Diabetes In Pregnancy

Diabetes in Pregnancy: Glossary

Here are definitions of medical terms related to diabetes in pregnancy.

Carbohydrate: A nutrient in food that comes mainly from sugar and starch. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose for energy.

Diabetes mellitus: A disorder that prevents the body from converting digested food into energy.

Gestational diabetes: A form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery.

Glucose: The form of sugar used by the body’s cells for energy. All starches in digestible food are broken down to glucose in the intestinal tract before being absorbed into the body.

Hormone: A chemical created by the body’s glands and secreted into the blood in order to have an effect on an organ.

Hypoglycemia: A condition where the blood sugar is lower than normal. You may feel weak or shaky, feel your heart pounding, perspire, feel very hungry, or get a headache. This can be dangerous and should be avoided or treated quickly. If not, later symptoms are seeing double, not thinking clearly, and possibly passing out.

Insulin: A hormone secreted by the pancreas that lets blood glucose get into cells. Insulin lowers the level of glucose in the blood.

Insulin resistance: When insulin is blocked from doing its job. It can be caused by excess hormones made by the placenta. It’s also linked to being overweight.

Ketones: A potentially harmful waste produce created when the body breaks down fat for energy.

Macrosomia: The term used to describe a larger than normal baby. It occurs when the mother’s blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy.

Placenta: A special tissue that joins the mother and baby. It provides hormones and supplies the growing baby with water and nutrients from the mother’s blood.