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What is Gestational Diabetes?
GDM stands for gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that manifests as in a pregnant woman. About one in ten pregnant women will have this, typically between weeks 24 and 28. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after delivery, unlike other forms of diabetes.
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can hinder insulin’s effectiveness. The pancreas releases the hormone insulin to control blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy are a direct result of insulin resistance.
The dangers of gestational diabetes include macrosomia (a huge baby), premature birth, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), and even stillbirth if the condition is not treated or controlled properly. Therefore, if you have risk factors including a family history of type 2 diabetes or obesity, it is crucial that you get checked for gestational diabetes.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as adopting a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity, are often effective in the management of gestational diabetes. Medication, such as insulin injections, may be required to maintain normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy if dietary and other lifestyle changes are insufficient.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that manifests itself during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Placental hormones that counteract insulin’s effects are a suspected contributor to the development of gestational diabetes.
Due to hormonal shifts, the body develops insulin resistance throughout pregnancy. Lack of insulin or improperly functioning insulin can cause glucose to build up in the system, which can then lead to high blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy-related diabetes is more likely to occur in certain women than in others. Pregnancy-related risk factors include maternal obesity, a family history of diabetes, maternal age above 25, and the delivery of a baby weighing more than 9 pounds in a previous pregnancy.
Furthermore, some racial/ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans, are at a higher risk than others for developing gestational diabetes.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is not always easy to spot because its symptoms are so similar to those of a normal pregnancy. Increased thirst and urinary frequency, however, are fairly universal indicators. This is because the kidneys have to work harder to process the increased glucose in the blood.
Due to inefficient glucose conversion into energy for body cells, another indication is exhaustion or weakness during daily tasks. In addition, impaired eyesight, a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, and frequent infections like yeast infections are all possible side effects of gestational diabetes.
Untreated gestational diabetes increases the risk of complications like high blood pressure in pregnancy, having a premature baby, or having a baby that is too big for the birth canal. As a result, expecting mothers who experience any sort of physical alteration should see a doctor without delay to be evaluated and given the appropriate care.
Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes
Typically, a diagnosis of gestational diabetes will be made between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. However, a woman may be checked for gestational diabetes earlier in her pregnancy if she has risk factors.
A glucose screening test is the first step in making a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. One’s blood sugar levels are measured before and after consuming a sugary beverage. Additional testing will be required if the findings of the screening test are outside the usual range.
An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the next diagnostic step. After an overnight fast, you’ll consume another sweet beverage for this test. It will be used in conjunction with pre- and post-drink blood sugar monitoring.
You will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes if two or more of your blood sugar readings during the OGTT are greater than the usual range.
Untreated high blood sugar during pregnancy can create complications for both the mother and the child, therefore an early diagnosis is crucial. Most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy infants without difficulties when they are treated and monitored by healthcare professionals during pregnancy.
Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
The main objective of treating gestational diabetes is to maintain normal blood glucose levels and prevent pregnancy problems. Lifestyle adjustments and constant monitoring of blood sugar levels are common components of treatment plans for diabetes.
Your doctor may suggest modifying your diet as a means of treatment. This includes consuming more protein from sources like lean meats, beans, nuts, and seeds and fewer carbohydrates, especially processed carbohydrates like white bread or sugary snacks.
Medication for blood sugar control may be required in some circumstances. Insulin injections are widely utilized because they have been demonstrated to be safe for both mother and baby and do not cross the placenta barrier.
By increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin, regular exercise can also aid in the management of gestational diabetes. Depending on your specific medical condition, your doctor will recommend specific workouts.
It’s vital that you show up for all of your prenatal checkups so that your doctor can track your and your baby’s health as it develops. Women with gestational diabetes can have good pregnancies without additional difficulties if they are well managed with dietary changes, medication (if necessary), an exercise plan, and regular checkups.
Prevention from Gestational Diabetes
Some pregnant women will still get diabetes regardless of what precautions they take, but it is possible to lower their risk. Preparing for and living a healthy pregnancy are equally important.
Keeping a healthy weight through physical activity and a nutritious food is a crucial first step. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products should be consumed in greater quantities, but sugary and processed foods should be avoided as much as possible.
In addition, having routine prenatal checkups with a healthcare provider is essential for keeping tabs on your blood sugar levels. If gestational diabetes develops, it can be detected and treated quickly if symptoms are detected and monitored during these checkups.
In addition to these measures, practicing stress-reduction methods like meditation or yoga may reduce the likelihood of acquiring gestational diabetes. Every pregnant woman’s body reacts slightly differently, so it’s best to discuss specific preventative measures with a medical professional.
Complications of Gestational Diabetes
Both the mother and the child are at risk for complications from gestational diabetes. Macrosomia (big baby) is a result of a mother’s high blood sugar, which raises the risk of damage to the infant after delivery. After birth, the infant may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if the mother’s high glucose levels cause an increase in insulin synthesis.
Another problem that might arise because of gestational diabetes is preeclampsia. It leads to hypertension, renal failure, and tissue edema due to fluid buildup. Preeclampsia is a serious threat to mother and child because it can cause delivery before the due date or even death.
Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes themselves. A increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in adulthood has been linked to being born to mothers with gestational diabetes.
Pregnant women should get diagnosed for gestational diabetes as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment as soon as necessary.
Conclusion
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes, and it must be managed carefully to prevent complications for both mother and child. Although researchers have yet to pinpoint a specific reason for this ailment, there are a number of warning signs that women should be alert to. The signs of gestational diabetes, or any other pregnancy-related issues, should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Fortunately, gestational diabetes can be controlled by a combination of lifestyle modifications (such as diet and exercise) and medication. You can improve the chances of a positive outcome for you and your baby by adhering to these recommendations and maintaining constant communication with your doctor or midwife during your pregnancy.
In managing gestational diabetes, remember that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Most women who develop this illness can give birth to healthy children without incident if they receive the appropriate treatment. In other words, don’t be afraid to ask questions or get help from healthcare professionals if you need it.