What is gestational diabetes?

Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
Updated on December 29, 2024
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Gestational diabetes, also known as pregnancy-induced diabetes, generally refers to a condition diagnosed during pregnancy where varying degrees of high blood sugar levels are detected for the first time. This includes some cases where glucose intolerance or diabetes was undiagnosed before the pregnancy. Most patients see their blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, but regardless of whether the high blood sugar normalizes post-pregnancy, it is considered gestational diabetes. Currently, the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes include a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test. If the fasting blood glucose level is greater than or equal to 5.1 mmol/L, the blood glucose level after one hour is greater than or equal to 10.0 mmol/L, and the blood glucose level after 120 minutes is greater than or equal to 8.5 mmol/L, then gestational diabetes can be diagnosed.

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Symptoms of diabetes in the elderly

Elderly diabetes often begins inconspicuously, lacking the typical symptoms of excessive thirst, urination, hunger, and weight loss. It can present with various complications such as diarrhea, constipation, urinary retention, limb numbness, skin itching, and shoulder joint pain. Elderly diabetics often have concurrent infections, particularly in the respiratory and urinary systems, as well as cholecystitis and skin infections. They may also suffer from ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemia syndrome, and coexist with multiple chronic diseases of old age such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. They require different types of medications and are susceptible to hypoglycemia, making timely diagnosis and treatment challenging. These are the symptoms of diabetes in the elderly.

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Care of diabetic foot

The care of diabetic foot is very important. In our daily life, we need to do the following aspects. First, regularly wash and check both feet. During washing, the water temperature should not be too high. Also, keep the skin moist to prevent it from drying and cracking. Second, choose suitable shoes and socks, preferably loose-fitting to avoid tightness. Third, be careful when trimming toenails, making sure not to damage the skin of the feet. If there are any sores, go to the hospital immediately for treatment. Fourth, avoid using corrosive chemicals on the feet.

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Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to the abnormality of blood sugar levels that occurs during pregnancy, at which time it is called gestational diabetes. The reason for the occurrence of gestational diabetes is due to significant changes in the body's endocrine hormones after pregnancy. The body releases many hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can increase insulin resistance. Thus, a much greater amount of insulin is needed to maintain normal blood sugar levels. If the pancreatic beta cells are not sufficient to compensate for the increased insulin secretion needed to meet the normal metabolic requirements caused by these resistance factors, then elevated blood sugar and abnormal glucose metabolism occur, ultimately leading to gestational diabetes.

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Diabetic foot prevention care

First of all, it's important to keep blood sugar under control. It's recommended that people with diabetes check their glycated hemoglobin every three months to see if their blood sugar levels meet the standards. Second, many patients suffer from diabetic foot due to severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Injuries such as stepping on a nail or accidental bumps may lead to infections. Therefore, it's suggested that patients with diabetes check their feet daily for any small wounds or ulcers, and if found, they should seek timely treatment from an endocrinology specialist. Third, using warm water for foot baths and treatments like local infrared lamp therapy are advised. It's important to ensure that the temperature is not too high, generally around 40 degrees Celsius, to avoid burning the skin.

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How is type 2 diabetes treated?

The treatment of type 2 diabetes includes the following aspects. First, dietary treatment is recommended, advising regular and quantitative meals three times a day, and avoiding late-night snacks and extra meals. Second, appropriate exercise. Third, self-monitoring of blood glucose; it is best to purchase a glucometer for home use and show the recorded blood glucose levels to the doctor during hospital visits. Fourth, diabetes education. Fifth, medication treatment, which includes oral medications and insulin therapy. It's important to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly to determine the most suitable medication under the guidance of a doctor.