Between 2 and 14 percent of all pregnant women develop diabetes due to increased insulin requirements during pregnancy. Because gestational diabetes mellitus does not present with specific symptoms, a special test is scheduled from the 24th week of pregnancy as part of your prenatal check-up. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how this test works, what you can do if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and what consequences gestational diabetes can have for your baby. Additionally, our LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian answers further important questions about so-called gestational diabetes in the video.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a disorder of glucose regulation that occurs during pregnancy, even though the pregnant woman was not previously affected by diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2).

Especially in the second half of pregnancy, hormonal changes in your body increase the need for insulin. This messenger substance is responsible for processing glucose and transporting it into your cells. If your body cannot meet the increased insulin demand, a large portion of the glucose remains in your blood, and your blood sugar level rises. This is not uncommon during pregnancy, but if it stays consistently high or remains elevated long after meals, it is called gestational diabetes and should be treated.

How can you tell if you have gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is largely symptom-free, so you probably won’t recognize the condition yourself. Certain factors such as being overweight, age, a family history of diabetes, or a previous birth of a very large baby increase the risk, but gestational diabetes can generally occur in any woman. Therefore, as part of the check-up scheduled in the 24th week of pregnancy, a special glucose or glucose tolerance test is performed for early detection. First, a blood sample is taken while you are fasting, before you drink a glucose solution. An hour later, another blood sample is taken to check your sugar level. Comparing this with the first sample provides insight into how your body processes sugar over a short period.

At what values is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

If your blood sugar level one hour after taking the glucose solution is below 135 mg/dl or 7.5 mmol/l (that is, if after one hour 135 milligrams of sugar per deciliter or 7.5 millimoles per liter remain in the blood), the test is unremarkable. Values above this suggest gestational diabetes. If your value exceeds the threshold, the test will be repeated in the next few days with a more concentrated glucose solution and over a period of two hours. If the repeat test again shows an elevated sugar concentration, gestational diabetes is diagnosed. The following three cutoff values are decisive for the diagnosis:

1. Your blood sugar level is at least __ when fasting 90 mg/dl or 5 mmol/l

2. Your blood sugar level is at least after one hour 180 mg/dl or 10 mmol/l

3. Your blood sugar level after 2 hours is at least 155 mg/dl or 8.6 mmol/l

LILLYDOO gynecologist Christian also explains more about the test and what happens afterward in the video:

What can you do if you have gestational diabetes?

Many women are initially frightened and worried when
gestational diabetes is diagnosed. But don’t worry: with good care and the right measures, gestational diabetes can be managed well and does not have to be a disadvantage for you or your baby.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you should schedule an appointment with a diabetologist promptly. She/he will explain everything about the condition in detail and will carry out regular blood sugar checks throughout your pregnancy.

What does proper nutrition look like for gestational diabetes?

The most important measure for treating gestational diabetes is changing your diet. To keep your blood sugar levels low, you should focus on a diet with plenty of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and low-fat foods, and avoid sweets as much as possible. You should also be cautious with certain types of fruit and only consume them in moderation. Grapes, bananas, and pineapples, for example, contain relatively high amounts of natural sugar. With gestational diabetes, berries, melons, citrus fruits, and apples are therefore a better choice.

Your protein needs are slightly increased during pregnancy and can be met with foods such as low-fat dairy products, cheese, lean meat, and fish. Another advantage: protein acts as a blood sugar brake in your body. In combination with other foods, protein can therefore counteract a rapid rise in blood sugar after a meal.

The specific foods that can raise your blood sugar level can vary. Therefore, you should seek detailed advice from your diabetologist. What definitely helps: choose several small meals instead of fewer large ones and stay active regularly, ideally daily. Exercise can also lower blood sugar levels and is good for you, provided there are no medical reasons against it.

During your visit to the diabetologist, you will probably receive a device to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly yourself. If dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments are effective, usually no further measures are necessary, although you should still keep an eye on your values. If your blood sugar level does not decrease despite proper nutrition, it may be necessary to administer insulin. Your diabetologist will assess this and provide you with detailed advice on using this metabolic hormone.

Is gestational diabetes dangerous for your baby?

This question cannot be answered simply with yes or no. If gestational diabetes is left untreated, the high amount of sugar in your blood also reaches your baby, which can cause your baby to grow too quickly and may lead to more frequent birth complications. Important developments, such as the heart and the maturation of the alveoli in the lungs, can also be negatively affected by gestational diabetes. You are also at an increased risk of complications if gestational diabetes is not treated. You may be more likely to experience Fluid retention , high blood pressure, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, or even preeclampsia . Therefore, a pregnancy is automatically considered a high-risk pregnancy if the expectant mother has gestational diabetes and is monitored more closely. Don’t be alarmed by the term “high-risk pregnancy”: with more frequent check-ups with your gynecologist and the diabetologist, your blood sugar levels are monitored closely, and your baby’s development is carefully observed. Even if your baby may be slightly larger and heavier, pregnancy and childbirth usually proceed quite smoothly in most cases.

Does diabetes persist after pregnancy?

In most cases, gestational diabetes disappears on its own after childbirth. Another glucose test after pregnancy will show whether your values have normalized again and whether further treatment is unnecessary. Nevertheless, you should continue to get tested at regular intervals as a precaution, since the risk of developing diabetes mellitus increases after having gestational diabetes.

Many affected individuals are initially uncertain and worried when they receive a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. But don’t worry: with timely detection and appropriate treatment, the condition can be managed well. It is important to attend all preventive check-ups regularly and on time. We hope you can enjoy your pregnancy as carefree as possible.