Gestational Diabetes is a specific type of diabetes seen that affects pregnant women. It occurs when body is unable to produce insulin during pregnancy. This condition arises when hormones produced by placenta prevents the action of insulit which spikes the level of glucose in the body. During pregnancy, the body goes through various changes, including weight gain, these changes cause your causes insulin to lose it’s effectiveness, a condition called insulin resistance. It increases body’s need for insulin. All pregnant women develop insulin resistance in late pregnancy. However, women who are pre-diabetic or have insulin resistance before pregnancy, they are most likely to have gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes typically do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Many common symptoms experienced during pregnancy are present such as
- Increased thirst
- Needing to pee more often
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
Risk Factors – Gestational Diabetes
Several risk factors increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
- Overweight prior to pregnancy
- Family history of diabetes
- Diabetes in previous pregnancy
- Given birth to a baby weighing 4kgs or more
- High blood pressure
- Being older than 35 years of age
Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes
Testing during pregnancy can detect complications. Pregnant women are screened for blood glucose level in their prenatal visits
- The glucose screening test measures blood glucose levels one hour after consuming a sugary liquid. healthcare providers administer the Glucose Tolerance Test, also known as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).
- Glucose Tolerance Test also known as Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a three-hour pregnancy test typically taken between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.
Ideal blood sugar level
Maintaining an ideal blood sugar level is crucial for managing gestational diabetes The recommended tager blood sugar levels are:
- Before eating & during bedtime: 95 or less
- 1 hour after eating: 140 or less
- 2 hours after eating: 120 or less
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention and treatment involves a combination of lifestyle changes, monitoring blood sugar levels and medications in some cases.
Being active – Regular physical activity is important for managing gestational diabetes. Engaging in exercises such as walking or swimming can relieve stress, strengthen your muscles and bones and improve your overall fitness. It is important to consult your doctor or trainer to the appropriate level of physical activity based on your body condition.
Healthy food choices – Focus on consuming foods with a low glycemic Index (GI), these include whole grains, legume, non-starchy veggies, lean sources of meat such as fish contribute to a balanced diet.
Monitoring blood sugar – Regular monitoring of blood sugar level using a self glucose moniter is essential. Doctors will guide how to use a glucose monitor and what levels are ideal.
Medications – In some cases, lifestyle modifications alone is not enough to keep the blood sugar under control, hence medication is prescribed. The most common medications prescribed are insulin and metaformin.
Risks in pregnancy
If left untreated, gestational diabetes can pose a risk to the mother and the baby.
- Gestational diabetes can cause the baby growing larger than usual due to excess gluscose in the placenta. This will lead to complications during delivery.
- The baby might also be at increased risk for developing Hypoglycemia shortly after birth and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Polyhydramnios – a condition where too much of amniotic fluid in the womb, this can lead to premature labour or complications during delivery.
- Women who have gestational diabetes aremore likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. Women who have gestational diabetes usually are pre-diabetic post pregnancy. It’s a warning sign for type 2 diabetes.
It is important for women with a history of gestational diabetes to undergo regular screening and monitoring for diabetes in the postpartum period and in subsequent years.
Follow-up
Follow-up care is essential for women who have had gestational diabetes. Although it usually resolves after pregnancy, it is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels to ensure they return to normal. Typically, a follow-up check is recommended around 6-12 weeks after delivery. Regular checkups, at least once a year, are also advisable to assess the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Continuous monitoring and proper healthcare management can help minimize the long-term risks associated and ensures the well-being of both the mother and the child.
It is important for pregnant women with gestational diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team, which may include obstetricians, endocrinologists, dietitians, and diabetians They can provide personalized guidance, support, and monitoring throughout the pregnancy to ensure optimal management of diabetes and minimize potential risks for both the mother and the baby.