Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Management During Pregnancy

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.

What is gestational diabetes?

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. 

What are the causes of gestational diabetes?

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.

Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms; hence, regular screening during pregnancy is important. However, some women may experience:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss (through uncommon during pregnancy)

Since many of these symptoms are common in pregnancy, a glucose screening test between 24 and 28 weeks helps detect gestational diabetes.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes

While any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, certain factors increase the risk:

• Being overweight or obese before pregnancy
• Family history of diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes
• Having a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds in a previous pregnancy
• Being over the age of 25

How to manage gestational diabetes?

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:

• Whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• High-fiber foods like vegetables and legumes
• Limiting sugary foods and refined carbs

Regular Physical Activity

• Engaging in regular exercise can help your body use insulin more effectively. 
• Walking, prenatal yoga, or light strength training (as advised by your doctor) can be beneficial.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

• Keeping track of your blood sugar levels using a glucometer as per your doctor’s guidance ensures that you’re staying within a safe range.

Medication (If Needed)

• Some women may require insulin or other medications if diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to control blood sugar levels.

Frequent Prenatal Checkups

• Regular checkups with your healthcare provider help monitor your baby’s growth and ensure both of you stay healthy.

The Final Word

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!

FAQ

 

What are the signs of gestational diabetes in the third trimester? 

You might feel extra thirsty and tired and notice frequent urination or blurred vision.

How to reduce gestational diabetes? 

Eating healthy, staying active, and keeping your weight in check can help lower the risk.

How to control gestational diabetes in the third trimester? 

Focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and monitoring your blood sugar as your doctor suggests.

Does gestational diabetes affect the baby later in life? 

Yes, it can increase the baby’s chances of obesity or type 2 diabetes later on.