According to a new study, women who have gestational diabetes may be able to avoid getting diabetes later in life with exercise.
In women who had gestational diabetes, those who increased their exercise by at least 20 minutes per day after giving birth had half the long-term risks of women who didn't change their activity levels.
"This is kind of a hopeful message because they may think they are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, but this shows they shouldn't give up," said Dr. Cuilin Zhang. "Exercise more. It can help."
Zhang, the lead author in the study is from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Rockville, MD.
Gestational diabetes typically affects older, heavier, and non-white women, affecting between 2 and 10 percent of all US pregnancies. They experience symptoms similar to Type 2 diabetes, including increased thirst and the urge to urinate. If gestational diabetes isn't controlled during pregnancy, it puts babies at risk of being born earlier and heavier than usual. It also puts pregnant women at risk for high blood pressure and preeclampsia.
The condition usually disappears after childbirth, but women who have had it have an increased risk of developing diabetes, especially within the next five years.
In the new study, researchers looked at 16 years' worth of data on 4,554 women who had a history of gestational diabetes. By the end of the study period, 635 developed type 2 diabetes.
Using behaviors like exercise and time spent watching television, researchers were able to calculate a women's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In the 1/5 of women who exercised the least 19 percent developed diabetes later on, compared to 9 percent of the top 1/5 of women who exercised the most.
For every additional 100 minutes of exercise women added per week, the risk for developing diabetes fell by 9 percent.
Watching television was tied to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women who watched between 11 and 20 hours of TV a week had 1.4 times the diabetes risk of women who watched 0 to 5 hours a week. This however does not mean that watching television is the source of the problem, said the authors in the JAMA Internal Medicine article. In general, it means that women who watch more television tend to be less healthy than those who don't.
The researchers caution that this data does not apply to all women in the United States- most of their data came from white women.
Zhang said that the goal of their research was to identify how medicine, lifestyle, and genetics come together to influence risk among women with a history of gestational diabetes.
Reference: Chicago Tribune
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
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Showing posts with label gestational diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gestational diabetes. Show all posts
Monday, June 23, 2014
Monday, June 17, 2013
Should Halle Berry Be Worried?
Berry announced in April that she is expecting her second child with fiance Oliver Martinez, a surprise for the 46 year old. Experts say that being pregnant at an advanced age raises serious health concerns, but Berry has access to the best in medical care.
"Older moms are at higher risk for developing high blood pressure and diabetes," says obstetrician Ranit Mishori. "But it sounds like (Halle's) doing a good job monitoring her diabetes.
Gestational diabetes can lead to birth defects if the condition is not carefully monitored. "Mothers need to control their glucose levels or their babies can be born larger," says Mishori, an associate professor of family medicine at Georgetown University Hospital. "That can pose problems at birth. We're assuming with Halle Berry that she'll have top medical care and good nutrition. In that case, everything could be fine for her and her baby."
Doctors say that any pregnancy over 35 can be risky because they experience chromosomal changes that can result in birth defects like Down's Syndrome and heart abnormalities. The likelihood of having a baby at age 46 are 1 in 18, or 5.5%, says medical geneticist Barry Skotko. But as we've seen in the news, with the advances in medical care, women can safely give birth into their 50's and 60's.
"The paradigm has drastically changed because of the noninvasive tests that are available now," says Dr. Martin Chavez. "It's no longer the case of gloom and doom."
Berry meanwhile is thrilled about the baby, saying, "I feel fantastic. This has been the biggest surprise of my life. I thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me, so it's been a big surprise and the most wonderful one." Berry is rumored to be pregnant with a boy and is due in October 2013.
Reference: Examiner
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Monday, May 6, 2013
New Supplement To Reduce Diabetes Risk During Pregnancy
A new small pilot study says that myo-insitol supplements may help protect women at risk for gestational diabetes.
Previous studies have shown that myo-insitol may restore fertility in polycystic ovary syndrome, but this is the first evidence it may reduce the number of gestational diabetes cases, says lead author Dr. Rosario D'Anna.
Women who are overweight or obese or have a family history of diabetes are at risk for gestational diabetes, which affects 10 percent of pregnancies. Those with the condition have trouble controlling their carbohydrates, which therefore leads to high blood sugar.
