Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who didn't have diabetes before pregnancy. It's a condition where the body is unable to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy.
Symptoms
Gestational diabetes often doesn't have noticeable symptoms, and it's usually diagnosed during routine screening. However, some women may experience mild symptoms such as:
- Increased Thirst and Urination: More frequent than normal for pregnancy.
- Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual.
- Sugar in Urine: Detected during routine prenatal tests.
- Blurred Vision: Occurs occasionally.
Treatment
Managing gestational diabetes is crucial to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby. Treatment typically involves:
- Diet and Exercise: Following a healthy eating plan and staying physically active are the first steps in managing gestational diabetes.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar levels to ensure they are within a target range.
- Education: Diabetes education to understand how to manage the condition.
Medication
If diet and exercise aren't enough to control blood sugar, medication may be needed:
- Insulin: Some women may need insulin injections to lower blood sugar levels.
- Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Medications like metformin or glyburide may be used, but insulin is often preferred due to its safety profile in pregnancy.
It's important for women with gestational diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team, including their OB-GYN, a registered dietitian, and possibly an endocrinologist. Postpartum, the mother's blood sugar levels usually return to normal, but she should be tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after giving birth, as gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this risk.