Are you at a risk for gestational diabetes? A gynae talks about it and its symptoms

Diabetes is one of the most commonly diagnosed ailments in the world. We know that this is a dangerous fact, but even more dangerous is gestational diabetes—which is a type of diabetes and can develop during pregnancy in women who don’t already have diabetes. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, 2 percent to 10 percent of pregnancies in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes. And that’s alarming!

What is gestational diabetes and it’s side effects?

Gestational Diabetes (GD) is a common occurrence during pregnancy, but not many women know about this. This is also seen in those women who have not been diagnosed with diabetes before. A majority of women encounter this problem during pregnancy. When HealthShots get in touch with Dr Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, she says, “gestational diabetes screening is mainly seen between 26 to 28 weeks. It can be a matter of concern, if not tackled at the right time.”

Here’s how it can affect you:

Gestational diabetes can increase your risk of depression, preeclampsia, and even a Cesarean delivery. In fact, women who get diagnosed with it give birth to premature babies. There is also an increased risk of babies being born with low blood sugar and high birth weight. 

What are the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes?

Your weight affects the insulin’s ability to control blood sugar levels. Pregnant women having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 may encounter GD. 

Dr Thamke says, “Age, higher level of abdominal fat, having a family history of diabetes, certain medications, having a personal history of this condition in a previous pregnancy, twin pregnancy, excess weight gain in pregnancy are some of the risk factors that need to be taken into consideration. Moreover, there are various symptoms that you need to take care of properly and then seek appropriate treatment.” 

She adds that complications of untreated gestational diabetes mellitus are big babies, too much water around the baby, sudden intrauterine fetal demise, increased cesarean section, etc.

While gestational diabetes has no marked symptoms but there are certain red flags of it that women need to watch during pregnancy. Come, let us help you identify the symptoms so that you can get timely treatment as this will also help you avoid pregnancy complications. 

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Here is everything you need to know about the symptoms of gestational diabetes according to Dr Thamke:

1. Increased and frequent urination

Do you visit the loo more often than usual now? Then you need to consult an expert, as it can be a sign of gestational diabetes. This is one of the prominent symptoms of diabetes that is seen in the majority of people.

2. Increased thirst

Unable to quench your thirst even after drinking a lot of water? Then, it is time to take the help of an expert as it can indicate gestational diabetes.

3. Fatigue

Do you find it difficult to carry on with your daily chores with ease, and feel low constantly? There may be something wrong with you, and may suggest gestational diabetes.

4. Nausea and vomiting

These are also commonly seen in women with gestational diabetes.

So how can you manage gestational diabetes?

Though there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing gestational diabetes, the healthier the habits you can adapt before and while pregnancy, the better. So to prevent it: 

• Eat foods loaded with fiber. Opting for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes will be a good choice. 
• You need to avoid junk food as much as you can. 
• Do not skip medication and take them on time. 
• Exercise on a daily basis and start any fitness routine only after consulting the doctor. 
• Importance of controlled diet, exercise, medicine, and injection as per requirement one should take. 
• Pre pregnancy care must be in high-risk groups. Blood sugar monitoring at regular intervals is a must for babies during pregnancy. 

Along with this, gestational diabetes also increases the risk of diabetes in the future, so yearly sugar monitoring should not be forgotten in patients with gestational diabetes.