All you know about Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects around 10 to 15% of pregnancies in India. Women who were previously healthy may acquire a kind of diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

In other words, gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. This is the same as other types of diabetes in terms of its effects on the usage of glucose by your cells. When your blood glucose levels rise during pregnancy, it has an impact on both your pregnancy and your baby's health.

What factors contribute to gestational diabetes?

The specific origin or causation of gestational diabetes is unclear, although experts think that extra body weight prior to pregnancy, bad eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle may play a role. Furthermore, multiple hormones collaborate to maintain blood glucose levels in balance. However, blood glucose levels alter throughout pregnancy owing to changes in hormone levels.

What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?

Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

• Diabetes mellitus

• Sedentary behavior before to and during pregnancy

• Obesity, often known as extra body weight

• Previous experience with gestational diabetes

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

What are the complications?

Excess infant birth weight raises the likelihood of difficulties during delivery or necessitates a C-section.

• The risk of premature labor and delivery rises as the baby grows in size. If the baby is large, an early cesarean may be advised.

• Gestational diabetes causes breathing difficulties in babies who are born early. This is referred to as respiratory distress syndrome.

• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, may occur in certain newborns immediately after delivery. In such circumstances, the risk of seizures and other problems may rise.

• Babies are more likely to acquire additional diseases such as obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life.

• Untreated gestational diabetes creates major health problems since it might result in stillbirth or newborn death before or shortly after delivery.

• Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to undergo a C-section since normal delivery becomes difficult due to a large baby.

• High blood pressure and preeclampsia – both these conditions are serious for both the mother’s and baby’s life.

• Diabetes - the chance of developing gestational diabetes during a future pregnancy is considerable. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes also increases many times as a woman gets older.

How should gestational diabetes be managed?

There are just two elements to regulate when it comes to any form of diabetes: your diet and physical activity levels. In terms of gestational diabetes management, a well-balanced diet is essential. You may discuss your issue with your gynecologist, who will assist you in choosing the ideal meals and providing you with correct meal suggestions to implement.

As far as the second factor is concerned, discuss with your gynecologist which type of activity or exercise is good for you and your baby for a safe pregnancy.

Whole grains, veggies, and fruits are strong in fiber and low in calories and protein. Consult with your specialists about portion sizes.

Manage your weight throughout pregnancy by beginning at a healthy weight. Avoid gaining more weight than is advised during pregnancy.

Many women who get gestational diabetes during their pregnancy are concerned that their diabetes may persist after their child is born. In general, blood sugar levels normally return to normal within 6 weeks following birth in the majority of instances. Women who have experienced gestational diabetes, on the other hand, are at a higher risk of having type 2 diabetes. Such women should monitor their blood sugar levels and get them checked more often. You will be able to control your condition better if you take treatment measures from your gynecologist.

If you are facing Gestational Diabetes, book your appointment with the Best Indian Gynaecologist in Dubai.

Also read: Are you thinking about breastfeeding

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