The impact of Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy. It means you have high blood sugar levels, but those levels were normal before female becomes pregnant. Gestational diabetes is the fastest growing type of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy only and usually disappears after giving birth. During pregnancy, the placenta makes hormones that can lead to a buildup of glucose in your blood. Usually, your pancreas can make enough insulin to handle that. If not, your blood sugar levels will rise and can cause gestational diabetes.

Dr. Pradeep Gadge, a leading Diabetologist, Gadge Diabetes Centre, talks elaborately about the impact of Gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually happens in the second half (second trimester) of pregnancy. Gynecologist will check to see if female have gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of their pregnancy. The doctor may test sooner if they are at high risk. Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but they are at an increased risk if:

• Body mass index (BMI) is above 30.

• Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

•One of the parents or siblings has diabetes.

• Female who are over the age of 35 yrs.

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Women with gestational diabetes usually have no symptoms. Most learn they have it during routine pregnancy screening tests. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, gestational diabetes if not carefully managed can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and cause problems for both mother and child. You have gestational diabetes; your baby may be at increased risk of: Excessive birth weight, early (preterm) birth and respiratory distress syndrome, High Blood Pressure (Preeclampsia).

Female with gestational diabetes needs often to check their blood sugar, so that your doctor can tell you what should be your levels and how to manage them during pregnancy. Blood sugar is affected by pregnancy, what you eat and drink, how much physical activity you get. You may need to eat differently and be more active. You also may need to take insulin or medicines. Managing gestational diabetes includes following a healthy eating plan and being physically active. If you’re eating plan and physical activity aren’t enough to keep your blood glucose in your target range, you may need insulin or medicine.

After the baby is born, gestational diabetes usually disappears. A blood glucose test (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) (OGTT) should performed six weeks after delivery to ensure that blood glucose levels have returned to normal. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and should be tested for diabetes at least every 2 – 3 years.

Blood sugar usually returns to normal soon after delivery. But if you've had gestational diabetes, you're at risk for type 2 diabetes. One third of women who had Gestational Diabetes will have diabetes or a milder form of elevated blood sugar soon after giving birth. Between 15% and 70% of women with GD will develop diabetes later in life.

Controlling blood sugar can prevent a difficult birth and keep you and your baby healthy. Females can lower chance of getting gestational diabetes by losing extra weight before they get pregnant if they are overweight. Being physically active before and during pregnancy also may help prevent gestational diabetes. Eat healthily. Limit saturated fat. Eat plenty of vegetables, legumes, fruits, wholegrain.

Book Appointment:Dr. Pradeep Gadge, a leading Diabetologist, Gadge Diabetes Centre