Do you have gestational diabetes (GD or GDM)? Gestational diabetes is much more prevalent than you might realize, even though it may initially seem overwhelming.

Be aware that gestational diabetes can be managed with proper monitoring and medication, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and safe pregnancy.

What is gestational diabetes?

It is a condition that impairs the body’s capacity to break down glucose or blood sugar. It occurs when the body stops using insulin properly or cannot create enough insulin, the hormone that further breaks down blood glucose. 

Approximately 2-10{4ff670bb91f5a71bed27471ead6462c9b16f5bdce5956c8330f96255c052ee42} of all pregnancies in the U.S. yearly are affected by this kind of pregnancy-related diabetes (CDC, 2019). Pregnancy-related hormonal changes and weight increase, which impair the body’s capacity to use insulin efficiently, are to blame for its occurrence. 

Although postpartum blood sugar levels often return to normal, there is an elevated risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies and future Type II diabetes development. 

Pregnancy-related gestational diabetes often appears around week 24 and usually has no symptoms. Regular blood glucose tests, typically performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, are used to diagnose it.

To diagnose gestational diabetes and begin treatment, regular prenatal care is important for lowering the risk of injury to you and your baby.

Women run the chance of having very large (over 9 pounds) babies, which raises the likelihood that they may need a cesarean delivery. Additionally, they risk giving birth too soon, having low blood sugar at birth, and eventually getting diabetes.

Who is more prone to being affected by gestational diabetes?

While it’s unclear why some women get gestational diabetes while others don’t, here are some common reasons: 

• You are overweight. One common risk factor for gestational diabetes is having a BMI of 30 or above before getting pregnant.

• Age is a factor. According to medical professionals, the chance of acquiring GDM rises with age in women between 25 and 30.

• Your ancestry is known. You may be more susceptible to GDM if diabetes runs in your family, particularly if your first-degree relatives have the disease.

• You have experience with GDM personally. According to a study, you’re more likely to get gestational diabetes again if you’ve already had it once during a previous pregnancy.

• A pre-diabetes diagnosis was made for you. You might have a higher possibility of developing GDM if your blood sugar levels were slightly raised before becoming pregnant (for instance, if your hemoglobin A1C was higher than or equal to 5.7 percent or if you were told you have an impaired fasting glucose level).

• You’ve been ordered to stay in bed. According to some studies, bed rest increases the likelihood of further pregnancy weight gain and, consequently, GDM since it limits exercise levels.

• You suffer from a medical condition that increases your risk of developing diabetes. It may include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, polycystic ovary, and metabolic syndrome.

• You are expecting multiples. Your risk of GDM may rise if you carry more than one child.

In the U.S., about 90{4ff670bb91f5a71bed27471ead6462c9b16f5bdce5956c8330f96255c052ee42} of pregnant women have at least one risk factor for gestational diabetes, so universal screening is a practical approach.

Measures to prevent gestational diabetes? 

The following actions can significantly lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes both before you are pregnant and throughout your pregnancy:

• Keep moving. The inspiration of your upcoming baby makes this a great opportunity to get fit. Working exercise under the direction of your healthcare provider, even taking a 15-minute walk after lunch and supper, enables your body to burn glucose even in the absence of the insulin that it would otherwise create. It’s a fantastic approach to managing your blood sugar levels.

• Consume a balanced diet. Ensure to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates on your shopping list and in your meals. Consider consuming low-fat dairy, tofu, fish, lean red meat, chicken, and whole grains.

• Put on weight steadily when pregnant. Aim to put on the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy with the aid of your doctor.

It’s (disappointingly) still possible to acquire gestational diabetes even if you follow these healthy behaviors, especially if the condition runs in your family. However, continuing them will aid in managing the illness.

How is gestational diabetes treated? 

Fortunately, by monitoring your blood sugar levels, you can prevent the potential hazards connected to diabetes during pregnancy.

Upon receiving a GDM diagnosis, medical professionals and researchers advise the following:

• Check your blood sugar levels frequently. To ensure a healthy range of your blood sugar, check an hour after each meal (as advised by your doctor) and first thing in the morning to determine your fasting rate. Most medical professionals advise purchasing a diabetic kit, a small device to check your blood sugar, and needles to prick your finger. It’s the most reliable approach to determining how your body digests different foods. 

• Consult a licensed dietitian. They can help you create a meal plan and review healthy food selections. Because it is nutrient-rich and created to keep your blood sugar (and energy levels) steady, many women who have gestational diabetes continue to eat this way long after giving delivery.

• Record your meals. Make a written note of what you ate and your blood sugar level after each meal. You can then make changes by better understanding which foods raise your blood sugar levels.

• Take action. To reduce your blood sugar levels after eating, go for a simple walk or use the stairs.

However, if diet and exercise are insufficient to manage your gestational diabetes, your doctor may advise that you take more insulin.

Supplemental insulin can be administered orally with the diabetes medicine glyburide, which aids in the pancreas’ hormone production.

To ensure that your baby’s heart rate, amniotic fluid levels, and movements are normal during your third trimester, your doctor may advise further fetal monitoring, such as nonstress tests or biophysical profiles.

Conclusion

You might require insulin if sticking to your diet and exercising regularly isn’t enough to keep your blood glucose levels under the recommended range.

Your doctor will help you administer insulin shots independently if you need to. Insulin is typically the primary choice of diabetic medication for gestational diabetes because it won’t harm your unborn child. Metformin and glyburide, two diabetes medications, are safe during pregnancy, although more extensive research is required. Find out which course of therapy is best for you by speaking with your healthcare provider.