Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is temporary and usually goes away after the baby is born. However, it’s important because it can affect both the mother’s and the baby’s health.
Causes
Gestational diabetes happens when the body can’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body’s cells use sugar (glucose) for energy. During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes, including hormonal shifts that can make it harder for insulin to do its job, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
Symptoms
Many women with gestational diabetes don’t experience noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they might include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
These symptoms can be mild and are often hard to distinguish from normal pregnancy symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This can include:
- Diet and Exercise: Eating a healthy, balanced diet and staying active are key. A dietitian can help create a meal plan that supports blood sugar management. Regular physical activity can also help control blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring Blood Sugar: Regularly checking blood sugar levels at home to make sure they are within a target range is often necessary.
- Medication: If diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar, medication might be needed. Insulin injections are the most common medication for gestational diabetes, but sometimes oral medications are used as well.
Prevention & Aftercare
While gestational diabetes goes away after childbirth, having it means there’s a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Continuing to maintain a healthy lifestyle after pregnancy is important. Doctors usually recommend getting tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after the baby is born, and then every 1 to 3 years.
For both the mother and baby, managing gestational diabetes is crucial to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery, and to ensure both stay healthy.