Gestational Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

No sweets for two! This a gentle reminder to all mothers-to-be that you may have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Read on to know why!

Overview

Gestational (during pregnancy) diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar levels) is a hormonal disorder causing insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It is more often seen in:

• Pregnant women above 25 years of age
• Previous history of >4.5kg baby birth
• Pre-pregnancy incidence of high blood sugar levels
• Lack of physical exercise
• Overweight or obesity
• Polycystic ovarian disease
• Asian and American races

The foetus may or may not get affected by gestational diabetes as it has its own insulin to counteract excess sugar from the mother's blood. During delivery, some babies may continue to produce more insulin and return to normal levels a few hours or days later. However, some may need to be administered glucose to balance the insulin levels. Treatment is targeted towards managing blood sugar levels and regular monitoring until 1-2 years post delivery.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Gestational diabetes during pregnancy does not show any major symptoms. However, it may manifest itself in the following ways:

• Increased thirst and dehydration
• Increased frequency of urination, especially at night
• Some pregnant women may feel hungrier than usual.

If you experience any such symptoms during your pregnancy, inform your gynaecologist or physician immediately.

Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis

• All pregnant women, especially those at risk of gestational diabetes, must undergo a primary check-up in the first trimester of pregnancy to rule out high blood sugar levels as a precautionary measure. You may never be aware of it unless symptoms develop later on or during routine pregnancy tests and scans.
• Diagnosis may also be made when a pregnant woman shows signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes mellitus. A blood sample is collected to determine blood sugar levels.
• The growth of the baby is monitored through ultrasonography.
• A glucose tolerance test or gestational diabetes test may also be conducted to analyse how your body reacts to a sudden sugar rush within a time frame. Here, you will be given a glucose-rich sweet drink and a blood test will be done an hour later to determine how much sugar is left in the blood. It will also help your doctor know if insulin is present in appropriate amounts in your body.

Gestational Diabetes Sugar Levels Chart

Gestational Diabetes Treatment

Treatment is aimed at controlling blood sugar levels along with blood pressure with safe medications and insulin shots as needed. You will have to undergo regular check ups during pregnancy as well as after delivery. The baby may be administered glucose at birth if found to be in distress.

Other important things to consider:

• Regular exercise to promote insulin sensitivity and reduce the accumulation of fats due to excess glucose; exercising in the form of antenatal yoga, breathing exercises, and simple walking for a minimum of 20-30 minutes are advisable.
• Nutritious diet: It is advisable to have smaller, more frequent meals (2-3 times a day with intermittent snacks) to minimise sudden sugar rush with heavy meals.

Here is a list of foods to eat to counter gestational diabetes:

1. Natural, low sugar content, like fruits and raisins, are recommended more than sugar-based biscuits, candies, and cakes.
2. One must include more fibre in the diet in the form of vegetables and whole grains.
3. Saturated fats in fried foods must be avoided.
4. Maintain good hydration levels to prevent dehydration and undue fatigue.

Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

You can prevent the occurrence of diabetes during pregnancy by following a few simple steps:

• Plan your pregnancy in advance and prepare accordingly.
• Start with regular exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, or any fitness activity of your choice.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and fluids.
• Practise breathing techniques to maintain body homeostasis (regular functioning of the body).

Complications of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy

• Women may continue to have high blood sugar levels and suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus post delivery. You may need to continue medications and insulin administration for some time.
• Babies born to women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later age with more significant symptoms.
• You may also have high blood pressure along with gestational diabetes during pregnancy known as preeclampsia. High sugar levels increase the flow and pressure of blood. Medicines will be started to control blood pressure levels.
• One may suffer from jaundice (yellow discolouration of the skin) during pregnancy or after delivery.
• The infant born may sometimes require glucose intravenously and close monitoring in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a few days.
• The risk of obesity in mothers and children increases substantially due to the accumulation of excess fats in the body.

You can also adopt a healthier lifestyle during pregnancy with Mylo Pregnancy Care Routine which includes pregnancy yoga sessions, Garbha Sanskar sessions and consultation with gynecologists and health coaches. It can help you manage your weight trimester wise, reduce backache and leg swelling, boost energy levels and manage gestational diabetes and BP.

Bottom Line

Pregnancy is a sweet time to be cherished but sugar sweetness in your diet needs to be controlled during pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy occur due to an imbalance in pregnancy hormones. Minor symptoms, like increased thirst and urination, may be experienced.

A blood test and glucose tolerance test during the first trimester of pregnancy may confirm gestational diabetes mellitus. Regular monitoring and medicines may help overcome diabetes during and after delivery. The unborn foetus may or may not get affected. Women should maintain fitness, diet, and hydration before planning a pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus.

References

1. CDC. (2021). Gestational Diabetes.
2. American Diabetes Association. Gestational Diabetes