Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy

In the United States, up to 10% of pregnancies can be affected by Gestational Diabetes(GBM). Now exactly what is gestational diabetes in pregnancy? Gestational Diabetes occurs when the woman’s body develops insulin resistance. During pregnancy, the female body goes through numerous changes, such as weight gain, and the hormonal changes can make it more difficult for the body to efficiently process blood glucose. Most pregnant women do develop some degree of gestational diabetes in late pregnancy, however most are able to produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance. Those that cannot produce enough can develop this condition and will experience high blood sugar levels that can ultimately affect the pregnancy and the baby’s health.

There isn’t one true cause that leads to this condition, but there are a number of factors that can predispose pregnant women to developing gestational diabetes. GBM has been linked to women that are overweight, physically inactive, have polycystic ovary syndrome, already have some degree of insulin resistance prior to the pregnancy, or a family history of Diabetes Type 2. Signs and symptoms that could potentially point to GBM are fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, extreme thirst, frequent urination, and sugar detected in the urine.

Majority of pregnant women will be screened for GBM between 24 and 28 weeks into their pregnancy and typically a urine sample will be requested to screen for presence of glucose in the urine. If your physician suspects gestational diabetes, then subsequent testing such as a glucose challenge test and a glucose intolerance test could be conducted to help confirm the diagnosis.

One of the more common complications is a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes five to ten years after delivery. Other adverse outcomes can be a more difficult delivery, C-section, developing high blood pressure and preeclampsia. Complications that may affect the baby can be high birth weight, premature birth, low blood sugar, developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later on in life.

When it comes to preventing gestational diabetes in your pregnancy, it’s important to incorporate healthy habits into your lifestyle. It’s suggested to eat foods higher in fiber and lower in calories and fat, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight gain during the course of the pregnancy. Those that are at a higher risk for developing gestational diabetes are advised to monitor their glucose levels regularly and to seek support and care from their physician to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for the mother and the baby.

References:

Atlas IDFD. Gestational Diabetes. International Diabetes Federation - Home. https://www.idf.org/our-activities/care-prevention/gdm. Published 2020. Accessed July 21, 2022.

Gestational diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html. Published August 10, 2021. Accessed July 21, 2022.

Gestational diabetes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339. Published April 9, 2022. Accessed July 21, 2022.

Gestational diabetes: Signs and symptoms. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325177. Published 2019. Accessed July 21, 2022.

Metzger, M.D. B. Symptoms & causes of gestational diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational/symptoms-causes. Published May 2017. Accessed July 21, 2022.