Pregnancy is a complicated phase that can bring several health conditions. Gestational diabetes is one of those conditions that can be common amongst pregnant women. So, have you been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? If yes, you don’t need to get all nervous and afraid given that an estimated 90% of gestational diabetes resolves on its own after delivery.

That said, your health care providers will check your blood sugar levels several times before you are discharged from the hospital after childbirth. You will then be informed if your gestational diabetes has resolved or if it’s persisting. Of course, medical follow-up is bound to continue with your glucose being checked at about six to eight months after delivering your baby.

Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type II diabetes. According to statistics about two to three per cent of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes develop type II diabetes after delivery. However, you can reduce the risk of having type II diabetes after gestational diabetes by;

• Controlling your weight: Women who fail to control their weight after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at a high risk of developing Type II diabetes later in life and gestational diabetes during their next pregnancy. Of course, the best way to control your weight is to eat healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains, as well as to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.

• Breastfeeding your baby: Breastfeeding brings many benefits including strengthening the immune system of babies and protecting them against infections. But that’s not all, breastfeeding also lowers the risks of certain conditions, like breast cancer and Type II diabetes in mothers.

• Continue with all your medication and follow-up.
Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes puts you at greater risk of developing type II diabetes. Therefore, you need to continue to follow up with your doctor and perform all your blood tests to be sure you are free from diabetes.

• Watch out for the symptoms of Type II diabetes: Above all, you should take charge of your health by watching out for the symptoms of Type II diabetes. Some common symptoms of type II diabetes include frequent urination, fatigue, increased thirst for water and fluids as well as unintentional weight loss. Note that having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have diabetes, but it’s important to report the symptoms to your healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis.

Overall, gestational diabetes always resolves on its own in about 90 per cent of women after they give birth. But then you need proper medical follow-up after delivering to be sure it hasn’t persisted and if it has, you will be putting on the right treatment plan.

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