Gestational Diabetes: Everything You Need To Know
The dreaded complications of pregnancy! A month ago I failed my second glucose tolerance test, and the doctor confirmed that I have gestational diabetes. Something I thought I had mentally prepared for because my dad has had type 2 diabetes since I can recall and I was sure I would get it whenever I would get pregnant, but really the diagnosis left me shocked and made me feel like a failure. Now that I have had time to process the news, I understand that this is a common pregnancy complication and can happen to anyone, there is no need to feel ashamed or frustrated about it. I actually have eaten my best throughout pregnancy and the thought of sugar makes me sick, so I haven’t indulged in anything super sweet. I even kept myself active through most of pregnancy. Even with all of that in my favor, my body and the placenta decided to give me a humbling experience. Through this post we will look at my experience and the facts about this complication.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is a condition in which your blood sugar levels become too high, according to the CDC the condition affects about 2-10% of pregnant women. Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery, it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Causes and Risk Factors
It is believed that gestational diabetes is related to the hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy, which can cause insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance means that your body is not able to use insulin properly, which means it produces too much or too little of it. This can lead to high blood sugar levels during fasting or after eating.
There are several risk factors for gestational diabetes, including:
Being overweight or obese
Being sedentary
Having a family history of diabetes
Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Symptoms and Detection
Most women with gestational diabetes do not have any symptoms, which is why it is important to get tested. The American Diabetes Association recommends that all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
The first step to detect gestational diabetes is taking the 1-hour glucose challenge. This test involves drinking a sugary solution -glucose-, and having your blood sugar levels tested exactly an hour after the drink. If your blood sugar levels are too high, you will need to have a follow-up test called a glucose tolerance test.
During this test, you will have your blood sugar tested while you’re fasting, then you will have to drink a bigger and more concentrated glucose solution, then they will test your blood sugar every hour for three hours after the drink. If you fail that test, then you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Complications
If left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to several complications, including:
High blood pressure
Preeclampsia
Premature birth
Large birth weight
Low blood sugar in the baby after birth
Type 2 diabetes later in life
Managing gestational diabetes involves making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. In some cases, medication such as insulin may be needed to help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring and follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
In my case, I am monitoring my blood sugar with a glucometer four times a day: Once while fasting and then 2 hours after every meal. So far, I have been able to control my diabetes through eating healthy and walking 20 minutes after every meal.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an essential part of managing gestational diabetes. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend checking your blood sugar levels several times a day, usually before and after meals.
You can use a blood glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels at home. Your healthcare provider will provide you with instructions on how to use the meter and what your target blood sugar levels should be.
Pregnancy and Delivery with Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy Care
If you have gestational diabetes, you will need to take extra care during pregnancy to ensure a healthy outcome for both you and your baby. This includes regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend additional tests, such as fetal ultrasounds, to monitor your baby's growth and development. It's important to attend all scheduled appointments and follow your provider's recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Since I was diagnosed, I am getting weekly appointments that include non stress tests and ultrasounds.
Delivery Options
When it comes to delivery, there are several options available for women with gestational diabetes. Vaginal delivery is often possible, but your healthcare provider may recommend induction or a cesarean section (C-section) if there are concerns about your baby's size or the progression of labor.
If you have a C-section, you will need to take extra care to manage your blood sugar levels and prevent complications such as infection. After delivery, your healthcare provider will monitor your blood sugar levels closely to ensure they return to normal. Overall, with proper care and management, most women with gestational diabetes can have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Postpartum Care and Considerations
Managing Health Post-Delivery
After giving birth, it is important to continue monitoring your health and managing your gestational diabetes. You may need to continue checking your blood sugar levels and following a healthy diet and exercise plan. Your healthcare provider may also recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your blood sugar and overall health.
If you were on medication to manage your gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your healthcare provider may adjust or discontinue your medication after delivery. It is important to follow their instructions and continue monitoring your blood sugar levels to ensure they stay within a healthy range.
Future Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. To reduce your risk, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up testing to monitor your blood sugar levels and assess your risk for type 2 diabetes. They may also recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help reduce your risk.
It is important to continue regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and manage any conditions that may have developed during pregnancy. By taking care of your health, you can reduce your risk of developing complications in the future.
Having gestational diabetes is not the worst diagnosis you can get, just make sure to keep a healthy lifestyle and follow your doctor’s directions to keep your health in check.
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