Summary of Gestational Diabetes

Although it does raise your risk of type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only develops during pregnancy. It can also be the outcome of an undetected diabetes that existed before.

Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is typically detected in the later stages of pregnancy and is characterized by an insufficient ability to control blood sugar, or glucose. Because gestational diabetes increases the risk of diabetes in the future for both you and your unborn child, it is critical to diagnose and treat it. Additionally, it increases the likelihood that your child may be born with macrosomia, a condition that can make delivery risky and challenging. In addition, low blood sugar, jaundice (a liver ailment), respiratory distress syndrome, and early mortality are all risks associated with gestational diabetes in babies. [1] Lastly, obesity is a risk factor for both you and your unborn child if you have untreated gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes, like other types of diabetes, can be caused by insulin resistance, insufficient insulin, or an improper response of your body’s cells to insulin signals. Furthermore, the placenta—the organ that supplies your baby with blood—may create hormones that inhibit the effects of insulin.In [2] The hormone insulin is secreted by the pancreas and instructs cells to absorb glucose from the blood. Like most things, too much of any substance can be harmful. Too much glucose in the blood for an extended period of time can harm kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other organs. It can also increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other conditions. All cells in the body utilize glucose, or sugar, for energy obesity.1

As long as your diabetes is being managed, you can typically have a baby if you currently have diabetes (either T1D or T2D) and would like to.

Which factors put a person at risk for gestational diabetes?

If you can identify with any one or more of the following, your chances of developing gestational diabetes increase.

Being overweight or obese

An individual’s or family’s history of diabetes in whatever form

A prior delivery of a child weighing more than nine pounds

A medical history of polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, an endocrine disorder

An ethnic background that is African, Native American, Hispanic, Asian, or Pacific Islander

How Is a Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Made?

Between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, your obstetrician will probably do a blood test to check for symptoms of gestational diabetes, which is defined as higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. If you meet any of the criteria for gestational diabetes, this blood test could be performed sooner. You might be asked to fast for 12 hours prior to having your blood drawn for a glucose test. A glucose challenge test could also be included, in which you consume a sweet glucose solution and have your blood checked one to two hours later.

If gestational diabetes is diagnosed in your pregnancy, you will probably need additional testing, such as ultrasound (US) imaging, frequent heart rate monitoring for your unborn child, and possibly screening for pre-eclampsia, a condition that can be linked to gestational diabetes. In addition to raising your risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes can also raise your chance of preeclampsia.[3] Less than 25% of women who manage their prenatal diabetes go on to get type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the future.3.

How Is Diabetes During Gestation Treated?

The standard treatment for gestational diabetes involves following a nutritious diet, checking your blood sugar levels before and after meals, and increasing your physical activity level. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels because it burns glucose, which is used by all body cells. Insulin shots may be necessary for certain women in order to maintain blood sugar levels within safe ranges. Blood sugar-lowering drugs are prescribed by some doctors, but other medications should be avoided in general. Furthermore, your baby’s growth and development will be closely checked; if the baby is becoming too big, an early labor induction or a cesarean section may be required to deliver the baby.

Healthy Consumption

Fruit, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates—which release sugars more gradually—are the main components of a healthy diet. Foods high in complex carbohydrates include legumes, whole grains, and starchy vegetables. Avoid any sweets and simple carbs, such as those found in processed foods, fast food, and baked products made with non-whole grains.

Exercise

Swimming, tai chi, yoga, and walking are all forms of exercise. It can also involve riding a stationary bike or an elliptical. Lastly, gardening and housework can qualify as exercise!

How to Avoid Gestational Diabetes

Prevention is always the best medicine. Although there are never absolute assurances, the following steps will help you avoid T2D and gestational diabetes both before and during pregnancy: [4].

Getting rid of any excess weight before becoming pregnant

Eat well before, during, and after becoming pregnant.
Additionally, this will help your child form healthy eating habits and, if you want to breastfeed, will give them the best start in life in terms of nutrition!

Remain active and physically fit.

Ask further questions in the comments area if you have any.