What is gestational diabetes?
This is a type of diabetes that results from high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and is common during the second and third trimester. It does not occur in all women, and most women do not experience symptoms as it usually clears after giving birth. Some common risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
- Family history: especially where a member of the family had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- Age: the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes is dependent on maternal age with the risk increasing as one gets older (35 years and older is considered a probable age).
- Maternal weight: especially if one is obese or overweight.
Diagnosis
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) a blood test to detect signs of elevated blood sugar levels is considered part of prenatal care and can be administered during regular health checks.
Complications to the Mother
If left untreated undiagnosed, gestational diabetes may increase maternal risk of developing:
Pre-eclampsia: gestational diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, as well as preeclampsia, which is a detection of high blood pressure in women who have not been treated for or diagnosed with blood pressure before. Common symptoms of this include high protein levels in urine, and swelling of the hands, legs, and feet.
Prospective diabetes: Gestational diabetes is considered likely that you will develop it again during a successive pregnancy. Patients are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later years. However, this can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices and leading a less sedentary lifestyle.
Other complications include Depression in pregnancy, and may lead to cesarean section during delivery.
Complications to the Baby
If left uncontrolled gestational diabetes, may lead to some complications to the baby
- Macrosomia: Big baby
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes)
- Low blood sugar at birth
- Type 2 diabetes later on in life.
Treatment
Treatment for gestational diabetes is aimed towards maintaining a steady blood glucose level. Besides the regular administration medications, one can be encouraged to adopt a healthier, less sedentary lifestyle to include:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI)
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Getting enough rest through sleep
Regular blood sugar testing to monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed mode of treatment is also advised.