Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women who did not previously have diabetes. It usually shows up during the middle of a pregnancy, and doctors typically test for it around 24 to 28 weeks. Keep reading to understand the causes of diabetes and what you can do to prevent it.

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is temporary and it is characterized by the pancreas inability to produce enough insulin, or the body’s inability to use that insulin effectively. As previously mentioned, it develops during the second half of pregnancy and typically resolves after the baby has been delivered. This condition is relatively common, however, it is important to closely monitor and manage gestational diabetes to ensure healthy fetal development and the health of the mother.

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

There are a number of factors that can cause gestational diabetes:

• Hormonal Changes occur when a woman is pregnant which aid the the development of the fetus, which are necessary for fetal development, but they can also sometimes disrupt the normal flow of insulin. According to the Mayo Clinic, “during pregnancy, hormone levels change, making it harder for the body to process blood sugar efficiently.”
• Insulin Resistance occurs when the cells in the muscles, fat, and liver are unable to effectively absorb insulin.
• Genetic Predisposition may play a role in susceptibility to gestational diabetes, and some women with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk.
• Obesity plays a major role in gestational diabetes, and it’s recommended that women who are planning to become pregnant maintain a healthy weight before becoming pregnant.
• Age can be a contributing factor. Studies show that women over the age of 35, are more likely to develop the condition. Older expectant mothers need to be monitored closely for this condition.
• Ethnicity – certain ethnic groups are at a higher risk. African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American women are more susceptible, according to the CDC. American Indian’s are disproportionately affected by this disorder.
• Previous Gestational Diabetes – If you’ve had gestational diabetes before, you are at increased risk.

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes often does not exhibit noticeable symptoms, which is why getting tested for diabetes in the form of a routine screening during pregnancy is vital. However, in some cases, pregnant individuals may experience the following symptoms:

• Increased Thirst is a common sign of high blood sugar levels. As the body tries to get rid of excess glucose in the blood through urination, you may experience excessive thirst.
• Frequent Urination can be cause by elevated blood sugar levels, although this symptom often goes unnoticed. As mentioned before, your body is getting rid of sugar in the blood, and it does this through urination.
• Fatigue is a common symptom despite adequate rest is a common symptom. Your body uses glucose for energy, so if your body can’t absord glucose efficiently you may feel unusually tired.
• Blurred Vision can occur when excess glucose in the blood can causes fluids to be pulled from the the lenses of the eyes. This can result in reduced vision clarity, which is usually temporary.
• Recurrent Infections – pregnant individuals may be more susceptible to urinary infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is because high blood sugar can have a negative impact on the immune system.

Effects on the Baby

If left unmanaged, gestational diabetes can have various adverse effects on fetal development. Some possible negative outcomes include:

• Macrosomia is a condition in which a baby grows larger than normal. This can increase the risk of injury during delivery in some cases since the baby’s size can make it difficult to pass through the birth canal. This sometimes requires a cesarean section.
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, can also occur shortly after birth when a mother experiences gestational diabetes. Since the baby is accustomed to higher levels of glucose, they can experience a sudden drop in blood sugar after birth which can lead to irritability and even seizures.
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome or RDS is a condition in which a baby’s underdeveloped lungs can cause breathing difficulties after birth. This sometimes requires medical intervention in the form of oxygen or a ventilator.
• Jaundice common among newborns of mothers with this condition. This is because the baby’s liver cannot process bilirubin, which is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. This can result in yellowing of the skin and eyes. Typically a mild condition, it still requires monitoring.
• Stillbirth can occur in very severe cases, although this is rare. While rare, it underscores the need for action and monitoring when it comes to this gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can cause high blood pressure and preeclampsia, which can be life threatening for both mother and baby.

Gestational diabetes can also increase the risk \developing type 2 diabetes later in life for a baby. Considering these possible effects, it is important to stay diligent if you are planning to become pregnant to help prevent the occurence of this condition.

Prevention of Gestational Diabetes

While some risk factors for gestational diabetes, such as genetics and age, cannot be controlled, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and promote a healthier pregnancy:

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight through diet and exercise is important in avoid a range of pregnancy complications as it presents a serious risk factor
• Balanced Diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It’s best to eat healthy foods, avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates – this can go a long way in maintaining a healthy weight. Working with a dietitian is a great way to achieve this.
• Regular Exercise can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing the condition. Make sure to research healthy exercise routines for pregnant women to ensure safety. 30 minutes of moderate exercise can go a long way in ensuring your baby is born healthy.
• Monitoring Blood Sugar is vital if you are at risk for this condition. In some cases, your healthcare provider will recommend testing of your blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy to help craft a sound treatment plan.
• Consult with a Healthcare Provider if you have any concerns about gestational diabetes, remember to consult your healthcare provider. A doctor is the only one who can assess your specific situation and create a roadmap for your specific needs.

It’s better to prevent gestational diabetes and all of the potential consequences that go along with it rather than treating it after the fact. This approach will help increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and delivery for both you and your baby. Diet, exercise, and monitoring are all important factors, so try not to stay on top of all of them to reduce your risk.

Treatment and Management

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, try not to worry; it’s manageable. Your doctor may recommend the following:

• Diet and Nutrition – Diet is one of the most important factors in treating this condition. The person who is best qualified to create a tailored meal plan for you during pregnancy is a registered dietitian. This plan will likely focus on maintaining portion size and reducing carbohydrates while choosing nutrient dense foods that are good for fetal development. .
• Physical Activity – Regular exercise can prevent gestational diabetes, but it can also help control blood sugar levels once they have spiked. When you exercise, your insulin sensitivity increases, meaning it is easier for your body to absorb glucose. In other words, it directly addresses the root cause of the issue.
• Blood Sugar Monitoring – It’s critical to monitor blood glucose levels if you develop gestational diabetes. If needed, your doctor will help guide you on how and when to check your blood glucose, typically with a glucose meter. You can record your results and then share them with your doctor.
• Medication – Changes in habits and lifestyle will not always be effective managing this disease. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend medication or insulin therapy in the form of shots to control blood sugar. Remember to discuss benefits and risks associated with these treatments so your are fully informed.
• Frequent Prenatal Check-ups – Schedule regular prenatal check-ups with your doctor so you can effectively monitor your health and the baby’s development. During these appointments, your doctor will check your blood sugar and the health of the baby to make sure everything is on track.
• Delivery Planning – The timing and method of delivery are important considerations in the management of gestational diabetes. Your healthcare provider will discuss the best approach for your specific situation, taking into account the baby’s size, overall health, and your blood sugar control. While vaginal delivery is often the preferred method, a cesarean section may be recommended if there are concerns about the baby’s size or other factors that could complicate delivery.

Conclusion

Many women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes after becoming pregnant, so it’s important maintain a positive outlook if diagnosed with this condition. Through proper management and care, you can significantly reduce the risks of any adverse outcomes associated with this disease. It is also important for women with preexisting diabetes to monitor their blood sugar during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy when the major organ systems are developing, as this can have a major impact on the baby.

Pregnancy is a unique and fulfilling experience for a woman, and even if you are diagnosed with this condition, diet, exercise, and close monitoring can make the experience everything you want it to be.