Gestational or pregnancy diabetes
In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions regarding the Gestational diabetes: its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
what is gestational diabetes?
In the same way as common diabetes or d (DM), gestational diabetes (GDM) respond to a high blood sugar or glucose level. But, unlike the first, in women who did not have this disease before pregnancy.
DMG arises due to the insulin resistance or insulin resistance. This is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows glucose to be transported to the cells for conversion into energy. When insulin does not function properly, sugar accumulates in the blood and the pancreas increases its production of insulin to counteract this alteration. In cases where the pancreas is not able to produce more insulinWe're talking about diabetes. If it occurs during pregnancy, it's gestational diabetes.
This specific typology, usually reverses after delivery, whether natural or by Caesarean section.
What causes gestational diabetes?
Research to determine the specific reason why only some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy is still inconclusive. However, it is known that the reason why the chances of suffering from it are higher is because the placenta produces a large amount of hormones that alter the action of insulin.
However, there are also some risk factor's, such as age (women 35 years and older), family or personal medical history (prediabetes or having suffered from it in previous pregnancies, etc.), overweight, and even ethnic group (women of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian origin), which increase the likelihood of suffering from it.
When does gestational diabetes develop?
Because hormone production increases as pregnancy progresses and the fetus increases in size, gestational diabetes normally develops as early as week 20. That is, in the second half of pregnancy.
How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
O'Sullivan test
In patients with risk factors for gestational diabetes, the O'Sullivan test should be performed during the first trimester. In pregnant women without risk factors, this test is performed between 24 and 48 weeks of pregnancy. This test is based on the determination of venous plasma glucose 60 minutes after ingesting 50 g of glucose.
In the case of a positive O'Sullivan test (≥140), diagnostic confirmation is necessary by performing the O'Sullivan II test or oral overload test.
Oral Overload Test (SOG)
For the three days prior to the OGTT, pregnant women are advised to follow a carbohydrate-free diet, or at least one with a daily carbohydrate intake of more than 3 g.
On the day of the test, blood will be drawn to determine the baseline value, and then 100 g of glucose in 300 ml of liquid will be administered orally over the course of 5 minutes.
The woman will then be required to remain seated and venous blood samples will be taken after 1, 2 and 3 hours.
What is the normal glucose level during pregnancy?
It is common for blood sugar levels to rise after each meal during pregnancy, but to rule out gestational diabetes the result of the O'Sullivan blood sugar test should be less than 140 mg/dl or, if greater than or equal to, no more than one altered value should be found in the oral overload test.
What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
One of the big problems with gestational diabetes is that It does not present symptoms in most women And for this reason, it is necessary to perform the O'Sullivan test on all pregnant women between 24 and 48 weeks of pregnancy, regardless of whether or not they belong to the risk group.
What can I do to prevent gestational diabetes?
Those women who are part of this risk group will require exhaustive monitoring involving several health professionals, which is why In the Women's Unit we have a multidisciplinary team which guarantees the well-being of women and their future babies, in the event of this or any other diagnosis during and after pregnancy.
Also, follow a Healthy diet, avoiding excessively fatty or high-calorie foods and choosing those high in fiber. Portion sizes at each meal should also be reduced.
On the other hand, in order to prevent gestational diabetes, it is recommended that the woman be active before pregnancy. During pregnancy, she should do moderate, low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming.
The ideal is to start applying these healthy lifestyle habits as soon as possible, even before reaching pregnancy. The main objective is to start with a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 25.
What are the consequences of a pregnancy with diabetes?
Practicing the habits described above is important, but it won't always guarantee a negative diagnosis. Despite this, there's no need to worry: most women with gestational diabetes who follow medical advice give birth to completely healthy babies.
In cases where blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, the baby may be overweight at birth and be born prematurely. Furthermore, these babies may experience respiratory distress syndrome and hypoglycemia at birth. In the most extreme cases, fetal death may even occur in utero or after birth.
Gestational diabetes can also cause health problems in women, increasing their chances of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy or developing type 2 diabetes after age 40.
How to control gestational diabetes?
Taking care of your diet and staying active will help control gestational diabetes. In addition, your medical team will prescribe the appropriate treatment. The need for a special diet, daily blood glucose monitoring, or insulin injections will be assessed. Above all, taking into account the severity of the disease and the condition of each patient.
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If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling 917303673. make an appointment for an in-person consultation Or make an appointment for an online consultation if you prefer remote consultations—always with the best specialists.