Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Treatment and More!

Today’s article brings to light another form of diabetes, termed gestational diabetes, that only occurs in pregnant women. It can cause health problems in pregnant moms and their babies. 

Gestational diabetes (gestation) is different from other diabetes because it can occur in those pregnant ladies who don’t already have diabetes. Additionally, it appears in the 24th week of pregnancy and may not cause symptoms to give an idea. 

Hence, a doctor may suggest a test for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. 

Did you know?

In the U.S., every year, between 5% and 9% of pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes. It is essential to manage it completely under the guidance of experts, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Talking from India's point of view, between 9 to 17% of pregnant Indian women have gestational diabetes. 

Are you one of them? 

Although gestational diabetes can happen at any stage of pregnancy, it is more common in the second or third trimester. 

Let’s discover gestational diabetes in detail. 

Gestational Diabetes: Let’s Understand it in Detail 

Gestational diabetes or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GD or GDM) was first discovered during pregnancy, and just like any other form of diabetes, this type of diabetes also affects your cells using glucose (sugar). High levels of gestational diabetes (hyperglycemia) can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health. 

How does it happen?

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body fails to produce enough insulin during the gestation period (pregnancy). Your body makes more hormones and also experiences hormonal changes during pregnancy. Such changes don't let your body cells use insulin properly, resulting in insulin resistance. 

It is important to know that insulin resistance changes over time during pregnancy. Pregnancy starts with an increased need for insulin, and one is at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes. 

What are the common symptoms associated with gestational diabetes? 

There are no symptoms linked to gestational diabetes. They are likely to appear if your blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia), such as: 

• Frequent urination

• Excessive thirst

• Dry mouth

• Blurred eyesight 

• Tiredness

• Genital itching or thrush

Note: Consult your midwife or doctor when these signs appear and get the best medical advice. 

GOOD NEWS! 

If you are in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy and diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is still possible to control your gestational diabetes. Exercising, eating healthy foods, and other lifestyle modifications can help control gestational diabetes and prevent difficult delivery. 

Additionally, the level of gestational diabetes generally returns to normal soon after delivery. Isn’t that great? 

Normal Ranges for Blood Glucose Levels 

The normal ranges for blood sugar levels:

Before a meal: Record your glucose levels right after you leave bed in the morning (on an empty stomach). Typically, they should be 95 milligrams (mg)/dL before a meal. 

One hour after a meal: The second reading should be about one hour after a meal. Ideally, it should be 140 mg/dL or less. 

Two hours after a meal: You should record your third reading two hours after a meal. It should be 120 mg/dL or less. 

How can gestational diabetes impact your pregnancy?

It is still possible for you to experience a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby, even with gestational diabetes. 

However, gestational diabetes can affect your pregnancy and cause problems such as: 

• Unusual growth of babies: If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, it may result in the unusual growth of your baby. Hence, it can make delivery complicated and increase the chances of a cesarean section. 

• Polyhydramnios: During this condition, too much fluid accumulates in the womb, causing premature labor or problems in delivery. 

• Premature birth: gestational diabetes can also cause premature birth of the baby before the 37th week of pregnancy. 

• Pre-eclampsia: It is a complication in pregnancy that can cause high BP, high protein levels in urine, or organ damage. 

• Loss of birth: although rare, gestational diabetes can cause stillbirth (loss of your baby). 

• Jaundice in babies: Gestational diabetes can cause low blood sugar in your developing baby or jaundice after they are born and need treatment. 

• Increases risk of type 2 diabetes: Additionally, gestational diabetes is more likely to put your child at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Who is at risk of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can be developed during pregnancy, but the risk increases if: 

• If a woman is over 40: Studies reveal about 14.5% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes at the age of 40 and over. However, no maternal death was recorded. 

Additionally, if it is an advanced maternal-age pregnancy, a woman can have gestational diabetes during her gestation period. 

• If BMI is above 30, Those with a body mass above 30 have a 3-fold increased risk of gestational diabetes. 

• If someone had a baby who weighed more than 4 kg: A woman whose previous baby weighed 4.5 kg or more at birth can develop gestational diabetes again. This further increases the risk of having a cesarean birth or birth injury to an expecting mother and her baby.

• If someone had experienced gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy: A woman who had experienced gestational diabetes in her earlier experience increases her chances of developing type 2 diabetes. 

• If someone has a family history of diabetes: A woman with a family history of diabetes, like one of her parents or siblings who has diabetes, can develop gestational diabetes. 

• If someone belongs to any of these ethnic groups: women who belong to any of these ethnic groups, such as South Asian, Middle Eastern, Black, or African-Caribbean, are more likely to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. 

• If someone has had gastric bypass: A woman who has had gastric bypass in the past or other weight loss surgery can develop gestational diabetes. 

• Women with PCOS: A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. It can show significant effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes. 

Additionally, there is a connection between heart disease and gestational diabetes. High blood sugar levels can negatively influence the blood vessels in the heart. Hence, consulting with a doctor is vital to managing heart disease and gestation during pregnancy to experience a normal pregnancy. 

