Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

By Type2 Advice -Anna

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops for the first time during pregnancy. It affects how your cells use sugar (glucose), which is the main source of energy for your body and your baby. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gestational diabetes, helping you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your baby’s health.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy¹. It usually goes away after giving birth, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child².

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

The exact cause of gestational diabetes is not known, but it is related to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. These hormones help your baby grow and develop, but they also make your body more resistant to insulin, which is the hormone that helps your cells use glucose. This means that your body needs more insulin to keep your blood sugar levels normal³.

Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors

Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but some factors can increase your risk. These include²:

  • Being over 40 years old
  • Having a body mass index (BMI) above 30
  • Having a previous baby who weighed more than 4.5 kg (10 lb) at birth
  • Having gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  • Having a parent or sibling with diabetes
  • Being of South Asian, Black, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern origin

If any of these apply to you, you should be offered screening for gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.

Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms, so most cases are only discovered when your blood sugar levels are tested during screening². Screening for gestational diabetes is usually done between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, but it may be done earlier if you have a high risk.

Gestational Diabetes Treatment

The main goal of treatment for gestational diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range for you and your baby. This can help prevent complications such as having a large baby, premature birth, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), low blood sugar or jaundice in your baby after birth, or stillbirth¹².

Treatment for gestational diabetes may include¹²:

  • Monitoring your blood sugar levels at home with a glucose meter
  • Following a healthy eating plan that limits sugary and starchy foods and includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats
  • Being physically active for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
  • Taking medication such as insulin injections or tablets if diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood sugar levels

Preventing and Managing Gestational Diabetes

The best way to prevent or manage gestational diabetes is to adopt a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. This can help lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes after giving birth as well. Some tips include¹²:

  • If you are planning to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about your risk of gestational diabetes and how to prepare for a healthy pregnancy
  • If you are overweight or obese, try to lose some weight before getting pregnant by eating well and being active
  • If you have type 2 diabetes, make sure it is well controlled before getting pregnant by taking your medication as prescribed and following your doctor’s advice
    • If you have gestational diabetes, follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor or midwife and attend all your appointments
  • After giving birth, breastfeed your baby if possible, as this can help lower your blood sugar levels and protect your baby from obesity and diabetes
  • Have a blood test six weeks after giving birth to check if your blood sugar levels have returned to normal
  • Have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your blood sugar levels and screen for type 2 diabetes every one to three years
  • Continue to eat well and be active to maintain a healthy weight and prevent type 2 diabetes

Conclusion

Gestational diabetes is a common condition that can affect both you and your baby’s health during pregnancy and beyond. By understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gestational diabetes, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your baby. By following a healthy lifestyle and working with your health care team, you can have a safe and happy pregnancy and a healthy future.

References and further reading

¹: Gestational Diabetes | CDC https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html

²: Gestational Diabetes - NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/

³: Gestational Diabetes - Symptoms And Causes - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339

comments powered by Disqus