- MEDICINE ATHENS MED4WOMAN ATHENS
- MEDICINE VOLOS MED4WOMAN VOLOS
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Obstetrician Gynaecologist
Doctor of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School
Panagiotis Polyzos, Gynaecologist Obstetrician, is active at the Institute of Life - IVF Unit of Iaso Maternity Hospital.
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. In gestational diabetes, this disturbance in the woman’s sugar metabolism is discovered or first appears during pregnancy, usually in the second trimester. It occurs in about 4–8% of pregnancies. The placenta produces hormones that reduce the action of insulin (the hormone produced by the woman’s pancreas to regulate her blood glucose levels). In women with gestational diabetes, insulin cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels, resulting in increased glucose passing through the placenta to the fetus.
Most pregnant women are usually asymptomatic. However, some symptoms may appear, such as frequent urinary tract and vaginal infections, increased thirst and appetite, frequent urination, changes in vision, easy fatigue, and weakness.
From the very first visit to the obstetrician, a pregnant woman should have her fasting blood glucose measured and rechecked at regular intervals. If fasting glucose is higher than 92 mg/dl, then the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made, and the pregnant woman requires further management.
Today, it is recommended to measure fasting blood glucose and repeat the measurement one to two hours after consuming 75 grams of glucose. If even one value is equal to or higher than the normal range, the diagnosis of gestational diabetes is established.
The normal values for the glucose tolerance test (with 75 grams of glucose) are:
Before the test, the proper preparation instructions for the pregnant woman are as follows: Two days before the test, she should consume carbohydrates (pasta, rice, cereals, sweets). The test must be performed in the morning, and she should remain fasting (only water is allowed) from the previous night until 12 hours have passed.
