Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells use sugar (glucose) and can cause high blood sugar levels that may impact your pregnancy and your baby's health. The good news is that you can help manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy by eating healthy foods, exercising, and, if necessary, taking medication. Keeping your blood sugar under control can help you and your baby stay healthy and reduce the risk of complications during delivery.
After giving birth, your blood sugar levels typically return to normal. However, if you have had gestational diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Hormonal changes and the body's conversion of food into energy cause gestational diabetes. Insulin, a hormone, is responsible for breaking down glucose from food and transporting it to our cells to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. However, during pregnancy, hormonal changes can interfere with the function of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and gestational diabetes. Additionally, genetics and being overweight (having a BMI greater than 25) may also contribute to the development of gestational diabetes.
Symptoms
Most of the time, gestational diabetes does not cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Increased thirst and highly frequent urination are possible symptoms.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for gestational diabetes are:
- Being overweight or obese.
- Not being physically active.
- Having prediabetes.
- Having experienced gestational diabetes throughout the prior pregnancy
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Having a close family member with diabetes
- Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds (4.1 kilograms)
Diagnosis and Tests
Throughout your pregnancy, your healthcare professional will test your blood sugar. The test may have two parts:
Glucose challenge test: It involves drinking a sugary liquid. After roughly an hour, you will receive a blood test to determine your blood sugar level. Your doctor will do a glucose tolerance test if you have high blood sugar.
Glucose tolerance test: It is only performed if your challenge test results are abnormal. You fast for eight hours before taking the tolerance test. Your blood is drawn before you drink a sweet liquid, as well as one, two, and three hours later. The tolerance test can help confirm a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
How is gestational diabetes treated?
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your treatment strategy will be based on your blood sugar levels throughout the day.
In most circumstances, your doctor would urge you to check your blood sugar levels before and after meals. They will also advise you to manage your condition by consuming nutrients-dense foods and exercising regularly.
If your doctor advises you to check your blood sugar levels, they may give you a glucose-monitoring device.
Treatment for gestational diabetes involves:
- Lifestyle changes
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Medication, if needed
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important for both you and your baby. You may also be able to avoid difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth by receiving close treatment.
Can gestational diabetes be prevented?
Gestational diabetes cannot be completely prevented. However, altering your lifestyle can help lower your chances of developing it.
If you're pregnant and have one of the risk factors for gestational diabetes, try to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Even light movement, like strolling, can be beneficial. Trusted source.
If you expect to become pregnant in the near future and are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about how to safely lose weight while preparing for pregnancy.
A doctor can assist you in developing and sticking to a moderate weight loss and maintenance plan. It is possible to reduce gestational diabetes risk significantly by losing even a small amount of weight.
Furthermore, it is very important to seek prenatal care and attend all doctor-recommended appointments in order to receive the necessary exams and evaluations during your pregnancy.
