Gestational Diabetes Preventions And Precautions

Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs in nearly 2% to 14% of pregnant women in India [6]. It is a temporary condition that typically develops between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy [1], and goes away soon after giving birth [2]. If gestational diabetes does not go away after the delivery of the baby, the condition is then called diabetes type 2. Moreover, even if the condition does go away, the woman is at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Therefore, it is essential for a woman who has had gestational diabetes to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly and keep a close check on her blood sugar levels [2]. 

Risk Factors Associated With Gestational Diabetes

Some common risk factors associated with the condition include [5]:

• Being overweight
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Having high blood pressure
• Having low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol
• Family history of diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes, prediabetes, or signs of insulin resistance
• African, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic descent

How Do I Lower My Risks Of Developing Gestational Diabetes?

Ensuring good health and preparing the body for pregnancy is the best way of preventing gestational diabetes [3].

Women who are overweight and are planning pregnancy need to be extra cautious. They must take the following steps to prepare for pregnancy [3]:

• Improving diet and inculcating healthy eating habits
• Establishing a regular exercise routine
• Attempting to lose some weight

Regular exercising is something all women planning to get pregnant must consider, regardless of whether or not they’re overweight. Moderate work out for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, can make a big difference. For women who are already pregnant, trying to lose weight without consulting their doctor is not recommended [3].

Regular screening for the symptoms of gestational diabetes can help in the early detection of the condition, which can lower the risks of complications in both the mother and the baby [4].

If a woman has had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy and is planning another one, it is crucial that they inform their doctors about this, so that their treatment can be planned accordingly.

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Along with maintaining a healthy weight and eating a well-nourished diet, the following measures can help women with gestation diabetes manage their condition better [2]:

Regular Monitoring Of Blood Sugar Levels: Pregnancy causes several changes in the body including the changes in the amount of energy required for the body to function, and in the levels of blood sugar. Therefore, it is essential for pregnant women to keep a close check on their blood sugar levels, especially if they have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.   

Insulin Shots If Needed And Suggested By The Doctor: Women with gestational diabetes may need to take insulin sometimes. Therefore, if it has been prescribed by the doctor, it is vital that they take the insulin shots as directed, to help keep blood sugar under control. 

Testing For Diabetes Post Delivery: Women who’ve had gestational diabetes are at higher risks of developing diabetes type 2 in the later stages of life. Therefore, it is crucial that they take a diabetes test once a year after delivery, to help detect type 2 diabetes at an early stage and prevent complications associated with it.   

The Takeaway

Preventing gestational diabetes entirely is not possible. However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help lower the risks of developing the condition. Pregnant women with one of the aforementioned risk factors for gestational diabetes must exercise regularly and maintain a well-balanced diet. Women who are planning to get pregnant and are overweight must try and lose some weight. Even losing a small amount of weight can help lower the risks of developing gestational diabetes.

References Link: 

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/gestational-diabetes
2. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html#:~:text=Get%20tested%20for%20diabetes%206,is%20called%20type%202%20diabetes.
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/preventing-gestational-diabetes#prevention
4. https://www.thewomens.org.au/news/early-diagnosis-of-gestational-diabetes#:~:text=Screening%20women%20at%20high%20risk,Research%20Week%20which%20begins%20today.
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/gestational-diabetes#risk-factors
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673797/