Gestational Diabetes

What is Gestational Diabetes?

It is a high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth.

It is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that develop due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, the body undergoes various changes, including the production of hormones that can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When the body cannot produce enough insulin, or it cannot use it properly, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to gestational diabetes.

Why Does it Happen?

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that help the baby grow. Some of these hormones (like human placental lactogen) can also block insulin, leading to insulin resistance. As pregnancy progresses, the placenta grows larger and produces more of these hormones, increasing the demand for insulin. If the mother’s pancreas cannot meet the increased insulin demand, blood sugar levels rise, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Risk Factors: They are given below;

• Family history: If close family members (parents or siblings) have diabetes, the risk is higher.
• Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese before becoming pregnant have a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes.
• Age
• Previous gestational diabetes: Having gestational diabetes in a prior pregnancy raises the risk in future pregnancies.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS are more susceptible due to hormonal imbalances.
• Sedentary life style

Symptoms: Gestational diabetes may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening during pregnancy is essential. However, if symptoms occur, they may include:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Increased hunger
• Recurrent infections

How is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed? Screening for gestational diabetes is typically done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. The most common tests include:

1. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): In this test, glucose is administered to a person orally and blood glucose levels are measured at regular interval and interpretation is done between blood glucose levels with various disorders associated with carbohydrate metabolism.
2. Random Plasma Glucose Test (RPG): This test checks your blood sugar levels at a random time, regardless of when you last ate.
3. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): This test checks blood sugar after fasting (not eating) overnight.

Potential Complications of Gestational Diabetes:

For the Mother:

• High Blood Pressure (Preeclampsia): This can lead to dangerous complications like organ damage or premature birth.
• Delivery complications: Higher risk of needing a cesarean section (C-section) due to larger baby size.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Women with gestational diabetes have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

For the Baby:

• Macrosomia (Large Baby): Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes can grow larger than normal, making delivery more difficult and increasing the risk of birth injuries.
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): After birth, the baby might have low blood sugar, which can cause issues like seizures if not treated promptly.
• Breathing difficulties: Some babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may experience respiratory distress syndrome.
• Obesity and Diabetes: Babies are at a higher risk of becoming overweight or developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Managing Gestational Diabetes:

1. Healthy Diet:

   • Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
   • Control portion sizes and spread meals throughout the day to avoid blood sugar spikes.
   • Avoid foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

2. Regular Exercise:

   • Engage in light to moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise helps the body use insulin more efficiently and keeps blood sugar levels under control.

3. Monitoring Blood Sugar:

   • Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial for keeping glucose levels within a healthy range. A doctor may recommend checking levels multiple times a day.

4. Medication:

   • If diet and exercise are not enough to control blood sugar, insulin therapy or oral medications may be required & consult the doctor. These help maintain normal blood sugar levels without harming the baby.

5. Regular Prenatal Checkups:

   • Close monitoring by healthcare providers is necessary. Regular ultrasounds and checkups ensure the baby is developing normally, and the mother’s health is protected.

Post-Pregnancy Considerations:

• Gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth. However, women who had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
• After delivery, a follow-up glucose test should be done to ensure blood sugar levels have returned to normal.
• Maintaining a healthy weight, diet, and exercise routine postpartum can reduce the risk of future diabetes.