Pregnancy and Diabetes: Studies Show One Third Of Women Not Being Tested

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

While more and more women are encouraged to test for fertility and to prepare their body for baby before they conceive, studies show that not many moms-to-be are being tested for gestational diabetes.

This, condition quite common during pregnancy if undiagnosed and untreated can place mom and her baby at serious health risk. And, according to recent research, nearly one third of expectant women are not being screened for this common condition, totaling about 135,000 cases annually according to the American Diabetes Association....and a number that is expected to double.

According to research infants are a higher risk for health issues including premature birth and birth defects, among others, when mom has gestational diabetes and if she experiences diabetes during her prenatal period. In addition, gestational diabetes puts mom at risk for pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening blood pressure condition that is dangerous for both mother and child.

According to recent data, even a small inability to control blood sugar during pregnancy can affect baby's health.

In addition, the study also reveals that about 19% of women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes were no screened for diabetes in the six months after giving birth.

This is especially troublesome because as many as half of the women experiencing gestational diabetes eventually develop long-term diabetes.

In fact, other studies show that more than a quarter million women who delivered in U.S hospital in 2008 had pre-existing diabetes or developed the condition during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can be treated by controlling high blood sugar by eating a healthier diet, physical fitness and in some cases taking insulin.

Experts note that most important lesson for women to learn is lifestyle modifications before, during and after pregnancy for mother, child, and the entire family.

Long Island Pregnancy Articles > Pregnancy and Diabetes: Studies Show One Third Of Women Not Being Tested