Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings various health considerations. One concern can be gestational diabetes, a condition that affects some pregnant women and in some cases can have serious implications for both the mother and baby if left unmanaged.
In this post, we’ll explore what gestational diabetes is, how it’s diagnosed, its potential risks, and how it can be managed effectively, with resources and support from the NHS.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes (GD) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, blood sugar (glucose) levels rise, which can affect both the mother’s and baby’s health.
Gestational diabetes is more common in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, and it typically resolves after the baby is born. However, women who experience gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes
While any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, certain factors increase the risk, including:
- Age: Women over the age of 25 are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
- Weight: Higher body mass index (BMI) increases the risk.
- Family history: If your family has a history of diabetes, your risk is higher.
- Ethnicity: Women of certain ethnic backgrounds, including South Asian, Black African, and Caribbean, are at increased risk.
- Previous gestational diabetes: Women who had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy are more likely to develop it again.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
In most cases, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings are essential during pregnancy. However, some women may experience symptoms such as:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be common during pregnancy, so they may not necessarily indicate gestational diabetes.
Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes: The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
The glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a key diagnostic tool used to check for gestational diabetes. Typically offered by the NHS between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, this test helps assess how your body processes glucose (sugar) and whether you have gestational diabetes. During the test, you will be asked to drink a sugary solution, and your blood sugar levels will be tested at intervals, usually an hour and two hours after consumption. If your blood sugar levels are higher than normal at these points, it could indicate that your body is struggling to regulate blood sugar properly, suggesting the presence of gestational diabetes. The GTT is a simple but essential test to help detect the condition early, allowing for timely intervention and management. If the test shows that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, you might be diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetes, which means you are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes during future pregnancies or later in life.
You can find more detailed information about the glucose tolerance test and what to expect from the NHS here link.
How Gestational Diabetes Affects You and Your Baby
If gestational diabetes is left unmanaged, it can lead to complications, including:
- For the baby:
- Larger birth weight, which could lead to delivery complications
- Preterm birth
- Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after birth
- Higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life
- For the mother:
- Increased risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
- Higher likelihood of needing a cesarean section (C-section)
- Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future
Therefore, it’s essential to manage blood sugar levels effectively during pregnancy.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
Good management of gestational diabetes involves maintaining a healthy balance of blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy. Here are the steps you can take:
1. Dietary Changes
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to managing gestational diabetes. The NHS recommends a focus on:
- Complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes) over simple sugars.
- Low-GI foods, which release energy slowly and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Examples include non-starchy vegetables like spinach and tomatoes, fruits such as apples and berries, whole grains like brown rice and oats, legumes including lentils and chickpeas, and dairy products like unsweetened Greek yogurt. Nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes are also good low-GI choices. These foods can help manage blood sugar effectively, making them ideal for those with gestational diabetes.
- Eating regular meals and snacks to prevent blood sugar spikes.
A diabetes specialist dietitian can provide personalised dietary advice. Learn more about healthy eating for gestational diabetes from the NHS guide here.
2. Exercise
Regular physical activity helps the body use insulin more effectively and can help control blood sugar levels. The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as walking or swimming. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen.
3. Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
You may be required to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. The NHS will guide you on how and when to check your blood sugar and when to seek advice if levels are too high or low.
4. Medication
In some cases, if diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar levels, your doctor may prescribe insulin injections. Oral medications like metformin may also be used, though insulin is preferred during pregnancy.
5. Postpartum Care
After the birth of your baby, your blood sugar levels will be monitored for a few months. Most women find that their blood sugar levels return to normal after pregnancy. However, follow-up screening is essential to assess the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
For more information on managing gestational diabetes, you can visit the NHS’s page on treatments for gestational diabetes here.
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes is a manageable condition with the right care and lifestyle adjustments. By working closely with your healthcare team, you can keep your blood sugar levels in check and reduce the risks for both you and your baby. If you’re diagnosed with gestational diabetes, remember that you are not alone — the NHS offers valuable resources and support throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
To learn more about gestational diabetes, visit the NHS’s dedicated page here.
If you suspect you may have gestational diabetes or have concerns about your pregnancy, speak to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
