Signs of Gestational diabetes: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments, Symptoms

Giving birth to a baby is the most difficult time a woman goes through.

Just imagine developing diabetes while pregnant. Yes, exactly! Gestational diabetes. 

Then think how painful and stressful it can be. Or what if you didn't even get it until it became serious? Indeed, it will have an impact on you and your unborn child. 

So, what's the solution? 

Correct! Test-based diagnosis through a glucose challenge test helps identify gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. To know it more clearly, continue reading the blog, which will provide information about gestational diabetes symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatment options. 

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually happens in the second or third trimester when the body cannot produce enough insulin to manage increased blood sugar levels.

Unfortunately, if left untreated,  it may have an impact on both the mother and the child. It may lead to complications such as high birth weight, preterm delivery, or increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. However, regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and proper medical care can help manage the condition effectively.

Also read: Everything You Should Know About a Pregnancy Blood Test.

What are the Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes 

Many women may not notice any symptoms earlier. One more reason is that gestational diabetes often develops without obvious signs. However, here are some common gestational diabetes symptoms, which include,

• Increased thirst 
• frequent urination
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sugar in urine detected during routine prenatal checkups

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Being aware of the cause will help you avoid experiencing it. The causes of gestational diabetes are listed below,

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, human placental lactogen (HPL) hormone may hinder the way your insulin controls blood sugar. This insulin resistance can cause gestational diabetes symptoms.

Overweight or Obesity:

Women who are overweight before pregnancy have higher fat levels, which can make the body less sensitive to insulin. This reduces insulin efficiency and increases the risk of high blood sugar during pregnancy.

Family History of Diabetes:

Genetics plays a role in gestational diabetes. A woman is more likely to develop gestational diabetes if she has close relatives with type 2 diabetes because of hereditary insulin resistance or problems with pancreatic function.

Age Factor:

Gestational diabetes is more common in women 25 years of age and older since the risk increased with maternal age, in part because of aging-related metabolic changes and lower insulin sensitivity.

Previous Gestational Diabetes:

If a woman experienced gestational diabetes symptoms in a previous pregnancy, her body is more likely to develop it again in subsequent pregnancies. This indicates an underlying tendency for insulin resistance during pregnancy.

Other Risk Factors Can Be:

• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• History of giving birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg

Also read: Penta Marker Test for Pregnancy: Benefits, Symptoms, Need, and More.

How to Diagnose?

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through specific blood tests. It monitors how the body handles sugar during pregnancy. The first step is usually the Glucose Challenge Test (GCT), where a woman drinks a 75-gram glucose solution, and her blood sugar is measured after one hour. 

If the results are higher than usual, a follow-up Gestational Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT 4) is conducted. 

For this test, fasting is required for 8-12 hours, after which blood sugar is measured at fasting and at intervals after consuming a 75-gram glucose solution. Both tests are available at Redcliffe Labs, with convenient options for online booking and home sample collection. It ensures accurate and hassle-free screening for gestational diabetes.

How to Treat Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes symptoms can be effectively managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, monitoring, and medical care. It helps ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Healthy Diet

Eating balanced meals with controlled portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Regular Exercise

Moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes symptoms. However, always consult a doctor before starting any exercise routine during pregnancy.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Regularly checking blood glucose levels at home or through lab tests. It helps track and maintain them within the recommended range.

Medication if Needed

If lifestyle changes are insufficient, doctors may prescribe insulin therapy or oral medications to maintain safe blood sugar levels.

Regular Prenatal Checkups

Continuous monitoring by healthcare providers ensures that both mother and baby remain healthy and helps detect any complications early.

Final Takeaway

During pregnancy, experiencing the symptoms of gestational diabetes can be alarming. Among its symptoms were frequent urination, nausea, exhaustion, and impaired vision. Also, the common causes can be genetic risk, ageing, obesity and hormonal changes during pregnancy. 

You can schedule your test at Redcliffe Lab to confirm if you are truly experiencing it or if these are merely typical symptoms. Additionally, you can treat it with regular checkups, prenatal yoga, and a healthy diet.

FAQ

How does gestational diabetes affect the baby?

It can cause high birth weight, preterm birth, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

What were your first signs of gestational diabetes?

Common early signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and sometimes no noticeable symptoms.

What happens when you have gestational diabetes?

Blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy, requiring diet, exercise, monitoring, or medication to prevent complications.

What foods should you avoid with gestational diabetes?

Avoid sugary foods, processed snacks, and sweetened beverages to maintain stable blood sugar levels.