Expectant mothers are careful to take any and all precautions to ensure optimum health for themselves, and their babies. Some medical conditions, including diabetes, can pose particular concern for both mother and child. It can, however, be successfully moderated and treated.

The American Association of Diabetes has indicated that there are two types of diabetes: Type II and I. Type I diabetes affects mostly children and adolescents, while Type II is often indicated in overweight adults. In some cases, diabetes is directly related to certain genetic problems.

There is another type of diabetes that is of particular importance to pregnant women. Is it possible for a woman to develop diabetes during pregnancy? Should a woman with diabetes be concerned about her pregnancy? Can there be a relation between diabetes and pregnancy?

These are important questions to ask a healthcare practitioner, as a woman who suffers from diabetes has many particular considerations to take into account before becoming pregnant. A diabetic mother who is carrying a child must appreciate the risks, and needs to treat her pregnancy with a great deal of discipline.

Developing Gestational Diabetes

In addition to Type I and Type II diabetes, women who wish to become pregnant should be aware of another potential cause of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a condition developed during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes disappears following birth, the mother faces a higher probability of acquiring Type II diabetes later in life.

Indeed, there is a direct link between diabetes and pregnancy, and expectant mothers must be very careful about this condition. Gestational diabetes causes the body to resist the assimilation of insulation, making this condition similar to Type II diabetes. Symptoms, however, are a bit different than those presented by typical Type II diabetics.

A mother with gestational diabetes may notice an unusually high weight gain. This is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood, resulting in an increase in fetal urination. Pregnant women should be tested during the 24th to 28th weeks of gestation to ensure that they are not affected.

Only 2 percent to 3 percent of women acquire gestational diabetes, making the conditional relatively rare. Still, there are certain factors that can increase the risk:

* Age (older women are at greater risk)

* Weight (overweight women are at greater risk)

* Family history of Type II diabetes

* Racial/Ethnic background

* Earlier pregnancy with gestational diabetes

* Previous children born weighing nine pounds or more

A woman with any or several of these potential risks should speak with her doctor about the possibility of acquiring gestational diabetes.

Studies suggest that as many as 40 percent of women suffering gestational diabetes went on to develop Type II diabetes 5 to 10 years after pregnancy. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid contracting Type II diabetes later in life. While many Type II diabetics lead normal lives, it's best to avoid it.

Gestational diabetes poses a certain degree of risk to expectant mothers, but it can be controlled. Talk to your obstetrician or healthcare provider to learn more about the causes, preventions and treatments. It's one more way to ensure the health of you, and your baby.