"Undiagnosed and untreated gestational diabetes can cause large for gestational diabetes babies, which may lead to delivery complications," says Dr. D'Anna, who is at the Department of Obstetrics at University Hospital in Messina, Italy.
220 pregnant women with a family history of Type 2 diabetes were part of the study. Half of the women were given two grams of myo-insitol supplements twice a day along with the recommended amount of folic acid. The other women were given just the folic acid from the end of the first trimester.
Myo-insitol is available in the United States without a prescription and costs $10 for 60 650 millograms. It is also found in fruits, nuts, grains, and meats, but not in high concentrations.
Of those who took the myo-insitol, just six percent developed gestational diabetes, compared to 15 percent who took just the folic acid. None of the babies in the myo-insitol group met criteria for being overweight, but seven babies in the folic acid group did, weighing more than eight pounds, 13 ounces.
Even though these results are positive, it doesn't mean the supplement works or is safe. "The results are promising, but we would need a larger trial and a broader group of women before we could recommend this supplement," says Dr. Wanda Nicholson, who studies gestational diabetes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Even though their blood sugar levels usually return to normal after pregnancy, women need to continue to diet and exercise. "Up to 50 percent of women in general who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes can develop Type 2 diabetes in the next five to 10 years," says Nicholson.
Dr. Donald Coustan of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island in Providence says, "There's really nothing currently recommended to prevent gestational diabetes" other than maintaining a healthy weight before getting pregnant.
The number of women getting the condition has been rising for the last 10 years. "There's great concern that we're going to be inundated with patients with gestational diabetes," says Coustan.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Previous studies have shown that myo-insitol may restore fertility in polycystic ovary syndrome, but this is the first evidence it may reduce the number of gestational diabetes cases, says lead author Dr. Rosario D'Anna.
Women who are overweight or obese or have a family history of diabetes are at risk for gestational diabetes, which affects 10 percent of pregnancies. Those with the condition have trouble controlling their carbohydrates, which therefore leads to high blood sugar.
"Undiagnosed and untreated gestational diabetes can cause large for gestational diabetes babies, which may lead to delivery complications," says Dr. D'Anna, who is at the Department of Obstetrics at University Hospital in Messina, Italy.
220 pregnant women with a family history of Type 2 diabetes were part of the study. Half of the women were given two grams of myo-insitol supplements twice a day along with the recommended amount of folic acid. The other women were given just the folic acid from the end of the first trimester.
Myo-insitol is available in the United States without a prescription and costs $10 for 60 650 millograms. It is also found in fruits, nuts, grains, and meats, but not in high concentrations.
Of those who took the myo-insitol, just six percent developed gestational diabetes, compared to 15 percent who took just the folic acid. None of the babies in the myo-insitol group met criteria for being overweight, but seven babies in the folic acid group did, weighing more than eight pounds, 13 ounces.
Even though these results are positive, it doesn't mean the supplement works or is safe. "The results are promising, but we would need a larger trial and a broader group of women before we could recommend this supplement," says Dr. Wanda Nicholson, who studies gestational diabetes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Even though their blood sugar levels usually return to normal after pregnancy, women need to continue to diet and exercise. "Up to 50 percent of women in general who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes can develop Type 2 diabetes in the next five to 10 years," says Nicholson.
Dr. Donald Coustan of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island in Providence says, "There's really nothing currently recommended to prevent gestational diabetes" other than maintaining a healthy weight before getting pregnant.
The number of women getting the condition has been rising for the last 10 years. "There's great concern that we're going to be inundated with patients with gestational diabetes," says Coustan.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Diabetes in Men and Women: Not the Same
Not only is today Mother's Day, but it also starts National Women's Health week, from May 13th to the 19th.
We can always count on moms, sisters, wives, girlfriends, and other women in our lives to be there for us, and we want them to stay healthy (Men too, of course, but we'll get to that next month!).
But diabetes can be especially tough on women. For starters, it affects both mothers and their unborn babies. Studies also show women with diabetes are at higher risk for developing heart disease, kidney disease, and depression than men- despite the fact that women typically have longer life expectancies.
This information may be concerning, but we also know a lot about how to stave off many of these complications. Let's address some popular questions about how diabetes affects women.
1. Are there any diabetes medications that have side effects unique to women?
Yes, the oral medications classified as thiazolidnediones (TZDs) may cause women who are not ovulating and haven't gone through menopause to begin ovulating again, enabling them to conceive. Also, oral contraceptives may be less effective when taking this medication.
