Pregnancy diabetes

Between 2 and 14 percent of all pregnant women develop diabetes due to increased insulin requirements during pregnancy. Since gestational diabetes mellitus does not present with specific symptoms, a special test is scheduled from the 24th week of pregnancy as part of the prenatal check-up. In this article, you will learn how exactly 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 the so-called gestational diabetes in the video.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a disorder of glucose regulation that occurs during pregnancy without the pregnant woman previously being affected by diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2).

Especially in the second half of pregnancy, the hormonal changes in your body increase the need for insulin. The 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 is elevated. This is not uncommon during pregnancy, but if it remains consistently high or remains elevated long after meals, it is called gestational diabetes and should be treated.

How can I tell if I have gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is largely symptom-free, so you probably won't recognize the condition yourself. Certain factors such as overweight, age, family history of diabetes, or previous birth of a very large baby increase the risk, but gestational diabetes can generally occur in any woman. Therefore, as part of the 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 fasting, before you consume a glucose solution. An hour later, another blood sample is taken to check the 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?

Is the blood sugar level one hour after taking the glucose solution 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

More about the test and what happens afterwards, explains LILLYDOO Gynecologist Christian also in the video:

What can I do if I have gestational diabetes?

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

What does the proper nutrition look like for gestational diabetes?

The most important measure for treating gestational diabetes is a dietary change. To keep your blood sugar levels low, you should focus on a 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. For 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: opt for several small meals instead of fewer large ones and stay active frequently, ideally daily. Also, lower blood sugar levels and are good for you, provided there are no medical reasons against it.

During your visit to the diabetologist you will probably receive a device to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels yourself. If the dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments are effective, usually no further measures are necessary, although you should still keep an eye on the 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 the use of the metabolic hormone.

Is gestational diabetes dangerous for my baby?

This question cannot be simply answered 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 it to grow too quickly, potentially leading to more frequent birth complications. Important developments such as its heart and the maturation of the alveoli in the lungs can also be negatively affected by gestational diabetes. You yourself are also at an increased risk of increased complications if gestational diabetes is not treated. Fluid retention , high blood pressure, kidney problems, urinary tract infections, or even preeclampsia exposed. Therefore, a pregnancy is automatically considered a high-risk pregnancy if the expectant mother suffers from gestational diabetes and is monitored more closely. Don’t be alarmed by the term “high-risk pregnancy”: through more frequent check-ups with your gynecologist and the diabetologist, your blood sugar levels are well monitored, and the care of your baby is closely 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 have yourself 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 the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. But don't worry, with timely detection and appropriate treatment, the condition can be managed. It is important to attend all preventive check-ups regularly and on time. We wish you that you can enjoy your pregnancy as carefree as possible.