Gestational Diabetes: All You Need to Know

Gestational diabetes is a form of sugar disease that develops in pregnant ladies. Similar to other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects the use of sugar (glucose) by the cells in the woman’s body. It has an impact on the health of the mother and the baby. The symptoms start appearing in ladies who have not been diagnosed with diabetes before. It occurs in approximately 3 in 100 to 9 in 100 pregnant women globally. 

However, it is not a matter of concern or grave danger as gestational diabetes can be easily controlled with a healthy diet, apt exercise and medication, if required. It helps in ensuring good health for the baby and reducing the complications during delivery. The blood sugar levels usually return to normal post the delivery in women suffering from gestational diabetes. Although, it is important to keep in mind that women with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and should get their blood tested more often.

Symptoms for Gestational Diabetes

There are no obvious symptoms for diabetes during pregnancy that help in the detection of the disease. However, there are some signs that might suggest the possibility of diseases such as increased thirst and frequent urination. 

It is best to visit the doctor when you decide to get pregnant. This helps the doctor check the risk of gestational diabetes in your pregnancy and run other tests to ensure your overall wellness. Post the news of conceiving, the doctor conducts tests to check for gestational diabetes as a part of prenatal care. It generally develops during the last three months of your pregnancy. The doctor monitors your blood levels and the health of the fetus all through and ensures a safe pregnancy. 

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

There are no known reasons as to why some women develop gestational diabetes and some do not. One of the contributors to diabetes during pregnancy is the excess weight before conceiving. 

In day to day scenarios, there are a number of hormones that work to keep your body’s blood sugar levels in control. However, during pregnancy, your hormone levels tend to change which acts as a hurdle in processing the blood sugar efficiently. This results in the rise of your sugar levels. 

Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

The risk of gestational diabetes is higher in some women than in others. The risk of diabetes during pregnancy can increase due to the following reasons:

• Obesity

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

• History of gestational diabetes

• Lack of physical activity

• Having delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

Gestational diabetes that is not managed can lead to a number of complications for the mother and the baby. It is therefore advised to consult your doctor as soon as you decide to get pregnant and strictly follow the pregnancy and nutrition tips by the doctor. 

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