Gestational Diabetes
During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. One condition that can arise is gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels that develop during pregnancy in women who did not previously have diabetes. It typically appears in the second or third trimester.
During pregnancy, your body produces hormones that can make it harder for your body to use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. If your body can’t produce enough insulin to overcome the effects of these pregnancy hormones, your blood sugar levels can rise, leading to gestational diabetes.
While gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery, it can pose risks to both mother and baby if not properly managed. Potential complications include a larger-than-average baby, which can complicate delivery, and an increased risk for the mother to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
How is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?
Routine screening for gestational diabetes is a standard part of prenatal care. Testing is typically done between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, though it may be performed earlier if you have certain risk factors.
The most common screening method is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test is often performed in two steps:
You will drink a sugary beverage, and your blood will be drawn one hour later to measure your blood sugar level. You do not need to fast for this test. If your blood sugar is above a certain level, a second test will be needed.
How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?
The goal of treating gestational diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range for the remainder of your pregnancy. Treatment typically involves a multi-faceted approach.
We recommend a healthy eating plan that focuses on managing your carbohydrate intake to keep blood sugar levels stable. This often involves:
- Eating regular meals and snacks to avoid large fluctuations in blood sugar.
- Choosing complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, over simple sugars.
- Balancing carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats.
- For more information, visit the American Diabetes Association website or ask your provider. https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/pregnancy/gestational-diabetes
Moderate exercise, as approved by your provider, can help your body use insulin more effectively and lower your blood sugar. Activities like walking and swimming are often recommended during pregnancy. However, do not start a new exercise routine without consulting your provider.
You will likely be asked to monitor your blood sugar levels at home using a small device called a glucometer. This will involve pricking your finger for a small drop of blood and testing it several times a day, usually when you wake up and after meals.
If diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood sugar, your provider may prescribe medication. This could be in the form of oral medication, such as metformin, or insulin injections. Insulin is a common and safe treatment for gestational diabetes during pregnancy and does not cross the placenta to the baby.
After Delivery
The goal of treating gestational diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range for the remainder of your pregnancy. Treatment typically involves a multi-faceted approach.
However, having had gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing it in future pregnancies and of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It’s important to continue with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, and to have your blood sugar checked periodically as recommended by your provider.
By working closely with your healthcare team and actively managing your condition, you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, even with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.