Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. The cells in your body use sugar differently if you have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby’s health.

Healthy eating, exercising, and taking medication, if necessary, can help pregnant women control gestational diabetes. Controlling blood sugar can keep you and your baby healthy and prevent a difficult delivery.

In women with gestational diabetes, blood sugar usually returns to normal soon after delivery. You have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have had gestational diabetes. You will need to be tested for changes in blood sugar more often.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body cannot make enough insulin during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that allows blood sugar into the cells in your body for use as energy. Most pregnant women have insulin resistance during late pregnancy. But, some women have insulin resistance even before they get pregnant. They start pregnancy with a need for insulin and are more likely to have gestational diabetes.

Seven Typical Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

1. Frequent urination
2. Increased thirst
3. Fatigue
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Weight loss regardless of eating lots of food
6. Yeast infection
7. Blurry vision

Gestational diabetes can increase your baby’s risk for high birth weight, delivery complications, or cesarean delivery. It can also cause post-delivery issues for your child or low blood glucose. Ensure to seek medical help and frequent check-up during and after giving birth.

The Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes

• Prediabetes condition on or before pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• Family history of gestational diabetes
• A family history of type 2 diabetes
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and other hormonal disorders
• Obesity or overweight during pregnancy
• Age and ethnicity
• Having an unexplained stillbirth or miscarriage

How to Diagnose Gestational Diabetes?

Doctors use blood tests to diagnose gestational diabetes. It is possible to take either a glucose challenge test or an oral glucose tolerance test. These tests show how well your body uses glucose. If gestational diabetes is suspected, you will need to undergo blood tests.

Treatment for Gestational Diabetes

Treatment for Gestational diabetes includes proper exercise, lifestyle change, and diet. Increase your intake on fruits and vegetables that controls your blood sugar levels. Managing your blood sugar keeps your baby healthy. Your doctor may also recommend medications for diabetes or Metformin.