Gestational Diabetes is the condition in which pregnant women with no previous history of diabetes are diagnosed with very high blood glucose levels. While studies have pointed out that unusually high levels of pregnancy hormones lead to low insulin sensitivity in such women, one can do much to avoid/keep this condition under control. With no outward symptoms, this is usually diagnosed during a routine blood sugar test in the 24-28th week of pregnancy.
Factors which may dispose one towards developing such a condition are :
1. Late pregnancy (after 35 years)
2. Women with a BMI of 30 or more.
3. Gaining too much weight especially in the first trimester
4. Women with a family history of diabetes.
5. Women with a history of PCOD.
In such cases the doctor may prescribe a screening test at the early stage of pregnancy.
While gestational diabetes leads to large babies with birth/labor complications and associated risks like low B.P. and jaundice, left untreated it can even lead to stillbirths. It also increases the risk of pre-eclampsia and caesarean delivery. Most women with untreated gestational diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes at a later stage and also predispose their offspring to the same condition.
Thankfully it is a treatable condition and one needs to modify one's diet along with regular exercise and medication (insulin) to reduce the risks to the fetus. A low GI diet which ensures that blood sugar is maintained at normal levels without any drastic fluctuations is best suited for such women. Increase in fiber intake also helps. Self-monitoring of sugar levels with a DIY sugar test available in the market is also beneficial.
Factors which may dispose one towards developing such a condition are :
1. Late pregnancy (after 35 years)
2. Women with a BMI of 30 or more.
3. Gaining too much weight especially in the first trimester
4. Women with a family history of diabetes.
5. Women with a history of PCOD.
In such cases the doctor may prescribe a screening test at the early stage of pregnancy.
While gestational diabetes leads to large babies with birth/labor complications and associated risks like low B.P. and jaundice, left untreated it can even lead to stillbirths. It also increases the risk of pre-eclampsia and caesarean delivery. Most women with untreated gestational diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes at a later stage and also predispose their offspring to the same condition.
Thankfully it is a treatable condition and one needs to modify one's diet along with regular exercise and medication (insulin) to reduce the risks to the fetus. A low GI diet which ensures that blood sugar is maintained at normal levels without any drastic fluctuations is best suited for such women. Increase in fiber intake also helps. Self-monitoring of sugar levels with a DIY sugar test available in the market is also beneficial.
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