Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition indicated by elevated blood sugar levels. This could be either due to inadequate insulin production or ineffective utilization. During pregnancy, it can provoke significant health issues for expectant mothers and babies.
It could be challenging for women with pre-existing conditions to manage their blood sugar levels. Untreated diabetes during pregnancy might raise the risk of long-term health issues for both the mother and the baby. It can include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic issues. With adequate medication and guidance, however, many diabetic women may have a healthy pregnancy and give birth to healthy ones.
In this blog, let us delve deeper into gestational diabetes and its prevention techniques.
Gestational diabetes - a kind of diabetes occurring during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this results in high levels of sugar in the blood, which can be unhealthy for both the mother and the baby. This typically occurs in the second or third trimester.
Gestational diabetes does not come with any symptoms. They are usually diagnosed after routine tests. A few risk factors are mentioned:
Excessive weight increases insulin resistance, which means your body becomes less responsive to insulin.
These include prediabetes, hypertension, auto-immune disease, and much more. It may increase the risk of gestational pregnancy.
Advanced maternal age is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, with several factors contributing to this. Age-related change in metabolism and hormone level contributes to insulin resistance. Older women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes due to pre-existing medical conditions and age-related changes.
Previous history of gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition in subsequent pregnancies. Since this diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, they are more likely to develop it again in subsequent pregnancies.
A close relative with diabetes, such as a parent or sibling, increases the chance of getting gestational diabetes.
Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens, which can lead to insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. They may have impaired glucose tolerance before pregnancy, which is also a contributing factor.
Your baby can develop into a huge weight if your blood sugar level is above the recommended limit. Babies that weigh nine pounds or more are more likely to become wedged in the delivery canal, suffer birth injuries, or require a C-section.
At times, babies could have low blood sugar levels right after birth. This is because high levels of insulin are produced by the body to compensate for higher glucose levels in the womb. Although hypoglycemia is temporary, it may require constant observation.
Baby born to mothers with gestational diabetes may experience low calcium levels. This may require calcium supplementation or other medical interventions.
Pre-eclampsia, a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure and organ damage, is made more likely by gestational diabetes. To protect both the mother and the child, it might be dangerous and needs close monitoring and medical assistance.
Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to have a cesarean delivery. This is due to factors such as macrosomia and difficulties during labor, such as shoulder dystocia.
Women have a high risk of developing urinary tract infections as a result. If left untreated, this may cause serious complications like kidney infection.
They are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. This is due to the impaired glucose tolerance due to gestational diabetes.
To treat the complication, visiting a prenatal care provider is necessary. The test includes a nonstress test and a biophysical profile. Since blood sugar is affected during pregnancy, checking them often is necessary. Treatment involves monitoring blood sugar levels, healthy eating, and physical activity, and taking medicine if necessary, such as insulin.
This involves a combination of monitoring blood sugar levels and modification in lifestyle. In some cases, medications or insulin therapy are suggested.
Healthcare providers may recommend a well-balanced diet. Limiting the intake of sugary food and beverages is necessary. Consumption of snacks and food evenly throughout the day helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Get involved in regular physical exercise as advised by a medical team. Choose relaxing activities like swimming, walking, or prenatal yoga. Exercise reduces blood sugar levels and improves general health.
Use a glucose meter to monitor the blood sugar level frequently. Keeping a record of the readings can help the healthcare team to make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.
Stress management should be given utmost importance. Practice stress-management techniques like breathing exercises, and prenatal yoga.
Sometimes, diet and exercise are sufficient to cope with gestational diabetes. In such cases, insulin therapy or medication will be prescribed by the healthcare provider.
Seek out healthcare experts' assistance as they can guide how to manage the condition. They offer practical suggestions and answer any queries or worries you may have.
With the right resources and support, one can navigate the condition successfully and experience a healthy pregnancy and delivery. One needs to prioritize health and adhere to the recommended treatment methods. Learn more about gestational diabetes by consulting the best diabetologist in Coimbatore.