Do you know that if you have pregnancy diabetes during pregnancy, the risk of your baby’s obesity increases by 52%? According to a study published in the Public Library of Science (Plos), this is an important figure. Another study by the National Library of Medicine found that the risk of type -2 diabetes in these children in future increases by 40%. Even if you had never had diabetes before pregnancy, having high blood sugar during pregnancy can increase the risk for your baby.
Understanding Gestational Diabetes and Its Effects
The pregnancy diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Even if your blood sugar level becomes normal after delivery, the effect on your child may remain long term. High blood sugar levels in the mother can cause the baby to receive more sugar than necessary in the womb. As a result, the child’s body begins to store excess sugar, affecting their metabolism, brain and overall weight. It can increase the possibility of diseases related to obesity and lifestyle as the child grows.
How Common is Gestational Diabetes?
According to reports by the National Library of Medicine, about 14.7% of pregnant women worldwide are affected by pregnancy diabetes. In India alone, 5 million women experience annually pregnancy diabetes.
Why Does Gestational Diabetes Occur?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy during pregnancy cause pregnancy diabetes that affects the body’s ability to properly use insulin, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. This situation can affect both mother and child, leading to:
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Increased birth weight (macrosomia)
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Premature birth
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Higher risk of childhood obesity
Even after delivery, women who experienced pregnancy diabetes increase the risk of development of type -2 diabetes later in life.
Risks to the Baby from Gestational Diabetes
When a mother has pregnancy diabetes, the level of her high blood sugar is passed through the placenta. To compensate, the child’s pancreas produces more insulin, which can interfere with metabolism and increase the risk of type -2 diabetes later in life. Infants born to mothers with pregnancy diabetes may also be more risk:
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Obesity
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Metabolic disorders
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Developmental issues
How to Reduce the Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Although it is not always possible to prevent pregnancy diabetes due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, prevention can be increased with careful planning before conception. Here are some steps to reduce the risk:
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Monitor blood sugar levels at least six months before pregnancy.
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Get an HbA1c test to ensure normal levels.
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Test morning fasting insulin levels to ensure they’re within normal range (5-15 μU/mL).
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Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
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Get sufficient sleep (around 8 hours) and manage stress.
By managing your blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy, you can reduce the possibility of development of pregnancy diabetes.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes may not always show symptoms, but some common signs include:
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Increased thirst and dry mouth
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Frequent urination
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Feeling unusually tired or fatigued
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Blurred vision
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Frequent infections (urinary and skin)
What to Do if You Have Gestational Diabetes
If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, here are some steps to manage the condition:
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Follow a healthy, balanced diet: Avoid sweets, fried foods, and processed sugars.
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Exercise regularly: Engage in light physical activity like walking or prenatal yoga.
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Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
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Take insulin if prescribed: In some cases, insulin may be needed to control blood sugar.
Can Gestational Diabetes Be Cured After Delivery?
In most cases, blood sugar levels become normal after delivery. However, about 50% of women who had gestational diabetes increases the risk of development of type -2 diabetes later in life. Therefore, to reduce this risk, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise regular post-delivery.
Can Women with Gestational Diabetes Have a Normal Delivery?
Yes, women with pregnancies may have a common delivery until their blood sugar levels are under control during labor. If blood sugar levels are very high, it can cause the child to grow excessive, which may require C-section. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels in pregnancy is important to ensure a safe and healthy distribution.
