Gestational Diabetes: What is it? Should I be worried?

Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops during pregnancy. Approximately in the UK 16 in 100 women will develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. It can develop at any stage during pregnancy, however its more common during the second & third trimesters and disappears after giving birth. It is thought that the hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can affect insulin production. 
 
 
Gestational Diabetes
 
Risk Factors
  • Being overweight or obese
  • You’ve had gestational diabetes before
  • Family history of diabetes – parent or sibling
  • Previously had a very large baby (weighing  4.5kg (10lb) or more at birth)
  • you are of south Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin
If you have any of these risk factors then your doctor offer you diabetic screening during your pregnancy
 
Signs & Symptoms
 
It will be a shock for you if you diagnose with gestational diabetes as it usually does not cause any symptoms. It diagnose only when blood sugar level tests are carried out during screening.
 
Although some women can develop some of the following symptoms:
  • Tiredness
  • Dry Mouth
  • Increased Thirst
  • Frequent need to urinate

However some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy too, therefore it does not necessarily mean you have gestational diabetes. If you are worried you should speak to your doctor.

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after you have given birth, however women who have had it are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. 
Management

Gestational diabetes can lead to some complications in pregnancy like induced labour or c-section. Your doctor and healthcare team will be able to advise you and support the management of your condition, to prevent any complications. The following ways can help control your blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

A healthy diet

Make sure you are eating regularly – 3 meals per day avoid skipping any

Eat starch based foods that release sugar slowly ie wholewheat pasta, brown rice, muesli, lentils

Aim to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day

Lean sources of protein ie fish

Avoid sugary foods and drinks

Exercise

physical activity reduces blood glucose level

Medicine

Your doctor may give you medication if your levels are not controlled with management of diet and exercise

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies.