Keep cool packs in your freezer to keep medicine cool. • Compile an easy-to-reach kit including: • Medical supplies: syringes, cotton balls, tissues, swabs, blood glucose testing strips, blood glucose meter, lancing device and lancets, urine ketone testing strips, items for your therapy and blood sugar monitoring • An empty hard plastic bottle to dispose of syringes and lancets • Cooler for insulin • Pen and notebook • Glasses • Copies of prescriptions, insurance cards, medical information and contact list, including caregiver's and physicians' names and phone numbers • Physician's orders for your child's care on file at school and in your disaster kit • Glucagon emergency kit and fast-acting carbohydrate (glucose tablets, orange juice) • Nonperishable food such as granola bars and water • First-aid kit, flashlight, whistle, matches, candles, radio with batteries, work gloves • Supplies for at least a week • Something containing sugar in case you develop low blood sugar. "No one can fully anticipate a natural disaster, but with preparation, people with diabetes can manage their disease," said Dr. Sherry Martin, medical advisor, Eli Lilly and Company. "Taking the time to prepare could make a huge difference in an emergency." If disaster strikes, remember to: • Maintain meal plan, keep hydrated. • Monitor blood sugar and record numbers. • Wear shoes and examine feet often. If a foot wound develops, seek medical attention immediately. • If relocated, call your doctors as soon as possible to maintain the continuity of your medical care. • Parents of children with diabetes should identify which school staff members will assist children in an emergency. • If you are displaced, identify yourself immediately as a person with diabetes so authorities can provide medical care.