What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy-specific diabetes that develops in people who do not have pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The percentage of mothers giving birth who received a diagnosis of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) increased from 6.0% in 2016 to 8.3% in 2021."
What causes gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes develops on account of the pregnant person’s insulin resistance, which tends to increase during the second and third trimesters. Insulin is an important hormone produced by the pancreas; it regulates blood sugar levels, which the body uses as its main source of energy.
During pregnancy, your hormones undergo many changes. These changes can directly affect how cells use insulin. Gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin; rather, it’s caused by pregnancy-related hormones that make insulin less effective.
Who is at risk for gestational diabetes?
The risk of developing gestational diabetes increases among pregnant people who are overweight, who have a family history of diabetes, who have previously given birth to a newborn who weighed more than 9 pounds, and pregnant people who are older than 25. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that race is also a risk factor; research shows that African-American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander pregnant people are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes typically doesn’t have any symptoms. This is why testing during pregnancy is crucial.
Should I be tested for gestational diabetes?
Yes, you should be tested for gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes testing is performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, but the test can be performed earlier if a high glucose level is detected in your urine during a prenatal visit or if you know you’re at risk of diabetes.
Testing involves drinking a sweet, sugary drink in a clinical setting. Also known as a blood glucose challenge test, this test takes one hour; after that time is up, your blood will be drawn and your blood sugar level measured. If your number is too high, you’ll need to proceed with a glucose tolerance test (GTT).
To complete a GTT test, you’ll need to fast overnight, drink another sugary drink, and then have your body’s response to that sugary drink measured at four different intervals across the span of 3 hours. Once those numbers are evaluated, your healthcare provider can verify if you have gestational diabetes.
How do I manage my gestational diabetes?
If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor will develop a customized treatment plan based on numerous individual factors, including your age, overall health, and the severity of your gestational diabetes. Your doctor will likely recommend exercise, dietary changes, and regular monitoring of your blood sugar level throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. You may also meet with a dietician for nutrition education and dietary changes.
Can I get rid of gestational diabetes?
You can’t get rid of gestational diabetes. Closely adhere to your treatment plan and stay in close contact with your doctor should you have any questions about your gestational diabetes diagnosis. Take comfort in the fact that you are taking preventative measures to protect your health and the health of your unborn baby.
Insulin resistance typically improves after birth, but people with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. A dietitian can help create a nutrition plan to aid in preventing diabetes in the long term.
Diabetes self-management education program
Certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCESs) are available for one-on-one and/or group support for many topics. To schedule an appointment, please call the Diabetes Care Center at 419-557-6550
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