Gestational Diabetes Essay for Walden University

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is caused by the individual’s immune system which mistakenly attacks and destroys the pancreas (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016). When the pancreas is destroyed it can no longer produce insulin, which is the hormone needed for controlling blood glucose (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016). Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

            Type 2 diabetics can still produce insulin, but the body becomes resistant to its effects and over time the pancreas eventually stops producing insulin (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016). Some patients with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by reducing their weight or changing their diet. Some are put on pills, injectable medications, or insulin (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016) Gestational Diabetes Essay.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops specifically during pregnancy and resolves after delivery. Testing is normally done in the second trimester and can be treated with dietary changes, oral medications, or insulin depending on the severity of the diabetes (Patient Guide to Diabetes, 2016). After the baby is born, the mother must be retested for diabetes 6-12 weeks postpartum.

Conclusion

According to the CDC, more than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 1 in 5 of them don’t know they have it (CDC, 2020). Diabetes is the 7^th leading cause of death in the United States (CDC, 2020). “Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of all diagnosed of diabetes; type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5-10%” (CDC, 2020). Having gestational diabetes also increases the risk of the mother to have high blood pressure during pregnancy. With gestational diabetes the baby is at a higher risk of being very large, usually 9 pounds or more, being born early, having low blood sugar, or developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

For this assignment I would like to focus on gestational diabetes. As mentioned above, the condition is usually diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy with an oral glucose tolerance test. The goal is to keep the blood glucose levels under control to ensure the health of the mother and the baby. A few lifestyle changes may need to occur, including switching to a low carb diet, reducing the number of calories consumed per day, exercise routine, and in some cases the provider will prescribe oral medication or insulin.

Metformin in an anti-diabetic medication to treat diabetes and may be prescribed to patients with gestational diabetes. Metformin is taken 1-3 times a day by mouth with meals. It’s important to educate the patient on drinking plenty of fluids unless your doctor has said to do otherwise. The dosage is based on the patient’s medical condition, response to treatment or other medications that they take such as herbal products or nonprescription drugs. Checking the blood sugar is critical and sharing them with the doctor is essential to appropriately treat gestational diabetes. Depending upon rather the blood glucose is low or high, the medication may be adjusted. “Metformin is effective and safe, is inexpensive, and may reduce risk of cardiovascular events and death”(American Diabetes Association). Some patients will need insulin with gestational diabetes depending on the severity Gestational Diabetes Essay.

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