What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops in pregnancy when blood sugar levels get too high. Gestational diabetes usually appears during the middle of pregnancy. Specifically between 24 and 28 weeks. It usually disappears after giving birth.
Knowing GD does not mean you already had diabetes before you got pregnant. The condition becomes visible because of the pregnancy. People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have their own, different challenges when it comes to pregnancy.
Causes of gestational diabetes?
It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin i.e. a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels – to meet your extra needs in pregnancy.
During pregnancy, hormones can interfere with the way insulin works. It may not regulate your blood sugar levels like the way it is supposed to, which can lead to gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby during pregnancy and after birth. However, the risks can be reduced if condition is noticed early and well managed.
Who is at risk of gestational diabetes?
Anyone during pregnancy can develop gestational diabetes, But people over 35 years of age of South and East Asian, Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Island descent are at a higher risk.
Factors that may increase your chances of GD include
Factors that may increase your chances of gestational diabetes include:
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Inactivity.
- Obesity
- Personal or family history of GD.
What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
There are no actually symptoms of gestational diabetes. But most people experience:
- A dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Blurred eyesight
- Genital itching or thrush.
What are the warning signs of gestational diabetes?
There are usually no warning sign of gestational diabetes, Most times detected when tested for diabetes in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Is gestational diabetes caused by diet?
Yes! Diet is a contributing factor to developing gestational diabetes, but your diet doesn’t really cause diabetes. Gestational diabetes happens when the hormones from your placenta block your ability to use or make insulin.
Insulin helps your body maintain the right amount of glucose in your blood. When you have diabetes, you end up with too much sugar in your blood.
You can help manage gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods that don’t cause your blood sugar to rise to above unsafe levels.
Gestational diabetes (GD) occurs during pregnancy when there’s too much glucose in your blood. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed during the middle stage of pregnancy with a few simple blood tests. If left untreated, It can cause health complications for you and the fetus.
Most individuals can manage gestational diabetes with diet and exercise. Some will need medication. Gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk of diabetes before, during and after pregnancy.