Overview:
- Gestational diabetes is any change in blood sugar levels that is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy, whether the condition continues after childbirth or not.
- In gestational diabetes, blood sugar usually returns to normal after delivery.
- This condition develops when placental hormones prevent the body from using insulin effectively, which leads to sugar remaining in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells.
- The condition is diagnosed as ‘gestational diabetes’, whether the female requires insulin or just some adjustments in her diet.
Risk factors:
Any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, but some women are at greater risk due to the following factors:
- Aging;
- Family history;
- Overweight;
- Previous delivery of an infant with high birth weight.
Complications:
- High birth weight
- Low blood sugar shortly after birth
- Fetal abnormalities
- Increased chances of developing preeclampsia
Treatment:
Treatment may vary based on age, health status and other factors. Some treatment options may include:
- Dietary modifications;
- Exercising;
- Insulin.
Guidelines for pregnant women:
- Maintain and monitor blood glucose levels at home, and record the results.
- Follow up with pregnancy clinics and diabetes clinics regularly and on time.
- Stick to a healthy diet as instructed by the nutritionist.
- Exercise as instructed by your doctor.
- Examine your urine every day, to ensure that it is free from ketones.
- Avoid using diabetes medications or any other medications.