What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational Diabetes is defined as elevated level of blood sugar (glucose) during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually returns to normal soon after delivery but it can be harmful for both mother and baby and mother at high risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

Cause: 

In a normal body functioning pancreas makes one hormone called insulin which helps the body to use glucose for energy and maintain healthy blood glucose level.

But during pregnancy other hormones interfere in the action of insulin and a condition arises called insulin resistant. Insulin resistance increases the body's need for insulin and if the body makes enough insulin, then women will not get gestational diabetes and vice versa.

Effect On Baby:

Baby with excessive weight

Premature birth

Baby might born with respiratory distress syndrome

Baby with low blood sugar (glucose)

If Gestational Diabetes remains untreated then loss of infant might occur.

Who Are At High Risk:

Women with below mentioned conditions are at high risk of getting Gestational Diabetes:

Overweight and obesity before pregnancy

Prediabetes

Immediate family member with diabetes

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Miscarriage history

Symptoms:

Gestational Diabetes does not show any recognizable symptoms; thus, screening tests are so important. Some common conditions might happen in gestational diabetes like:

Increased urinary frequency

Increased thirst

Fatigue more than usual

Nausea and vomiting

Weight loss without any try

Precautions & Treatment:

Lifestyle changes

Lose weight before pregnancy

Maintain a healthy diet

Regular exercise

Blood sugar monitoring during pregnancy

Routine screening test

Medication if necessary.

Reference:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/gestational-diabetes