What is Gestational Diabetes?

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is diagnosed while you’re pregnant, according to Cleveland Clinic. Gestational diabetes (or GD) occurs when hormones from your placenta block your ability to use or make insulin, which is what you need to maintain the right amount of glucose in your blood.

Typically gestational diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise. Your blood sugar should return to normal after delivery. Diagnosis of GD, however, puts you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. 

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Most of the time gestational diabetes doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. You might see increased thirst and more frequent urination, but this is hard to pinpoint since you already experience these symptoms during pregnancy.

What are the risks of gestational diabetes?

According to Mayo Clinic, gestational diabetes can lead to complications for your baby such as:

• Excessive birth weight
• Preterm birth
• Serious breathing difficulties 
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life
• Stillbirth

You may also experience these complications:

• High blood pressure and preeclampsia
• C-section
• Future diabetes

How can I find out if I have gestational diabetes?

Your healthcare provider will screen you for gestational diabetes between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. In the glucose challenge test, you’ll drink a sweet liquid and wait for an hour. Then a healthcare provider will draw your blood and test its glucose levels. If your results are irregular, you’ll fast before taking the glucose tolerance test. You’ll have your blood drawn before and after at one, two, and three-hour intervals after drinking a sweet liquid. This test will confirm if you have GD.

What puts me at risk of gestational diabetes?

While gestational diabetes cannot always be predicted, some factors create more at risk. According to the Center for Disease Control, you’re more at risk if you:

• Had GD in a previous pregnancy
• Have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Can I prevent gestational diabetes?

You can lower your risk of gestational diabetes with lifestyle changes. If you’re planning on getting pregnant, you can lose weight if you’re overweight, adopt a nourishing diet, and stay physically active.

How can I manage gestational diabetes?

If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you’ll have additional appointments and ultrasounds to make sure your baby isn’t growing too big. You’ll test your blood sugar regularly at home and discuss your ranges with your healthcare provider.

You can lower your blood sugar levels with exercise and diet. The American Diabetes Association offers guidelines for GD management here. Some people can manage their blood sugar levels by eating less sugar and fewer carbs while prioritizing protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s still possible to have a birth without complications. You’re in control of many health factors, and you can change your lifestyle to empower yourself and your baby for better outcomes. 

If you’d like support in your pregnancy journey, our nurses at The Pregnancy Network are here to help. Make a free appointment today.