Understanding Gestational Diabetes

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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that typically resolve after delivery. Understanding Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) involves several key aspects:

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Below are some points for understanding gestational diabetes:

Causes

Hormonal Changes: During pregnancy, the body produces various hormones (like human placental lactogen and cortisol) that can make insulin less effective, leading to insulin resistance.
Preexisting Risk Factors: Women with obesity, a family history of diabetes, previous GDM, or certain ethnic backgrounds (such as Hispanic, African American, Native American, or Asian American) are at higher risk.

Risk Factors

Age: Women over 25 are at increased risk.
Weight: Being overweight or obese before pregnancy.
Previous GDM: Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
Family History: A family history of type 2 diabetes increases risk.

Symptoms

GDM often doesn’t present obvious symptoms. However, some women may experience:

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Nausea

Diagnosis

Screening: Typically, screening for GDM occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. It may involve:
- A glucose challenge test (GCT) where a woman drinks a sugary solution, followed by blood tests to check glucose levels.
- If initial tests indicate high glucose levels, a follow-up oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is often performed.

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Below are some points for understanding gestational diabetes:

Management

Diet: A balanced diet focusing on whole foods, with an emphasis on complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help manage blood sugar levels.
Monitoring: Blood glucose levels may need to be checked multiple times a day.
Medication: If diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar, insulin therapy or oral medications may be necessary.

Complications

Untreated GDM can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby, such as:

For the Baby: Increased risk of macrosomia (large birth weight), hypoglycemia after birth, and a higher likelihood of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
For the Mother: Higher risk of developing hypertension, preeclampsia, and type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

Postpartum Considerations

After delivery, blood sugar levels usually return to normal, but women who had GDM are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle are crucial.

Prevention

While not all cases of GDM can be prevented, maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy, eating a balanced diet, and staying active can reduce risk.

Understanding these aspects of gestational diabetes helps in managing it effectively, ensuring a healthier pregnancy for both mother and baby. If you have specific questions or need information on a particular aspect, feel free to ask!

SRUJANA MULTISPECIALITY HOSPITAL & IVF CENTRE

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

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SRUJANA MULTISPECIALITY HOSPITAL & IVF CENTRE

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