Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, where the body struggles to control blood sugar levels. This condition usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy and can affect both the mother and baby. It happens because pregnancy hormones make it harder for insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, to do its job properly. While gestational diabetes typically goes away after giving birth, it needs careful management to avoid complications like high birth weight or premature birth.
Women at higher risk of gestational diabetes include those who are overweight, over 35, or of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern descent. Regular screening for gestational diabetes is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If diagnosed, treatment may involve following a healthy diet, staying active, and monitoring blood sugar levels. In some cases, medication or insulin may be needed. With the right care, most women can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Management of gestational diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range to ensure the wellbeing of both mother and baby. The first step usually involves making dietary changes, such as eating balanced meals that are low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, while including whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity, like walking or swimming, is also recommended to help control blood sugar levels. Women with gestational diabetes will need to monitor their blood sugar regularly using a home testing kit to track their progress.
In some cases, medication or insulin injections may be required if diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to control blood sugar levels. Close monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to adjust treatment as needed and to check the baby’s growth and development. After giving birth, gestational diabetes usually resolves, but follow-up testing is important as 50% of women with gestational diabetes may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Proper management during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, where the body struggles to control blood sugar levels. This condition usually develops in the second half of pregnancy and typically goes away after the baby is born. It happens because pregnancy hormones can interfere with how insulin works, leading to higher blood sugar levels. If untreated, it can lead to complications for both mother and baby.
However, with proper management, most women with gestational diabetes can have a healthy pregnancy. This often involves making dietary changes, increasing physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly. In some cases, medication or insulin may be required to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range.
Gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why screening is an important part of prenatal care. In some cases, women may experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or feeling unusually tired. However, these symptoms can be common in pregnancy even without gestational diabetes, making it harder to identify without proper testing.
Because symptoms are often mild or absent, the NHS recommends routine screening for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. A glucose tolerance test is typically used to diagnose the condition. If gestational diabetes is confirmed, appropriate management is necessary to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through a test called the glucose tolerance test (GTT), which measures how well your body processes sugar. The test is typically offered between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy but may be done earlier if you’re considered high-risk. During the test, you’ll be asked to drink a sugary drink, and your blood will be tested at regular intervals to see how your body manages the sugar.
If your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, gestational diabetes is diagnosed. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications, such as a larger-than-average baby or premature birth. If diagnosed, you’ll work with your healthcare team to develop a plan to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Gestational diabetes is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin during pregnancy. The placenta, which nourishes the baby, produces hormones that can block the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. This makes it harder for the body to keep blood sugar levels stable, leading to gestational diabetes.
Women with certain risk factors, such as being overweight, over 35, or having a family history of diabetes, are more likely to develop the condition. It’s also more common in women from South Asian, African-Caribbean, and Middle Eastern backgrounds. However, gestational diabetes can occur in any pregnancy, even without obvious risk factors.
Certain factors increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include being over the age of 35, being overweight or obese, having a family history of type 2 diabetes, or having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. Ethnicity also plays a role, with women of South Asian, African-Caribbean, and Middle Eastern descent being at a higher risk.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or those who have previously had a baby weighing over 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs) are also at greater risk. If you fall into one of these high-risk categories, your healthcare provider may recommend early screening for gestational diabetes before the usual 24 to 28 weeks.
The management of gestational diabetes typically starts with dietary changes and regular physical activity. A diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables can help stabilise blood sugar levels, while reducing foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Regular, moderate exercise, like walking, is often recommended to improve the body’s insulin sensitivity.
In addition to lifestyle changes, blood sugar monitoring is crucial. Women with gestational diabetes will need to test their blood sugar levels several times a day using a home testing kit. If diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar, medication or insulin may be prescribed to help maintain healthy levels.
If gestational diabetes is not well controlled, it can lead to complications for your baby. One of the most common risks is macrosomia, or having a larger-than-average baby. This can increase the risk of delivery complications, such as needing a caesarean section or the baby experiencing shoulder dystocia during birth. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may also have low blood sugar levels at birth.
However, with proper management of blood sugar levels, most women with gestational diabetes can have healthy pregnancies and babies. Your healthcare team will closely monitor your baby’s growth throughout your pregnancy and take appropriate measures to reduce any risks.
In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born, as pregnancy hormones return to normal levels. However, having gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It’s estimated that 50% of women who develop gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within the next 5 to 10 years.
To reduce this risk, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after pregnancy. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are also recommended to monitor your blood sugar levels after giving birth. You will likely be offered a glucose test 6 to 13 weeks postpartum to ensure your blood sugar levels have returned to normal.
While gestational diabetes can’t always be prevented, certain lifestyle changes may reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy can lower the chances of developing the condition. Eating a balanced diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and engaging in regular physical activity are also key factors in reducing your risk.
If you have risk factors for gestational diabetes, such as a family history of diabetes or being overweight, discussing these with your healthcare provider early in pregnancy can help. In some cases, early monitoring or making proactive changes before pregnancy can reduce the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes can affect labour and delivery, especially if blood sugar levels have not been well controlled during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to be larger, which may lead to complications during delivery, such as the need for a caesarean section. Additionally, babies might have low blood sugar levels at birth, requiring extra care after delivery.
Your healthcare provider may recommend inducing labour if your baby appears larger than average or if there are other complications associated with gestational diabetes. However, with good management of blood sugar levels during pregnancy, many women are able to have healthy deliveries. Monitoring your baby’s growth closely and planning for delivery with your healthcare team is essential to reduce the risk of complications.