Having gestational diabetes (GD) does not imply that you had diabetes before becoming pregnant. Pregnancy is a factor in the development of this condition. Pregnancy presents unique challenges for women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes (GD) typically appears in the middle of pregnancy, between 24 and 28. weeks
You can define gestational diabetes as a condition in which blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy.
After giving birth, gestational diabetes is no longer an issue. In addition, it raises your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, which can affect your baby’s health. You have control over your health and the health of your unborn child.
Healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication can all help pregnant women manage their gestational diabetes. A healthy pregnancy and delivery can be made easier if blood sugar levels are kept under control.
This article is all about gestational diabetes and pregnancy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gestational diabetes are often misdiagnosed as the result of pregnancy, and the condition is often misunderstood. Most people discover they have it as a result of a routine examination.
You may see some of the symptoms like:
- You appear to be more thirsty than usual.
- You’re hungrier and consume more food than usual.
- You urinate more frequently than usual.
Cause
Pregnancy hormones and the way our bodies convert food into energy are the primary cause of gestational diabetes.
When we eat, glucose (sugar) is broken down by a hormone called insulin and transported to our cells. To maintain a normal level of blood glucose, insulin is required. However, sugar builds up in the blood and leads to diabetes if insulin does not function properly or is insufficiently produced.
Hormones can interfere with insulin function during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can occur if your pancreas does not properly regulate your blood sugar levels.
Complications
Blood sugar levels can rise as a result of gestational diabetes that isn’t properly controlled. High blood sugar levels can harm you and your unborn child, increasing the likelihood that you’ll have to deliver via cesarean section.
1. Potential health risks for your unborn child
Gestational diabetes may increase the risk of your baby developing some of the following conditions:
- Overweight at the time of birth.Mothers with blood sugar levels that are abnormally high may have babies who are overweight. Babies who weigh nine pounds or more are more likely to get stuck in the birth canal, suffer birth injuries, or necessitate a cesarean section than those who are smaller.
- Premature birth. Premature labor and delivery may be accelerated in women with high blood sugar levels. Or, if the baby is large, early delivery may be advised.
- Difficulty in breathing. Respiratory distress syndrome is a condition that affects newborns born prematurely to mothers with gestational diabetes.
- Blood sugar levels are too low (hypoglycemia). Shortly after birth, newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes may experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Seizures in babies are possible if hypoglycemia is severe. The baby’s blood sugar level can be restored with timely feedings and intravenous glucose solution.
- There is a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.Gestational diabetes increases a child’s risk of obesity and types 2 diabetes in adulthood.
- Before or shortly after birth, a baby who has gestational diabetes and is not treated can die.
2. What could happen to you as a result of this
Having gestational diabetes may also raise your risk of developing several other conditions, including:
- Preeclampsia and hypertension in pregnancy. In addition, gestational diabetes can increase your risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and other potentially fatal symptoms.
- Choosing to give birth via surgery (C-section). If you have gestational diabetes, you’re more likely to need a C-section.
- Diabetes in the future.Once pregnant, you are more likely to develop gestational diabetes again. As you get older, you’re also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosis
During pregnancy, your doctor will check your blood sugar levels. There may be two parts to the test:
- Glucose challenge test
- Glucose tolerance test
Treatment
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes can receive treatment with:
- Changes in daily habits
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Medication, if required
Pregnant women who control their blood sugar levels are more likely to have a healthy baby. Pregnancy and childbirth can be made easier if you have regular checkups with your doctor.
Prevention
However, it is impossible to completely prevent gestational diabetes, but adopting healthy habits before becoming pregnant can go a long way in improving your chances. If you have had gestational diabetes in the past, these lifestyle changes may also reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
1.Eat a Balanced Diet
Follow a diabetes-specific meal plan to ensure you’re getting the nutrition you need. There are dietitians out there who can assist you in creating a nutritious diet. Find out more about preparing healthy meals for people with diabetes.
In addition, a dietitian can teach you how to manage your blood sugar levels safely and effectively while you’re expecting.
2. Get in some exercise every day
Exercising also helps control blood sugar levels. It aids in regulating the amount of food one consumes. Regular exercise is safe during and after pregnancy, as long as you consult with your doctor first. Do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week at the very least. It could be a brisk walk, a swim, or a game of tag with your kids.
3. Blood Sugar Often Monitored
As blood sugar levels fluctuate rapidly during pregnancy, it is important to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels at all times. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your physician.
4. Take Insulin, If Necessary
With gestational diabetes, a pregnant woman may need insulin. If your doctor has prescribed insulin, take it as prescribed to keep your blood sugar in check. You can also order it online as a prescription via an online pharmacy.
5. Pregnant women should be tested for diabetes.
Check for diabetes six to 12 weeks after giving birth, and then every one to three years after that.
Pregnancy-induced diabetes usually disappears within a few weeks of delivery for the majority of women who have it. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the disease does not go away. However, half of all women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes after the baby is born, even if the diabetes is no longer an issue. To prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, women who have had gestational diabetes should continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet after childbirth. Every one to three years, she should make sure she has a blood sugar test done by her doctor.
Is gestational diabetes reversible after the baby is born?
After giving birth, most women’s blood sugar levels fall and their hormone levels return to normal. Then again, about half of women who have gestational diabetes go on to develop Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. It is possible to reduce your risk through extra care, healthy eating, and regular physical activity. Pregnant women may be advised to have blood glucose tests every six to 12 weeks to check for diabetes.
