Gestational diabetes: important to know

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after birth. This condition is characterised by a rise in blood sugar levels (glycaemia) during pregnancy. It’s important to know that there are several factors that contribute to the development of this health problem. Find out with Barza what triggers gestational diabetes and how you can manage it when you’re pregnant!

Risk factors in gestational diabetes

The causes of the onset of this disease can vary from woman to woman. Gestational diabetes can actually be the result of a combination of several factors that predispose a person to illness. Here’s what you need to keep in mind!

Hormonal factors

Hormones produced by the placenta can affect how cells use insulin. This can contribute to high blood sugar levels. Although in most cases sugar levels return to normal after childbirth, women who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Genetic factors

There is evidence that genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of gestational diabetes. If a woman has a family history of diabetes, she may be more likely to develop the condition in her lifetime.

Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Excess weight before pregnancy or weight gain during pregnancy may also contribute to the development of this condition.

Insulin resistance

During pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta can interfere with the way insulin works, causing insulin resistance. This means that the body does not use insulin effectively to metabolise glucose (blood sugar), which leads to increased blood sugar levels.

Inadequate insulin production

Some women may have a reduced ability to produce enough insulin to cope with the increased demands of pregnancy. During pregnancy, insulin demand increases to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

It’s important to go to the doctor regularly in the preconception stage. The results of the investigations recommended by the specialist will show you in advance if you are at risk of developing this problem when you become pregnant.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

In gestational diabetes, symptoms may be absent. When they do, however, you may feel it:

• tiredness;
• frequent thirst;
• dry mouth;
• excessive urination;
• recurrent infections (candidiasis);
• blurring of vision.

The importance of screening for hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia

Gestational diabetes can occur at any time during pregnancy, but is most common between 24 and 28 weeks.

People with gestational diabetes may be at risk of developing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar).

It’s essential not to ignore the signals your body is sending you. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor whenever you have any concerns or problems related to pregnancy!

Diagnosing and treating gestational diabetes is important for both your health and your baby’s healthy development.

Find out how you can keep your blood sugar under control!

For close monitoring of your blood sugar levels, the Multicare IN can be a great help.

This medical device measures blood glucose in 5 seconds based on a blood sample taken from your finger. The blood glucose meter can make your struggle with diabetes in pregnancy easier because:

• helps you monitor your blood sugar levels so you can keep them within normal limits (you can track how food, exercise or medication affect your blood sugar levels);
• is a guide in adjusting your treatment (blood glucose test results can provide essential information to your doctor).