Summary about Disease
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before. It's characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. If not properly managed, it can affect both the mother's health and the baby's health. Gestational diabetes typically resolves after the baby is born.
Symptoms
Gestational diabetes often has no noticeable symptoms. Some women may experience:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Causes
The exact cause isn't known, but it's believed that hormones produced during pregnancy can block the action of insulin. This is called insulin resistance. As a result, the body cannot use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Risk factors include:
Being overweight or obese
Family history of diabetes
Previous gestational diabetes
Having had a baby weighing over 9 pounds
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Being of certain ethnicities (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
Medicine Used
Insulin: If diet and exercise aren't enough to control blood sugar levels, insulin injections may be necessary.
Metformin and Glyburide: These oral medications are sometimes used, but insulin is generally preferred due to more research supporting its safety during pregnancy. However, their use is often debated and should be determined by a doctor.
Is Communicable
No, gestational diabetes is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Healthy Diet: Following a meal plan created by a registered dietitian specializing in gestational diabetes.
Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise, as approved by your doctor, can help improve insulin sensitivity.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar levels to ensure they are within the target range.
Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed medications (insulin or oral medications) as directed by your doctor.
Regular Prenatal Care: Attending all scheduled prenatal appointments to monitor your health and the baby's health.
Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy can reduce the risk.
Educate yourself: Understanding the condition and how to manage it
How long does an outbreak last?
Gestational diabetes typically lasts for the duration of the pregnancy. Blood sugar levels usually return to normal after the baby is born.
How is it diagnosed?
Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed during pregnancy through a glucose challenge test (GCT) and a glucose tolerance test (GTT).
Glucose Challenge Test (GCT): You'll drink a sugary solution, and your blood sugar will be tested one hour later. If your blood sugar is high, you'll need a glucose tolerance test.
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): You'll fast overnight and have your blood sugar tested. Then, you'll drink a sugary solution, and your blood sugar will be tested every hour for two to three hours.
Timeline of Symptoms
Gestational diabetes typically develops during the second or third trimester of pregnancy (around 24-28 weeks). Many women don't experience noticeable symptoms. If symptoms are present, they can include increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, which can often be attributed to normal pregnancy symptoms.
Important Considerations
Postpartum Monitoring: After delivery, it's important to have your blood sugar checked to ensure it has returned to normal. Women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Baby's Health: Monitor the baby's blood sugar levels after birth to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The baby may be larger than average (macrosomia), increasing the risk of delivery complications.
Long-Term Health: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Communication with healthcare team: Open communication with your doctor and diabetes educator is vital for successful management.