When it comes to pregnancy, one of the most important considerations is the health of the mother and baby.
In this article, we explore gestational diabetes, a condition that affects some pregnant women, and look at how it's diagnosed and what treatments are available. Read on to find out more!
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Most pregnant women have some degree of insulin resistance, which means their body doesn't use insulin as well as it should.
When you have gestational diabetes, your pancreas has to work hard to make enough extra insulin to overcome your body's increased resistance to insulin. If it can't keep up with the demand, your blood sugar levels will become too high.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, but it increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. If you have gestational diabetes, you'll need to be monitored closely during pregnancy and be sure to get regular checkups after you deliver your baby.
Causes and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes
There are a few things that can increase your risk for developing gestational diabetes, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Previously having given birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- High blood pressure
- Impaired glucose tolerance
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to speak with your doctor so they can monitor you closely during your pregnancy.
How is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?
There are a few ways that gestational diabetes can be diagnosed. The most common way is through a glucose challenge test, which is also called a oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
You will be given a sugary drink and then your blood sugar will be checked an hour later. If your blood sugar is high, you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Another way to diagnose gestational diabetes is through a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG). This test is usually done early in pregnancy, before 24 weeks. You will be asked to fast for 8 hours before the test, and then your blood sugar will be checked. If it’s high, you have gestational diabetes.
If you have any of the risk factors for gestational diabetes, your doctor may want to do a glucose challenge test earlier in your pregnancy, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
What To Expect During Your Diagnosis
If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is important to know what to expect.
Here are some things you can expect during your diagnosis:
- A physical exam: This will help your healthcare provider determine if you have any other conditions that could be contributing to your gestational diabetes.
- A glucose tolerance test: This test involves drinking a sugary drink and then having your blood sugar levels checked after two hours. If your blood sugar levels are high, it indicates that you have gestational diabetes.
- Further testing: If your glucose tolerance test is positive, you may need to undergo further testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. This may include an oral glucose tolerance test or a fasting plasma glucose test.
- Treatment: If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, treatment will be necessary to control your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or medication.