Gestational diabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t necessarily mean you had diabetes before pregnancy. Typically developing in the second or third trimester, it can impact both your pregnancy and your baby’s health. Here are the most frequently asked questions about having diabetes during pregnancy.
Q1: I’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. OMG, but why did this happen?
A1: During pregnancy, your body produces larger amounts of hormones, which can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. When your body becomes resistant to insulin, your blood sugar levels rise, resulting in gestational diabetes.
Q2: How do I know if I have gestational diabetes?
A2: Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, you’ll undergo a test. You’ll be asked to drink a liquid containing glucose to raise your blood sugar levels. An hour later, a blood test will be conducted to measure your blood glucose level. If the results indicate elevated blood sugar, you’ll require an oral glucose tolerance test. For this test, you should refrain from eating or drinking anything for 8 to 14 hours beforehand. This test involves a 3-hour glucose tolerance test to further assess your blood sugar levels.
Q3: Are there any increased risks associated?
If you have gestational diabetes, you are at risk of several problems, including having a larger baby (which may lead to a difficult delivery), polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid in the womb), stillbirth, premature birth, preeclampsia (high blood pressure), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and more.
Additionally, you are at a higher risk if you were overweight before pregnancy, previously delivered an overweight baby, have high blood pressure, have a family history of diabetes, and so on.
Q4: What actions can I take?
Gestational diabetes can be managed by maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Some expectant mothers may need to take insulin if necessary. It’s helpful to divide meals into smaller portions to regulate food intake and stabilize blood sugar levels. Limit consumption of sugary foods and beverages, and be mindful of foods that may elevate blood glucose levels. Additionally, you can monitor your blood sugar levels using a special glucose-monitoring device, with guidance from your doctor. If required, insulin injections may be prescribed to effectively control blood sugar levels.
Q5: Can gestational diabetes disappear after giving birth?
Yes, gestational diabetes typically resolves after delivery. However, if you’ve had gestational diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes—a lifelong condition that can impact your daily life. You’ll need to undergo more frequent testing for changes in blood sugar levels.
Staying active and managing your weight gain are effective ways to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. If you’re planning future pregnancies, it’s advisable to discuss with your doctor the best strategies for weight loss.
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