Learn about symptoms, treatment and risks for gestational diabetes
Highlights
- Gestational diabetes generally happens during pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes usually temporary
- Women older than age 25 are more likely to develop gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes generally happens during pregnancy but it can lead to serious consequences if you do not treat it. The term gestational diabetes means you have high blood sugar levels, but those levels were normal before you were pregnant. It usually develops between 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy. Also, women need not worry about it as it is temporary and usually goes away soon after the pregnancy. The causes of gestational diabetes are unknown but hormones are likely to play an important role. You can still have a healthy baby even if you are suffering from gestational diabetes. You can consult your doctor and by doing simple lifestyle changes you can manage your blood sugar levels.
Also read: 8 Ways To Avoid Developing Diabetes
Gestational diabetes: Causes, symptoms, prevention and care
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Symptoms of gestational diabetes you should know:
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Excessive urge to urinate
- Snoring
- Blurred vision
Some healthy choices can help you deal with gestational diabetes:
1. Eat healthy foods: Choose foods that are rich in fiber and low in fat and calories. Include fresh fruits, green and leafy vegetables and whole grains in your diet.
2. Physical exercise:Regular exercising can lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes. You should aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. You can go for brisk walks, ride a bicycle or even go for swimming.
Also read: Exercises For Stress: 5 Best Exercises To Get Rid Of Stress
3. Lose excess pounds before pregnancy: Doctors don't recommend weight loss during pregnancy. But if you're planning to get pregnant, losing extra weight beforehand may help you have a healthier pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is a diabetes that develops during pregnancy
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Some risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
1. Age greater than 25: Women older than the age 25 are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
2. Family or personal health history: Your risk of developing gestational diabetes increases if you have prediabetes. High blood sugar levels can leadr to type 2 diabetes. Also if a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has type 2 diabetes you are likely to develop gestational diabetes. The chances of gestational diabetes increase if you had it during a pregnancy, or if you delivered a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms).
3. Excess weight: You are more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Also read: 5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Weight Loss
Complications:
Most women diagnosed with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies. However, gestational diabetes that is not managed well can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels and cause problems for you as well as your baby. It can also lead to increased chances of going through a C-section to deliver.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.