Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects some pregnant women, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Unlike type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after giving birth. However, it can have implications for both mother and baby during pregnancy and beyond.
During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that make a pregnant woman’s cells less sensitive to the effects of insulin. This insulin resistance means blood glucose isn’t efficiently absorbed by cells, causing hyperglycemia. By 24-28 weeks gestation, all women are screened for gestational diabetes via a glucose tolerance test.
If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the key goal is to keep blood sugar levels under control. This is achieved through regular blood sugar monitoring, a balanced diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin or other medication. Working with a doctor and dietician can help create an effective management plan. Controlling blood sugar helps lower the risk of complications.
Potential risks of uncontrolled gestational diabetes include:
- Excessive birth weight, increasing chances of c-section delivery
- Preterm delivery
- Low blood sugar in newborns
- Increased likelihood of eventual type 2 diabetes in mother
The good news is gestational diabetes often resolves after pregnancy. Maintaining healthy diet and exercise habits can help reduce risk of type 2 diabetes developing later on. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may need additional monitoring of blood sugar levels after birth.
While gestational diabetes is a serious condition, it is manageable with proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Advancements in glucose monitoring, insulin therapy, and diabetes education continue to improve outcomes for mothers and babies alike. With proper treatment, women with gestational diabetes can go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.
