Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or GDM, is diagnosed as diabetes occurring during pregnancy but resolves after the birth. GDM has health effects on the mother and the baby; therefore this blog from Sugam Hospital the top maternity hospital in Chennai explores why it is essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and how well it should be managed.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is commonly developed in women during pregnancy when there is insufficient insulin production to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that enables the body to use glucose for energy. During pregnancy, a woman’s body needs more insulin because of hormonal imbalance. Most cases of GDM are diagnosed during the second or third trimester after routine blood glucose screening. While it will typically resolve once the baby is delivered, however, treatment from the gynecologist specialist in Chennai for blood sugar is necessary to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Causes Of Gestational Diabetes

The causes behind gestational diabetes are not entirely known, but the following are potential contributing factors:

Hormonal Changes: 

The placenta produces hormones that interfere with insulin’s action. Though these hormones are necessary for the baby’s development, they also cause insulin resistance in the mother, which can lead to gestational diabetes.

Insulin Resistance: 

During pregnancy, the body creates more resistance to insulin so that more glucose is available for the baby. This natural insulin resistance is too strong for some women and increases high blood sugar levels.

Pre-existing Factors:

Obesity, age, family history, and previous pregnancy with GDM plays a crucial role in developing gestational diabetes.

Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes sometimes can offer no apparent signs and symptoms, hence the need for screening during gestation becomes important. However, some pregnant women may experience signs and symptoms such as;

Intensification In Thirst And Appetite: 

Feeling thirsty, even after drinking a lot of water or feeling hungry after being fed, is a symptom that may be caused by higher blood sugar levels.

Increased Urination: 

The increased sensation of urination is also often a symptom of excess glucose in the body, as the kidneys work harder to filter it out.

Weakness: 

The body can quickly feel exhausted and weak.

Blurred Vision: 

Blood sugar levels can shift and, thus, lead to blurred vision.

Diagnosis And Screening

Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed during the period of 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is used to evaluate the body’s ability to glucose metabolism. The screening requires a glucose solution that is taken, followed by testing blood sugar levels over a certain period. Women with risk factors should be screened earlier in pregnancy, and with timely intervention diagnosis doctors can curate a right management plan.

Management Of Gestational Diabetes

The management of gestational diabetes is essential for ensuring healthy pregnant women and preventing complications like preeclampsia, premature birth, or a large baby (macrosomia). The following strategies are often used for managing GDM:

Healthy Diet

Diet has been proven to play a crucial role in managing blood sugar. One would maintain a stable blood sugar level with diets comprising intact carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes. Foods with a high protein content are chicken, fish, beans, and tofu, and they have been demonstrated to play a critical role in maternal and fetal health. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds, are also useful in regulating blood sugar. 

Hece, eating smaller, more frequent meals prevents significant swings in blood sugar.

Regular Exercise

Regular moderate exercise will help the body use glucose more effectively and improve one’s sensitivity to insulin. Some exercises that might be considered good include walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. However, pregnant women must discuss their specific exercise plans with their healthcare provider before beginning any exercise routine.

Checking Blood Sugar Levels

Other examples would be strictly telling expected mothers with gestational diabetes to monitor their blood sugar regularly using a home glucose meter. Hence, their sugar levels are kept at a safe range.

Medication

If diet and exercise still are not enough to keep their blood sugar under control, some expected mothers will need medication. Of course, the most common medication is insulin injections, but some women might be prescribed oral drugs, such as Metformin.

Closely Monitor Antenatal Care

This means that women with GDM must often visit a healthcare provider. This visitation, combined with check-ups on the mother and baby, is often necessary. There is also a need for extra ultrasounds or tests to assess fetal growth and development.

Care After Delivery

Most women’s blood glucose levels reach normal levels after delivery. Although pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus has long-term implications if not given timely intervention leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Maintaining a normal lifestyle and regularly checking one’s blood glucose levels minimizes such risks.

Gestational diabetes is one of the common complications of pregnancy but can easily be controlled by the proper management of diet with regular exercise and adherence to medical advice from pregnancy hospital Chennai. A healthy diet and regular exercise will help manage blood sugar levels and avoid further health issues for both mother and child.