What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops in up to 15% of pregnancies, typically in the second or third trimester. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand for regulating blood sugar levels during pregnancy. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, potentially affecting both the mother and the baby.
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, certain factors can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, including being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, and being over the age of 25. Even women with no previous history of diabetes can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s routinely screened for between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. However, if blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled, it can lead to complications such as:
For the Mother: Increased risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and type 2 diabetes. About 50% of mothers with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
For the Baby: Increased birth weight (macrosomia), premature birth, low blood sugar at birth, and a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
The good news is that gestational diabetes can be effectively managed with proper care, minimizing the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?
The primary goal of treating gestational diabetes is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the pregnancy to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and in some cases, medication.
Lifestyle Changes
For many women, managing gestational diabetes starts with making changes to diet and exercise routines.
Dietary Adjustments: A balanced diet is key to controlling blood sugar levels. This often includes eating smaller, more frequent meals that are high in fiber and low in refined carbohydrates and sugars. A registered dietitian can help develop a personalized meal plan that ensures proper nutrition while keeping blood sugar levels in check.
Physical Activity: Regular, moderate exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and lowers blood sugar levels. Walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga are often recommended, but any exercise routine should be approved by your healthcare provider.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential for women with gestational diabetes. This usually involves using a glucose meter to test blood sugar levels several times a day, such as after meals and in the morning.
Target Blood Sugar Levels: Your healthcare provider will provide specific target ranges for blood sugar levels. Monitoring ensures that any necessary adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication can be made promptly to keep levels within these targets.
Medications
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control blood sugar levels, medication may be required.
Insulin: Insulin therapy is the most common treatment for women with gestational diabetes when lifestyle adjustments do not suffice. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and is safe for both mother and baby.
Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications such as metformin may be used to help control blood sugar levels.
Regular Checkups
Throughout the pregnancy, regular prenatal checkups will be necessary to monitor the health of both the mother and baby. These checkups may include ultrasounds to assess the baby’s growth and amniotic fluid levels, as well as tests to monitor the mother’s blood pressure and urine protein levels. Collaboration and frequent communication between the obstetrician and the Diabetes Specialist is critical.
Postpartum Care
Close monitoring and management should continue after childbirth, as the risk of glucose intolerance may persist for some mothers. Women who had gestational diabetes should be screened for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and appropriate treatment should follow based on the results.
Finding the Right Provider
Gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right care and management, it is possible to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Specialized care ensures that you receive the support and guidance necessary to control your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.
When looking for a provider, consider the following:
Experience in Gestational Diabetes: Look for a healthcare provider who has extensive experience managing gestational diabetes and can offer the latest treatment options. This may include an endocrinology-based clinic, a registered dietitian, and/or a certified diabetes educator.
Team Player: Managing gestational diabetes often requires a multidisciplinary team. Ensure that your provider is collaborative with your obstetrician and is up to date on every aspect of your pregnancy.
Education and Support: Gestational diabetes requires a hands-on approach, and the right provider will take the time to educate you about your condition, teach you how to monitor your blood sugar, help you with insulin injections (if necessary), and provide detailed guidance on medications, diet, nutrition, and movement.
Remote Monitoring: You should not be alone in managing your condition. Find a proactive provider who is equipped to remotely monitor your numbers wherever you are, so that they can detect issues early before they develop into potentially serious health issues.
Accessibility and Communication: Ongoing communication with your healthcare team is essential, especially when it comes to managing blood sugar levels. Your provider should be accessible for any questions or concerns and be able to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
