Expectant Moms: Uncovering Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that develops in some women during pregnancy. It's a form of diabetes that occurs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and is usually caused by carbohydrate intolerance. This means that the woman's body doesn't respond well to the carbohydrates in food. As a result, she may develop high blood sugar levels and diabetes. If you're pregnant and you think you might have gestational diabetes, there are some things you can check out.

• Not the same as Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2.
• Complicate 4% of all pregnancy
• 60 to 80% of women with gestational diabetes are obese & experience insulin resistance.
• During the week of 28- 32, there is usually a peak of a diabetogenic state. It usually appears in the middle of pregnancy, i.e. between 24 and 27 weeks and resolves after giving birth.
• Gestational women usually don't have symptoms, and all women are tested for it.
• Gestational Diabetes can go away after pregnancy, but half of the women develop type 2 diabetes.
• Women with gestational diabetes should have their blood sugar tested every 1 to 3 years after pregnancy.
• Blood sugar levels should be checked regularly during pregnancy, especially in the first four months. The following target for women testing blood glucose levels during pregnancy:
• Before a meal: 95 mg/dl or less.
• One hour after a meal: 140 mg/dl or less.
• Two hours after a meal: 120 mg/dl or less.
• Gestational diabetes complications for the mother
• Cesarean birth (C-section) if the baby is heavy.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).
• Risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
• Fetal complications of gestational diabetes:
• Increased risk of large-sized baby
• Preterm delivery.
• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
• If you’re over 40 years old and pregnant with twins, there's an even higher chance that both babies will develop type 1 diabetes because they share their mother's DNA.

Thus, it is important to screen for gestational diabetes as early as possible so that you can take proper steps and adopt healthy habits to keep your health safe and stable throughout your pregnancy.

It is essential to consult a gynecologist if you suspect that you have this disease.