Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually between the 24th and 27th weeks. It occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin. It is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
When you eat, your body turns food into glucose for energy. But when you have diabetes, your body either can't make enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. This leads to an increase in the sugar level in your blood. Over time, this excess amount of sugar in your blood can damage your heart, kidneys, and eyes. However, with proper care, gestational diabetes usually resolves after the baby's birth.
You wake up one morning, and immediately your life has changed. Those two little pink lines confirm that you're pregnant! Excitement fills your heart as you start planning for this new chapter. But then, a few months later, your glucose screening brings unexpected news: gestational diabetes.
Diabetes? How? Why me? Did I do something wrong? What does this mean for my baby? A flood of questions and fears replaces the joy you once felt. However, these feelings are natural and obvious. So, just take a deep breath, Mumma—you are not alone.
Gestational diabetes is a common condition. With the right care and management, you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby. In this blog, we'll discuss why it happens and how you can manage through this blog.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually between the 24th and 27th weeks. It occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin. It is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
When you eat, your body turns food into glucose for energy. But when you have diabetes, your body either can't make enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. This leads to an increase in the sugar level in your blood. Over time, this excess amount of sugar in your blood can damage your heart, kidneys, and eyes. However, with proper care, gestational diabetes usually resolves after the baby's birth.
The exact cause of gestational diabetes isn’t fully understood, but it happens when pregnancy hormones interfere with the way your body uses insulin.
During pregnancy, your body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin to ensure your baby gets enough glucose for growth. However, in some cases, the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to compensate for this resistance, which increases sugar levels in the blood.
Gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms; hence, regular screening during pregnancy is important. However, some women may experience:
Since many of these symptoms are common in pregnancy, a glucose screening test between 24 and 28 weeks helps detect gestational diabetes.
While any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, certain factors increase the risk:
The key to managing gestational diabetes is keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Here’s how you can do it:
Healthy Eating: Eating a well-balanced diet with controlled portions of carbohydrates is essential. Focus on:
Regular Physical Activity
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Medication (If Needed)
Frequent Prenatal Checkups
A diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. By making healthy lifestyle choices, monitoring your blood sugar, and following your doctor’s advice, you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy and give your baby the best start in life. Remember, you’re not alone—many women go through this and deliver happy, healthy babies!
You might feel extra thirsty and tired and notice frequent urination or blurred vision.
Eating healthy, staying active, and keeping your weight in check can help lower the risk.
Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and monitoring your blood sugar as your doctor suggests.
Yes, it can increase the baby’s chances of obesity or type 2 diabetes later on.
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