What is Gestational Diabetes? Understanding Diabetes During Pregnancy
“Going into pregnancy is a challenging time for a woman because it’s forever-changing, both mentally and physically.”
Pregnancy is an unforgettable journey during which your body undergoes significant changes to support your baby’s growth. Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Diabetes in pregnancy is a manageable condition with proper attention and care. With appropriate guidance from Dr Aparna Gumma, a reputed obstetrics and gynaecologist in Dubai, you can have a healthy pregnancy with gestational diabetes.
This blog will explore what is gestational diabetes, its causes, symptoms, and effective steps to manage it during pregnancy.
What is Gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It’s diagnosed in the second or third trimester. When the hormones from the placenta block the ability to make insulin, it results in high blood sugar levels. Insulin maintains the right amount of glucose in your body. There are two types of gestational diabetes. The first type of people manage diabetes during pregnancy through exercise and diet. In contrast, the second category needs insulin or medications to control blood sugar levels.
What are the causes of gestational diabetes?
The body produces high hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and human placental lactogen. These hormones enhance the growth of the fetus but interfere with the insulin function that regulates the blood sugar levels. As a result, your body becomes insulin resistant and increases the glucose levels in the bloodstream.
Are you at risk of gestational diabetes in pregnancy?
While the researchers don’t fully understand the exact cause of diabetes, several risk factors increase the chance of gestational diabetes,
- Being obese before pregnancy
- Above 30 years old
- A family member with diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
- PCOS
- High blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease or other medical complications
- Having a large baby in a previous pregnancy
What are the gestational diabetes symptoms?
The symptoms are unnoticeable and typically diagnosed during a glucose screening test during pregnancy. However, the possible gestational diabetes symptoms are,
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Increased hunger, eating more than usual
Gestational diabetes effects on baby – What are the expected complications
- Assisted delivery or c – section – the baby is larger than usual, you will need assisted delivery or c-section to deliver your baby.
- Preterm birth – high blood sugar increases the chance of early labour or delivery before the due date.
- Breathing difficulties – babies may experience respiratory distress syndrome or a condition that makes breathing difficult.
- Hypoglycemia: Some babies experience hypoglycemia or low blood sugar shortly after birth—repeated episodes of hypoglycemia result in seizures in the baby. Prompt feeding and IV solutions can return your baby’s blood sugar to normal.
- Future obesity and diabetes – babies have a higher risk of obesity or developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Gestational diabetes Management – How to prepare for a healthy pregnancy?
Gestational diabetes diet
- Talk to your doctor and create a gestational diabetes diet plan for healthy pregnancy care. Some of the essential diet tips include,
- Eat a low-sugar diet and avoid cookies, candy, and ice cream. Include whole grains and vegetables and maintain portion sizes.
- Have three meals and 2 to 3 snacks every day.
- Get 40% calories from carbs, 20% from proteins, and 20-40% from fats. Try eating carbs rich in fibre.
- Eat 20 to 35 grams of fibre daily, such as cereals,whole-grain bread, pastries, oatmeal, vegetables, and fruits.
- Eat various foods and ensure you get enough minerals and vitamins.
Gestational diabetes exercises
Exercises such as swimming, walking, biking, or prenatal yoga can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Always consult your gynaecologist before starting an exercise routine.
Monitor the blood sugar levels.
Note your blood sugar readings several times a day using a glucometer. Your gynaecologist along with an endocrinologist can adjust your treatment plan as needed based on these readings.
Regular prenatal care
If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your gynaecologist will provide recommendations on food, activities, and weight loss. They also suggest consulting a nutritionist for a healthy gestational diabetes diet plan.
Sometimes, diet and exercise may not be enough to control blood sugar levels. You may need to have insulin injections or oral medications to help manage gestational diabetes.
How to prevent gestational diabetes in pregnancy?
It is not possible to avoid or prevent gestational diabetes, but you can take a few steps, such as,
- Having a healthy weight before pregnancy
- Staying physically active
- Eating a balanced diet with fiber-rich foods
Alert Mom-to-be! Beat gestational diabetes with Dr Aparna Gumma, obstetrics & gynaecologist in Dubai.
Gestational diabetes is a manageable condition in pregnancy with appropriate attention and care. Dr Aparna Gumma combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate expertise to treat gestational diabetes. She offers personalized care plans to manage blood sugar levels while nurturing both mother and baby.
From tailoring delectable gestational diabetes diet plans to state-of-the-art monitoring devices, Dr Aparna incorporates holistic approaches and advanced medical interventions.
Embrace your pregnancy with full confidence, and let Dr Aparna guide you and your little one towards a healthier tomorrow!
About Dr Aparna
Dr Aparna Devi Gumma, female gynaecologist in Dubai, is one of the most trusted partners in women’s health with over 28 years of expertise as an Ob-Gyn and Advanced Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgeon.