Everything About Diabetes in Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is a very common complication that most pregnant women struggle with. In most cases, diabetes during pregnancy is temporary and will resolve itself in a few months after the delivery. Read on to understand more about diabetes during pregnancy.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where the blood glucose levels are high, and the insulin produced by the body is not sufficient to keep within a safe range. Diabetes can be classified into three types –

Type 1 – Also known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is more common in children and young adults. It is caused by an immune system reaction where the body does not produce enough insulin to manage blood glucose. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition, meaning there is no cure for this type of diabetes, and the affected person has to take insulin through other sources.
Type 2 – This type of diabetes is more common in middle age and is triggered by lifestyle factors or even genetics. When a person does not have a healthy eating habit, lives a sedentary life, or has other health conditions, their overall health is affected, and the body does not respond well to the insulin produced by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, better eating habits, and medications if necessary.
Gestational – This is a type of diabetes that affects only pregnant women. During pregnancy, the changes in hormone levels and the increase in demand on the body can lead to a hormonal imbalance and trigger gestational diabetes. In many cases, the sugar levels will return to normal soon after the delivery. If it does not settle on its own, medication and guidance from a doctor are necessary.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

All three types of diabetes mentioned above can affect pregnancy.

A woman with type 1 diabetes can conceive and have a healthy pregnancy with close monitoring by her doctor.
A woman with type 2 diabetes can also have a healthy pregnancy with proper medical support and guidance.
A healthy woman with no health complications or diabetes related issues can develop diabetes during her pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

In all three cases, the pregnant woman needs close monitoring throughout her pregnancy to ensure her blood glucose levels are within a safe range. If glucose levels are not controlled, it can lead to complications during pregnancy and affect the health of the developing baby.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many changes in the body. It can be difficult to keep track of symptoms and changes that may lead to a specific health concern like diabetes.

Some common symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and nausea, all of which are common symptoms of pregnancy as well. Hence, it is quite easy to miss these symptoms of diabetes. Most doctors prescribe regular blood tests, at least once every trimester, to monitor blood glucose and iron levels in the expectant mother.

Blood sugar is tested in the second trimester to assess the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Apart from a regular blood test to check the blood glucose, a glucose challenge and tolerance test will also be taken to assess how the body processes sugar soon after consumption or when the body is in a fasted state. If the expecting mother is at risk of diabetes, she may be asked to take more frequent blood tests.

Complications of Diabetes in Pregnancy

Diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of a C-section delivery, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia in the mother.

In babies, it can lead to increased birth weight, breathing issues at birth, premature birth, or fluctuations in blood glucose levels. After the delivery, the newborn can suffer from low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, which can lead to seizures. Uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy also increases the risk of the baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Vimala Chapala for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

‍Managing Diabetes in Pregnancy

Managing blood glucose levels during pregnancy is very important, as very high or very low sugar levels can lead to severe consequences. A combination of tests and dietary changes can help effectively manage diabetes in pregnancy. A doctor will monitor pregnancy in the following ways –

Frequent blood tests to check glucose levels
Periodic checking of fetal growth
Diet management
Exercise or physical movements to help the body process sugar more effectively

Tips for Managing Diabetes in Pregnancy

Struggling with diabetes during pregnancy? Be it type 1, type 2, or gestational, the following tips can help pregnant women manage their diabetes effectively –

Monitor your sugar levels regularly. You can invest in a glucose meter; they are compact, user-friendly, and highly accurate.
Eat a well- balanced diet, focusing on including enough fibre and cutting back on sugary foods – natural or processed.
Pregnancy-friendly exercises can help maintain sugar levels. Prenatal yoga, walking, and other mild exercises with professional guidance can help.
Eat smaller meals at regular intervals rather than 3 big meals.
Opt for home-cooked foods, as you can control what goes into them and adjust them as needed.
Plan your meals and exercises for the week ahead to make it easier to improve your diet and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Diabetes in pregnancy is not an uncommon health complication anymore. Many women suffering from severe diabetes go on to have healthy children with the right medications and close monitoring to ensure the glucose levels are within a safe limit. If you are worried about diabetes during pregnancy, discuss it in detail with your doctor and understand the risks, complications, and management methods for a healthy and happy pregnancy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is diabetes in pregnancy?

Diabetes in pregnancy refers to gestational diabetes, where a healthy woman develops diabetes or high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. This condition usually starts around the 2nd trimester and will subside within weeks after the delivery. In very few cases, the gestational diabetes can convert to type 2 diabetes if the glucose levels do not subside to safe limits even weeks after the delivery.

What are the different types of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy?

There are three types of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Diabetes that develops only during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy: A pre-existing condition where the woman has type 1 diabetes before conception. Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy: A pre-existing condition where the woman has type 2 diabetes before becoming pregnant. Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are described as having diabetes in pregnancy, not gestational diabetes.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Pregnancy causes hormonal fluctuations and also alters the way many parts of the body function. When the insulin production is insufficient, or the pregnancy hormones interfere with the insulin production, it can lead to high glucose or low insulin levels and also impact the way insulin works, making it less effective.

Who is at higher risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy?

Women with heart diseases, high blood pressure, obesity or weight issues, and PCOS are at a higher risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy. If she has a history of gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes in the family, she can develop diabetes in pregnancy, especially if she is over 35 years old.