Gestational diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy. This condition impacts how your cells utilize sugar, akin to other types of diabetes. What consequences can arise from gestational diabetes?
This article delves into the details of gestational diabetes, its implications for pregnancy, and its management. Keep reading for more information.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that arises solely during pregnancy, leading to health complications for both mother and baby. Effective diabetes management is crucial to safeguard the health of both.
Annually, gestational diabetes affects between 2% and 10% of pregnancies in the United States. Upon diagnosis, it’s essential to meticulously monitor your sugar intake and adhere to strict medical guidance.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
When you consume food, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps transport blood sugar (glucose) into your cells to provide energy.
During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that increase blood sugar levels. Normally, your pancreas compensates by producing extra insulin. However, gestational diabetes occurs if your body fails to generate sufficient insulin or can’t use it efficiently.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Often, gestational diabetes presents no symptoms. However, if blood sugar levels become elevated, some women may experience:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
It’s important to recognize that these symptoms can also be typical during pregnancy and may not necessarily indicate gestational diabetes. If you have any concerns, consult your midwife or doctor.
Testing for Gestational Diabetes
Early diagnosis of gestational diabetes is vital to begin treatment and protect both your health and that of your unborn child.
Your doctor will test for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The glucose challenge test (GCT) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are commonly used. Should the GCT reveal a high blood glucose level, a follow-up OGTT is advised to confirm the presence of gestational diabetes.
Treatment for Gestational Diabetes
Managing gestational diabetes involves several crucial steps. Prioritize your prenatal checkups and stick to your treatment plan, which may include:
- Maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Regularly monitor your blood sugar to ensure it remains within safe limits.
- Consuming nutritious meals. Adhere to a diet plan recommended by your doctor or nutritionist.
- Staying active. Engage in moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, to help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Consulting your doctor. Before starting any physical activity, check with your doctor to determine any exercise restrictions.
- Monitoring your baby. Regularly track your baby’s growth and development with the assistance of your doctor.