Gestational Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Self-Diagnosing Tips

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. It is typically diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Although the exact cause of gestational diabetes is not fully understood, certain risk factors contribute to its early detection. Given the potential risks to both the mother and the fetus, prevention and control of gestational diabetes during pregnancy are essential.

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Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes is often asymptomatic.
To screen for it, blood sugar levels are measured in all pregnant women between weeks 24 and 28. This involves using glucose solutions with varying concentrations (50, 75, or 100 grams), as the physician recommends.
In rare cases, gestational diabetes may present with symptoms such as increased thirst, hunger, and frequent urination. However, these symptoms are common during pregnancy and do not necessarily indicate gestational diabetes.
If the mother has a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes (such as a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy) or exhibits diabetes-related symptoms (such as glucose in the urine), blood sugar levels are measured during the initial prenatal visit and again between weeks 24 and 28. Mildly elevated blood sugar alone is not definitive proof of gestational diabetes, but further testing is recommended based on the physician’s assessment.

Remember that gestational diabetes often goes unnoticed, but monitoring and managing it during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health.

Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors:

Age over 25 years
Obesity
Family history of type 2 diabetes in first-degree relatives
Blood sugar level in the pre-diabetes phase before pregnancy (above 100 milligrams per deciliter)
History of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Birth of a newborn weighing 4 kilograms or more
History of stillbirth

Complications of Gestational Diabetes:

These complications can be categorized into maternal and fetal effects:

Maternal Complications:

High blood pressure (preeclampsia or eclampsia)
Premature rupture of membranes
Preterm labor
Urinary tract infections in the second half of pregnancy

Fetal Complications:

Excessive fetal growth (macrosomia)
Difficult labor due to fetal size
Decreased blood sugar or calcium levels in the newborn

Management of Gestational Diabetes:

Dietary Plan: Follow a nutrition plan under the guidance of a dietitian.
Appropriate Exercise: Engage in suitable physical activity unless restricted.
Medications:
- Insulin injections or oral medications like metformin for mild cases and late pregnancy weeks if treatment goals are not met.
Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring using a glucometer and recording results in appropriate tables for self-monitoring and sharing with the treating physician.

At-Home Blood Sugar Monitoring is done using a glucometer. Recorded blood sugar levels should be shared with the treating physician weekly.

gestational diabetes diet

In the case of gestational diabetes, it’s important to incorporate sufficient fiber-rich foods into your diet.

Include all food groups in your meal plan.
Aim to consume your food more frequently but in smaller portions (during 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks).
You can use very small amounts of sugary foods like pastries, sugar, honey, and dates, as a nutritionist advises.
Limit the consumption of sweets according to the nutritionist’s recommendations.
Consume starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, and pasta in the recommended amounts.
Ensure that fiber-rich foods are included daily, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Remember that your need for dairy products is higher during pregnancy than when you’re not pregnant.

Note: An appropriate diet during pregnancy is one that meets the needs of both the mother and the fetus while avoiding prolonged fasting, leading to the necessary weight gain during pregnancy. Therefore, maintaining or reducing weight during pregnancy is not desirable. ( you can also read the best diet for diabetes)

Suitable Exercise for Gestational Diabetes

Exercise contributes to controlling gestational diabetes.

Appropriate exercise, in terms of intensity and duration, helps control gestational diabetes. It is recommended for all women with gestational diabetes who have no physical activity restrictions or discomfort. Among various exercises, aerobic exercises are more suitable, and walking is the most accessible. The minimum duration of exercise is 30 minutes per day, which can be divided into two or three sessions (each lasting 10 to 15 minutes). The exercise intensity should be moderate and slightly more vigorous than regular walking. It is unnecessary to leave home for exercise; slow jogging in place is also effective.

Treatment of gestational diabetes with insulin injections (if needed)

Insulin injection for managing gestational diabetes poses no harm to both the mother and the fetus.

In cases where non-pharmacological measures are insufficient to maintain blood glucose within the appropriate range, pregnant mothers may require medication. Typically, insulin is used, although oral medications like metformin may also be considered in specific situations and under a physician’s guidance. Your doctor will teach you how to administer insulin using syringes or insulin pens.

Important Note: Initiating insulin treatment does not mean abandoning dietary and exercise regimens; these two components should continue in coordination with medication. Furthermore, insulin injection does not pose any risk to you or your fetus because it cannot cross the placental barrier. In contrast, insulin can reduce maternal and fetal complications when used to control blood glucose within the appropriate range.

Gestational Diabetes After Childbirth:

Gestational diabetes typically resolves after childbirth. However, individuals, especially those with low physical activity and significant weight gain, remain at risk for developing type 2 diabetes in subsequent years. Approximately half of these individuals may develop diabetes within 20 years after giving birth. It is essential to emphasize that an appropriate diet, regular physical activity, and breastfeeding can reduce this risk in the future. Between 4 and 12 weeks after your baby’s birth, your blood glucose levels should be measured, and if they remain normal, this assessment should be repeated annually. Women with a history of gestational diabetes should be aware of the increased likelihood of developing diabetes in subsequent pregnancies and their higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

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