Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs during pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar levels. Early diagnosis and management are essential to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that help the baby develop but can also make it harder for the body to use insulin effectively. This condition, known as insulin resistance, can lead to gestational diabetes. Factors that may increase the risk include:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having a family history of diabetes
  • Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  • Being over the age of 25
  • Being from certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., South Asian, Black, or Middle Eastern descent)
  • Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes often does not cause noticeable symptoms and is usually detected during routine pregnancy screening. However, some women may experience:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision

Since these symptoms can be common in pregnancy, regular screening is important to detect gestational diabetes early.

Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed through:

  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): A fasting blood test followed by a glucose drink and further blood tests to measure how the body processes sugar.
  • Routine screening: In the UK, women at higher risk are offered screening between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Early diagnosis allows for effective management to reduce potential risks to both mother and baby.

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Proper management of gestational diabetes helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications. Management strategies include:

  • Healthy eating: A balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake to maintain stable blood sugar levels
  • Regular physical activity: Light exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, to help the body use insulin effectively
  • Blood sugar monitoring: Regularly checking glucose levels to ensure they stay within the target range
  • Medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough, insulin or other medications may be prescribed

Risks and complications

If not managed properly, gestational diabetes can increase the risk of:

  • A large baby (macrosomia), leading to complications during delivery
  • Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
  • Premature birth
  • Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and baby

Post-pregnancy care

Gestational diabetes usually resolves after birth, but follow-up testing is recommended to check for persistent diabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Preventative measures, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and weight management, can help reduce this risk.

Getting support

Managing gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but support is available through your healthcare team, including midwives, dietitians, and diabetes specialists. There are also support groups and resources to help you navigate this condition during pregnancy.