Why does Gestational Diabetes occur during pregnancy? What is Gestational Diabetes in pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a special phase of every woman’s life, but during this time many changes take place in the body, which can sometimes give rise to health related problems. One such condition is gestational diabetes, which is often called a ‘silent condition’ because its symptoms are not clearly visible in most of the cases.

This diabetes appears for the first time during pregnancy and increases the blood sugar level in the body. If it is not controlled in time, it can prove to be risky for both mother and child. The good thing is that it can be controlled to a great extent with proper diet, exercise and doctor’s supervision.

Question 1. What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the body is not able to use sugar (glucose) properly during pregnancy. The reason for this is hormonal changes, which affect the way insulin works. Due to this, blood sugar level increases, which can affect pregnancy and the development of the child.

Question 2. Why is it called ‘silent’ condition?

The symptoms of gestational diabetes are often very mild or not visible at all. Therefore, many women come to know about it only during investigation. However, there may be some possible signs:

• feeling thirsty again and again
• urinating more than usual
• feeling tired
• Since these symptoms can also be normal during pregnancy, they are ignored.

Question 3. Why does gestational diabetes occur?

Hormone levels in the body change during pregnancy. These hormones can reduce the effect of insulin, due to which the body is not able to control blood sugar properly. This problem is more prevalent in some women, especially if they already fall in the risk group.

Question 4. Who is at greater risk?

Some conditions increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes:

• overweight or obese
• lack of physical activity
• already having prediabetes
• Having this problem in earlier pregnancies
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Family history of diabetes
• Birth of the first baby weighing more than 4.1 kilograms (9 pounds)

Question 5. What is the effect on the child?

If blood sugar is not under control, it can have many effects on the child:

• If the mother’s sugar level is high, the child may be larger than normal, which increases problems during delivery.
• High blood sugar increases the risk of premature delivery.
• Babies born prematurely may have breathing problems.
• The sugar level of the child may decrease immediately after birth, which can become a serious condition.
• In such children, the risk of obesity and type-2 diabetes increases in future.

Question 6. What is the effect on the mother?

Gestational diabetes can pose risks not only to the baby but also to the mother:

• This condition can increase the risk of preeclampsia, which can be serious.
• Due to the large size of the baby, surgical delivery may be required.
• 3. Sugar level may become normal after pregnancy, but later the risk of type-2 diabetes increases.

Question 7. How is treatment and management done?

It is very important to manage gestational diabetes properly:

• Take a balanced diet. Eat fiber rich and low calorie food.
• Do light activity for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Blood sugar should be monitored from time to time.

Question 8. What are the preventive measures?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, some habits can reduce the risk:

• Maintain healthy weight before pregnancy.
• Do exercise daily.
• Take a balanced and healthy diet.
• Control weight gain during pregnancy.

Question 9. When should one consult a doctor?

Regular checkups should be done while planning pregnancy and during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes may be a “silent” condition, but its effects can be serious. It can be controlled by timely testing, awareness and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Remember, even small carelessness can become a big problem during pregnancy, so do not ignore regular checkups and doctor’s advice.