Gestational Diabetes Essay for Walden University
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, arises from the immune system mistakenly attacking the pancreas, rendering it unable to produce insulin, the hormone essential for blood glucose control (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016). Treatment involves insulin administration.
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Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, insulin production persists, but the body’s responsiveness to it diminishes over time, leading to reduced insulin production by the pancreas (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016). Management includes weight loss, dietary adjustments, oral medications, injectables, or insulin (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016).
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes emerges during pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery. Diagnosis occurs in the second trimester, and treatment ranges from dietary changes to oral medications or insulin, depending on severity (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016). Postpartum diabetes testing is essential.
Drawing Conclusions
The CDC reports that over 34 million Americans have diabetes, with 1 in 5 being unaware (CDC, 2020). Diabetes ranks as the 7th leading cause of death in the US (CDC, 2020). Type 2 diabetes constitutes the majority of cases (90-95%), with type 1 making up 5-10% (CDC, 2020). Gestational diabetes elevates the risk of maternal high blood pressure during pregnancy, large baby size, preterm birth, low blood sugar in babies, or later-life type 2 diabetes.
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Focusing on Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes diagnosis typically occurs between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy via oral glucose tolerance tests. Managing blood glucose levels is crucial for maternal and fetal health, involving lifestyle changes like low carb diets, calorie reduction, exercise, and sometimes oral medication or insulin. Metformin, an anti-diabetic medication, may be prescribed. Dosage depends on medical status, response, and other medications (American Diabetes Association).
Metformin’s administration involves taking it 1-3 times daily with meals and ensuring adequate fluid intake, unless advised otherwise. Regular blood sugar checks and doctor communication are vital. Metformin is cost-effective, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality (American Diabetes Association). Some gestational diabetes cases require insulin, depending on severity.
References
American Diabetes Association; 8. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic. Treatment: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018. Diabetes Care 1 January 2018; 41 (Supplement_1): S73–S85. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-S008
CDC. (2020). Retrieved on December 28, 2021 at https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/quick-facts.html
The John Hopkins. Patient Guide to Diabetes (2016). Retrieved on December 28, 2021 at https://hopkinsdiabetesinfo.org/diagnosis-of-diabetes/.