Gestational Diabetes

Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Risks

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diabetes first recognized in pregnancy. This can occur in up to 20% of pregnant women and can often go undetected. If left untreated though, it can lead to complications for you and your baby.

Symptoms

Unfortunately, you may not even realize you have gestational diabetes because there are not always obvious symptoms. Some people may experience extreme tiredness, excessive thirst, headaches and an increase in the amount and frequency of urination.

Causes

When you’re pregnant, gestational diabetes can occur if your body can’t produce enough insulin to adapt to the effects of a growing baby and your changing hormone levels.

Diagnosis

Canadian clinical guidelines for diabetes recommend that all pregnant women get tested for GDM between the 24th and 28th week of their pregnancy.

Risks

Fortunately, you can manage gestational diabetes but when left untreated, the condition can increase your risk for a bigger baby (greater than 9 lbs) and a more complicated delivery.

Management

The goal for gestational diabetes is to control blood sugar levels. This is often accomplished with a healthy diet and exercise. If diet and exercise aren’t enough, you may need insulin injections. Some healthcare providers prescribe an oral medication to manage blood sugar levels. Treatment often includes daily blood glucose testing as well.

Lifestyle management

Diet

A healthy low glycemic meal plan is important for people with gestational diabetes. A variety of healthy foods are needed for a balanced diet. This includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, and a moderate amount of whole grains.

Exercise

The Canadian recommendations for exercise for people with diabetes include both aerobic (physical activity that increases the heart rate and the body’s use of oxygen) and resistance exercise (e.g. lifting weights).

Emotional well-being

Managing a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can add additional challenges and therefore result in new stressors in a woman’s life, so it is helpful to learn coping strategies during this time.

Medication and Monitoring

Medication

If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage your blood sugar levels, you may need insulin injections. Some people may alternatively be prescribed an oral medication.

Monitoring

Blood glucose monitoring is the main tool you have to measure your diabetes control. You and your healthcare team can determine the most appropriate system for you.

Risks and Complications

Risks associated with of gestational diabetes include having a larger than normal sized baby, having high blood pressure during pregnancy, and having an early delivery or Caesarian section.

What are the risks of having gestational diabetes?

Women with gestational diabetes also have an increased risk for high blood pressure and swelling, as well as excess amniotic fluid, and premature birth..

Diabetes for two…diabetes diagnosis during pregnancy

If GDM goes undetected or untreated, the higher sugars in the mother’s blood can affect the baby.