Everything You Need To Know About Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops in women during pregnancy[1]. Nearly 2% to 14% of pregnant women in India are affected by the condition[2]. The condition generally develops between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy [3] and goes away as soon as the woman delivers the child. If the condition lasts even after the delivery, it is then termed type 2 diabetes. The women who are affected by gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life [4]. Therefore, it is essential for such women to keep a close check on their blood sugar levels. 

What Are The Causes Of Gestational Diabetes? 

The causes of the condition aren’t fully known yet. However, the reasons for the spike in blood sugar levels causing gestational diabetes are attributed to the changes in the hormone levels during pregnancy [5]. 

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes?

Generally, the symptoms of the condition may go unnoticed, but when looked at carefully, women with gestational diabetes may possess the following symptoms [6]:

• Fatigue
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Snoring
• Unintentional weight gain

Complications Associated With Gestational Diabetes 

Gestational diabetes’ impact on the baby [5]:

Excessive Birth Weight: Increased blood sugar levels in pregnant women can cause their babies to grow too large in the womb. Such babies are more likely to become wedged in the birth canal which may lead to birth injuries or a need for C-section birth. 

Preterm Birth: Spiked blood sugar levels may increase a women’s risk of undergoing early labour and giving birth to the baby before the due date. Such babies are not fully developed and are often vulnerable to certain environmental factors. 

Breathing Difficulties: Preterm babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may develop respiratory distress syndrome and may experience serious breathing difficulties. 

Low Blood Sugar: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may also have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth. Severe episodes of the condition may lead to seizures in the baby. In such cases, prompt feeding may help. 

Risk Of Obesity And Diabetes Later In Life: Gestational diabetes in mothers increases the risks of the child developing type 2 diabetes or becoming obese later in life. 

Stillbirth: Untreated gestational diabetes may result in the death of the baby either before birth or shortly after. 

Gestational diabetes’ impact on the mother [5]:

High Blood Pressure And Preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes increases the risks of high blood pressure along with preeclampsia in pregnant women suffering from the condition. 

Risks Of Developing Diabetes In The Future: The likelihood of women with gestational diabetes developing type 2 diabetes, later in life, is higher. 

Risk Factors Of Gestational Diabetes

The risk factors associated with the condition including the following [7]: 

• Being over the age of 25
• Being overweight
• Having close relatives with type 2 diabetes
• Having conditions that cause insulin resistance 
• Suffering from high blood pressure prior to pregnancy
• History of gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies
• Gaining excessive weight during the current or previous pregnancy
• Being pregnant with multiples babies (twins or triplets)
• Belonging to African, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic ethnicity

Managing Gestational Diabetes 

Some of the effective ways of managing gestational diabetes include [8]: 

Maintaining A Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight before and throughout the pregnancy can help prevent gestational diabetes and lower the risks of complications associated with the condition. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help. 

Keeping Blood Sugar Levels In Check: Hormonal changes caused during pregnancy can spike up the levels of glucose in the blood. Therefore, it becomes of utmost importance that pregnant women keep a close check on their blood sugar levels. 

Timely Insulin Shots: Women with gestational diabetes may need insulin shots. Therefore, if suggested by the doctor, it is crucial to take the insulin shots as directed. 

Testing For Diabetes Post Delivery: Women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing diabetes type 2 in the later stages of life. It is crucial that they take a diabetes test regularly after delivery, to help diagnose the condition at an early stage so that appropriate actions can be taken. 

Gestational diabetes cannot be fully prevented. Some healthy lifestyle choices, however, can help lower the risks of developing the condition and prevent the complications associated with it. These healthy habits include regular exercising, eating healthy food and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Refrences Link: 

1. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673797/
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/gestational-diabetes
4. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html#:~:text=Get%20tested%20for%20diabetes%206,is%20called%20type%202%20diabetes.
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339
6. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/preventing-gestational-diabetes#symptoms
7. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/preventing-gestational-diabetes#risk-factors
8. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html#:~:text=Get%20tested%20for%20diabetes%206,is%20called%20type%202%20diabetes.