What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Know the Risks

If you’ve recently become pregnant or are planning to be pregnant soon, you’ll want to know everything you can about potential risks and complications. It might be worth learning about a common pregnancy condition called gestational diabetes. Learning about this condition and taking into account your own risk factors is an important step to take in ensuring the health and safety of yourself and your child. Let’s learn a little bit more about this common condition and the treatment options that are available.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels that occur when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the demands of pregnancy. GDM affects about 2-10% of pregnancies in the United States and is one of the most common complications of pregnancy.

What causes it?

The exact cause of GDM is not fully understood. It is believed that the hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy can interfere with the normal action of insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. As a result, the body may become resistant to insulin, and blood sugar levels may rise.

There are several risk factors that can increase chances of developing GDM. These include being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, being older than 25 years of age, having previously given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds, and having certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African American, Hispanic, or Native American.

The diagnosis of GDM is typically made through a screening test performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This test involves drinking a sweet liquid and then having blood drawn to measure blood sugar levels. If the results show elevated blood sugar levels, a follow-up test called the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is usually recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

The treatment of GDM is aimed at controlling blood sugar levels to prevent complications for both the mother and baby. In most cases, this involves making lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels. For some, insulin or other medications may also be necessary to control blood sugar levels.

A healthy diet is an important part of GDM management. This includes eating a variety of foods from all the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. When you’re pregnant and have GDM, you may need to eat more frequently throughout the day to help maintain stable blood sugar levels. You may also need to limit their intake of foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates, such as sweets, desserts, and sugary drinks.

Regular exercise can also help to control blood sugar levels. This can include activities such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program to ensure that it is safe for you and your baby.

Make the Right Adjustments to Treat GDM

Monitoring blood sugar levels is an important part of GDM management. You may be advised to check their blood sugar levels several times a day using a blood glucose meter. This can help them to identify patterns in their blood sugar levels and make adjustments to their diet or medication as needed.

In some cases, insulin or other medications may be necessary to control blood sugar levels when you have GDM. Insulin may be given as an injection or through an insulin pump. Other medications, such as metformin, may also be used to help control blood sugar levels.

It can be alarming to learn about complications in pregnancy, but with the right equipment used in concert with the management plan prescribed by your physician, it is a fully treatable condition. If you have more questions or are seeking resources or treatment for GDM, please do not hesitate to reach out to us today.