Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Pregnancies

Pregnancy is a time filled with happiness and excitement. However, it can also bring about certain health challenges, one of which is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Pregnancies.  GDM is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and requires special attention and care. This might sound complicated, but don’t worry, we’re here to explain it in a simple way.

GDM is a special kind of diabetes that only happens during pregnancy. It’s like a surprise guest that can affect any pregnant woman, even if she’s never had diabetes before. The reason for this would be the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, which can make it difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels.

In this article, we’ll break down GDM and talk about its risk factors, diagnosis, management, and its implications for both mother and baby.

Our goal is to help expectant mothers understand this condition better and to give them the knowledge and confidence to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.

 

What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus:

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is a temporary condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that develop for the first time during pregnancy and typically go away after childbirth. Although it can occur at any point in the pregnancy, it seems to arise more frequently in the second or third trimesters.

GDM happens because the body’s insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) is not effectively used, possibly due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. This condition requires special attention and management to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

  

Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Pregnancies:

• Women who are 25 years or older, and especially those aged 35 and beyond, face a higher likelihood of developing GDM. This increased risk is tied to the natural aging process, which can lead to reduced efficiency in the body’s ability to handle glucose. This, in turn, heightens their vulnerability to insulin resistance, a key characteristic of GDM.

• A family history of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, can raise the risk of GDM. Genetic factors play a role in the development of diabetes, and if close family members, such as parents or siblings, have diabetes, it can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing GDM.

 

• Being overweight or obese before becoming pregnant is a significant risk factor for GDM. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance, making it more challenging for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy can help reduce this risk.

 

• Moms who have experienced GDM in a previous pregnancy are at a high risk of developing it again in subsequent pregnancies. Moreover, there’s an increased chance of them developing type 2 diabetes in the future. This makes it important for them to keep a close eye on their sugar levels.

 

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that can affect a woman’s reproductive system. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of GDM during pregnancy. Regular monitoring and early intervention are essential for women with PCOS who become pregnant.

 

• Certain ethnic groups such as African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American women are at a higher risk of GDM due to certain genetic, lifestyle and dietary factors.

Check out the link to find out what you can eat with GDM: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/gestational-diabetes

• A history of high blood sugar levels or prediabetes before pregnancy can increase the risk of GDM

 

Source: www.healthfacts.ng

 

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes:

• Increased and frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of weight despite increasing hunger
• Distorted vision
• Dryness in your mouth
• Yeast infections

 

Diagnosis

Doctors check for GDM as a routine part of prenatal care. This checkup usually happens when the mum is between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant through a test known as the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). During this test, the pregnant mum drinks a sweet drink, and then the doctor measures her blood sugar at certain times afterward. If the blood sugar levels are higher than usual, further testing is performed to confirm GDM.

 

Implications for the Mum and Baby

For the Mum:

• Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Higher likelihood of needing a cesarean section (C-section) delivery.
• Increased risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy.
• Potential complications during labor and delivery.

For the Baby:

• Macrosomia: The baby may be larger than average at birth, increasing the risk of birth injuries.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels in the newborn shortly after birth.
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Breathing difficulties in the newborn.
• Risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

 

Here’s how you can maintain or even overcome gestational diabetes:

Managing GDM is crucial to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. Treatment typically involves dietary changes and monitoring blood sugar levels. Some key components of managing GDM include:

• Exercise and physical activity under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can help control blood sugar levels.

 

• Regularly checking blood sugar levels helps track progress and make necessary adjustments.

 

• In some cases, insulin injections or oral medication may be necessary to manage blood sugar levels.

 

• Regular prenatal visits are essential to monitor the baby’s growth and the mother’s health.

 

While GDM can present challenges during pregnancy, with proper care, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments, most women can successfully navigate this condition and give birth to healthy babies. The key takeaway is that early detection and proactive management are vital to ensuring a safe and confident pregnancy journey. By addressing GDM effectively, we can promote the health and happiness of both expectant mothers and their precious newborns.