Table of Contents
Introduction
Pregnancy is a happy journey for most parents-to-be. But it also comes with its fair share of challenges.
One of the common health conditions that many pregnant women are prone to is gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM.
Gestational diabetes screening is often during the second trimester, around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM is a condition that develops specifically during pregnancy where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal. It is also called Hyperglycemia.
Gestational Diabetes Causes
During pregnancy, there are many changes in a pregnant mother’s body and hormonal changes is one among them.
Ideally, a hormone called insulin breaks down sugar from the food we eat and convert it into energy. But during pregnancy, there are a lot of hormonal changes happening in a mother’s body.
The hormones from the placenta, (a vital organ that sends nutrients and oxygen to the baby in the womb) can interrupt with insulin and do not let it function like usual leading to insulin resistance.
Meaning, the body becomes less efficient in utilizing glucose (sugar) from the body for day and day activities leading to higher levels of blood sugar in blood.
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
Ideally, gestational diabetes does not show any signs or symptoms for many pregnant women. It is mostly diagnosed during the GCT (Glucose Challenge Test) prescribed by the gynecologist.
But there are a few signs which can signal gestational diabetes for some women including:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive tiredness
Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis
As discussed earlier, the healthcare provider usually prescribes for a glucose test around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to monitor the blood glucose levels.
The reason why the test is prescribed around this time is because, for most pregnant mothers, this is the time when gestational diabetes starts to develop.
Usually, a test called GCT is prescribed for all pregnant women. It is also called the 1 hour glucose test.
In this test, the pregnant mother is given a glass of water mixed with 50 grams of glucose. A blood test is taken an hour after drinking the solution.
If the blood sugar levels are normal that is below then there is nothing to worry about.
But if the blood glucose levels are higher than normal, that is more than 140 mg/dL and less than 199 mg/dL, then you may have impaired glucose tolerance.
It is a prediabetic condition where the blood sugar is higher than normal but not as high as gestational diabetes.
And if the sugar levels are higher than 199 mg/dL, then you are diagnosed for gestational diabetes.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes Treatment
Once a pregnant mother gets diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, there are a few changes that the healthcare expert prescribes in order to manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy, including:
Medication: For those with higher blood sugar levels, that is over 199 mg/dL, it is important to take medications to help manage the symptoms.
Depending upon your specific health conditions, your doctor might either opt for medicine or insulin to lower blood sugar levels.
Regular checkup: Other than medications, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis to ensure the health of the mother and the fetus.
Apart from checking your Hba1c levels, you will also be asked to check your sugar levels about 4 times a day. Once after waking up and the other 3 after every meal of the day.
Lifestyle changes: To Control blood sugar levels with gestational diabetes, it is important to switch to a healthy lifestyle.
It is advised to be mindful of the food you eat and incorporate some sort of physical activity in your day to day activities if your doctor approves of it.
Gestational Diabetes Complications
If gestational diabetes is not managed well, it can lead to several complications for both the mother and the baby.
Gestational Diabetes Complications for the Baby
Preterm labor: If gestational diabetes isn’t managed well, the baby can grow bigger than normal leading to preterm labor. In some cases, the doctor may also advise preterm delivery as the baby is bigger and it might not be safe if the baby is in the womb for too long.
Birth injuries: Since the baby is bigger, it might be difficult for the baby to come out of the birth canal leading to birth injuries.
Low sugar (Hypoglycemia): Babies born to mothers with significantly high blood sugar levels are at higher risk of developing low blood sugar.
Respiratory issues: Some babies born to mothers with higher levels of blood glucose can also develop respiratory issues and in rare cases, it can also result in stillbirth.
Type 2 diabetes: Some of these babies are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes too.
Gestational Diabetes Complications for the Mother
High blood pressure: Mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure called preeclampsia.
It is a serious condition where the pregnant mother has higher blood pressure than normal. This condition can lead to several complications both during pregnancy and during labor.
Type 2 diabetes: If gestational diabetes isn’t managed well, there are high chances of it to become type 2 diabetes.
C-section: Apart from pregnancy complications for the mother, there are high chances of C-section delivery too as the baby is bigger if gestational diabetes is not managed properly.
This is because it may be difficult for the baby to pass through the birth canal.
Gestational Diabetes Diet
In order to manage gestational diabetes, it is important to eat healthy and nutritious foods. The best diet for those with gestational diabetes can be:
Protein: Include ample amounts of protein to your diet. Protein helps building new cells, helps recover the body, helps with digestion and mainly helps with regulating blood sugar levels.
Carbohydrate: Carbohydrate provides energy for the body. But it is important to choose carbohydrates that have low starch content such as brown rice, quinoa and sweet potato.
Fiber: It is important to consume fibrous fruits and vegetables as they can control glycemic control and bring down blood sugar levels.
Opt for low GI foods: GI, Glycemic indexes are values that are assigned to foods by the amount of time and by the increase in blood sugar levels these foods cause to your body. So it is important to opt for foods with low GI such as green vegetables, chickpeas and lentils.
Apart from this, there are a few types of foods that a pregnant mother must avoid in order to control sugar levels during pregnancy including:
- Starchy foods such as white bread, white pasta
- Sugary drinks and foods
- Junk and processed foods
- High Glyceminc index foods such as bread, potatoes
How to Prevent Gestational Diabetes?
Although one cannot do much to prevent gestational diabetes, there are a few tips which can reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes including:
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes is manageable if the pregnant mother maintains it well. It’s important to have a healthy lifestyle with nutritious foods and some amount of physical activity.
Ensure to consult with your gynecologist frequently and not miss out on any prenatal appointments.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi Scans
FAQ
1. Will my baby be ok if I have gestational diabetes?
Yes. Usually, pregnant mothers who manage gestational diabetes well under the guidance of a healthcare professional give birth to healthy babies.
2. Can gestational diabetes go away?
For most pregnant women, gestational diabetes goes away after delivery if they manage it well during pregnancy. But those who manage it poorly may develop type 2 diabetes.
3. Does gestational diabetes mean C-section?
No. Usually, mothers who properly manage gestational diabetes can give birth vaginally.
4. What is the difference between gestational diabetes and diabetes?
Diabetes is a general condition that can affect anyone. But gestational diabetes is a condition that specifically affects pregnant women.
Although both gestational diabetes and diabetes means abnormal blood sugar levels in the blood, most women with gestational diabetes can get away from it after delivery if they manage the symptoms well.
5. Can stress cause gestational diabetes?
Although stress cannot directly lead to gestational diabetes, it can cause other issues including hormonal imbalance and binge-eating which can lead to gestational diabetes.