2. Is there a special time table that women with diabetes should follow for medical check-ups such as gynecological exams?
Check-ups should be performed on a regular, consistent basis to ensure that your diabetes is not negatively affecting your reproductive organs. Your health care provider will determine how often you should schedule your visits, depending on your overall health.
3. Can women with diabetes breastfeed their babies?
Unless your healthcare team advises you otherwise, yes! Breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies and breastfeeding is recommended for all mothers, whether you have preexisting diabetes or gestational diabetes.
4. I had gestational diabetes. How soon after having my baby should I get my blood glucose rechecked?
Gestational diabetes is estimated to develop in 18 percent of all pregnancies. Get your blood glucose checked about six to eight weeks after delivery. Like 90 percent of women with gestational diabetes, your levels will probably return to normal right after your baby is born. However, you still run the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on. In fact, studies have shown women who have had gestational diabetes are at risk (of up to 60 percent) for developing diabetes in the next 10 to 20 years.
5. What are the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
The benefits of HRT are decreased risk of osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vaginitis (infections). The risks while using estrogen are increased incidence of breast cancer and uterine cancer. However, when estrogen and progesterone are administered together and in correct doses, the risk of uterine or endometrial cancer is actually reduced.
6. Will menopause affect my diabetes?
Yes. The changes in the levels and balances of your hormones may lead to out-of-control blood glucose levels. Women with diabetes are also at risk of developing premature menopause and consequently, increased risks of cardiovascular disease.
So if you're a woman with diabetes, be sure to take care of yourself by making healthy lifestyle choices and getting proper medical care. If you know someone who has diabetes or is known to be at risk, be sure they do the same. Your support and understanding can make all the difference.
If you are women with diabetes and you do not currently see a podiatrist for diabetic foot care, call our office for an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
We can always count on moms, sisters, wives, girlfriends, and other women in our lives to be there for us, and we want them to stay healthy (Men too, of course, but we'll get to that next month!).
But diabetes can be especially tough on women. For starters, it affects both mothers and their unborn babies. Studies also show women with diabetes are at higher risk for developing heart disease, kidney disease, and depression than men- despite the fact that women typically have longer life expectancies.
This information may be concerning, but we also know a lot about how to stave off many of these complications. Let's address some popular questions about how diabetes affects women.
1. Are there any diabetes medications that have side effects unique to women?
2. Is there a special time table that women with diabetes should follow for medical check-ups such as gynecological exams?
Check-ups should be performed on a regular, consistent basis to ensure that your diabetes is not negatively affecting your reproductive organs. Your health care provider will determine how often you should schedule your visits, depending on your overall health.
3. Can women with diabetes breastfeed their babies?
Unless your healthcare team advises you otherwise, yes! Breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies and breastfeeding is recommended for all mothers, whether you have preexisting diabetes or gestational diabetes.
4. I had gestational diabetes. How soon after having my baby should I get my blood glucose rechecked?
Gestational diabetes is estimated to develop in 18 percent of all pregnancies. Get your blood glucose checked about six to eight weeks after delivery. Like 90 percent of women with gestational diabetes, your levels will probably return to normal right after your baby is born. However, you still run the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on. In fact, studies have shown women who have had gestational diabetes are at risk (of up to 60 percent) for developing diabetes in the next 10 to 20 years.
5. What are the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
The benefits of HRT are decreased risk of osteoporosis, hot flashes, and vaginitis (infections). The risks while using estrogen are increased incidence of breast cancer and uterine cancer. However, when estrogen and progesterone are administered together and in correct doses, the risk of uterine or endometrial cancer is actually reduced.
6. Will menopause affect my diabetes?
Yes. The changes in the levels and balances of your hormones may lead to out-of-control blood glucose levels. Women with diabetes are also at risk of developing premature menopause and consequently, increased risks of cardiovascular disease.
So if you're a woman with diabetes, be sure to take care of yourself by making healthy lifestyle choices and getting proper medical care. If you know someone who has diabetes or is known to be at risk, be sure they do the same. Your support and understanding can make all the difference.
If you are women with diabetes and you do not currently see a podiatrist for diabetic foot care, call our office for an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter.
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