Screening for gestational diabetes

The first antenatal appointment for gestational diabetes can take place at around week 8 to 12 of your pregnancy. During the test, your healthcare provider or midwife will inquire about certain things to know if you are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes. 

If the expert finds more than one risk factor involved in causing gestational factors, they may suggest a screening test. 

Two Important Screenings for Gestational Diabetes

Different healthcare professionals suggest different routine screenings for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy but generally include

1. Initial glucose challenge test: Also known as a glucose screening test, a healthcare provider will ask you to drink a syrup glucose solution and wait for one hour in a one-hour glucose challenge test. After one hour, a blood test will be performed on one of the veins in your arm to measure your blood sugar level. 

If your blood sugar level reaches 190 mg/dL or 10.6 mmol/L, it indicates gestational diabetes mellitus. Additionally, your healthcare provider may also suggest 

2. Follow-up glucose tolerance testing: This is a two- or three-hour test similar to the glucose challenge test. If the initial test is abnormal, it is usually suggested. 

A healthcare provider suggests fasting for about 8-12 hours during this test. He will draw blood before and at two or three intervals after you drink a sweet liquid to confirm the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. 

Management and Treatment for Gestational Diabetes

Now, once you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is time to manage the disease to help you and keep your baby healthy. Close monitoring of your health during pregnancy can also reduce complications to none during pregnancy and delivery. 

3 Helpful Methods to Treat Gestational Diabetes:

Managing gestational diabetes includes the following: 

• Lifestyle changes: The first and foremost way to manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy is to make healthy lifestyle changes. These include eating a balanced diet and being physically active, especially if you are overweight. 

If you don’t practice these healthy habits, your blood sugar level will always be in the target range, requiring insulin. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/delhi/tests/glucose-fasting

• Blood sugar monitoring: You should also monitor your blood sugar, even at home. Buy a glucometer, needles (or lancets), and test strips to check whether your blood sugar is high or low. Inform your doctor immediately to get the best medical advice possible. 

Additionally, record your meals and blood sugar readings to help your provider review them at regular intervals. If needed, he may adjust your diet, such as decreasing the amount of carbohydrates you eat, to manage your blood sugar well. 

• Medication, if necessary: Thirdly, some medication, such as injecting insulin in your stomach, thighs, or buttocks, can also help manage gestational diabetes. 

Some healthcare providers also suggest oral medicine to manage blood sugar levels.

Others Include: 

Also, close observation of your baby and follow-up after delivery is important. 

Close Observation of your baby: Close monitoring is the most important aspect of your treatment plan. It includes repeated ultrasounds and additional tests to check your baby's growth. Also, it is important to go into labor by your due date because going earlier or after the due date may increase complications and risks for you and your baby. 

Follow-up after delivery: Your blood sugar levels will be monitored again in 6 to 12 weeks to ensure they have returned to the normal range. 

When to see a doctor?

If you have gestational diabetes, there may be situations when you need an expert’s help. Contact your pregnancy service provider if: 

• You have trouble managing blood sugar levels: Your diabetes management plan is more likely to get adjusted if your blood sugar level is higher than the range pre-decided for you by your healthcare provider. 

• If you have a very low blood sugar level, It is not good if your blood sugar level constantly shows low readings. It indicates an occasional hypoglycemic episode which can cause seizures, coma, and death. 

• An illness that doesn’t allow you to follow your management plan: Following a gestational diabetes management plan during pregnancy is crucial, including eating a healthy diet. Being unable to eat due to food poisoning, vomiting, or mood swings caused by hormonal changes will affect your blood sugar levels. 

Redcliffe Labs and Support for Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life. After knowing that it can be complicated due to a condition like gestational diabetes, it can cause stress. However, we are sure that following these guidelines can surely help control your blood sugar level. 

Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and having routine checkups can help relieve stress, nourish your baby, and prevent type 2 diabetes in the future. 

Healthy India ki Trusted Lab- Redcliffe Labs is a purpose-driven pan India omnichannel service provider that gives India its right to quality diagnostics with unwavering commitment in tier 1, 2, and 3 cities. All the diagnostic labs of Redcliffe Labs follow the highest quality standards to deliver services with accuracy and precision. 

If you are expecting, getting yourself tested for gestational diabetes is crucial. Call directly or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a test for gestational diabetes online. Avail of the facility of a certified home sample collection expert, ensuring sample collection, sample delivery, and reports right on time.

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/delhi/tests/glucose-challenge-test-gct

 Step-by-step information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.

2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 

3. Add the test to the cart. 

4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get gestational diabetes after eating healthy?

Yes, you can still get gestational diabetes after eating healthy before or during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and genetics. 

How can you make your living easier with gestational diabetes?

You can make your living easier with gestational diabetes by checking your blood sugar levels at the same time every day, planning your meals ahead of time, and engaging in 30 minutes of light exercise.