Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Every year, it affects about 5-8 million women in India in all pregnancies and can have serious consequences if left untreated for both mother and the baby.¹

Gestational diabetes occurs when the hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy cause insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When insulin resistance occurs, the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the growing baby’s demands, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes typically disappears after the baby is born. However, after delivery, a woman with gestational diabetes is 10 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to a woman without gestational diabetes. Also, if a woman has gestational diabetes, her baby is more likely to be born early, be obese and have type 2 diabetes later in life.

If gestational diabetes is not properly managed, it can cause problems for both mother and child. The condition can lead to pre-eclampsia, which can be fatal for both mother and child. It can also cause the baby to grow too large, leading to delivery complications and an increased risk of cesarean section.

Gestational diabetes can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

•  Blurry vision
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Urinary tract infections

Causes of gestational diabetes: The exact causes of gestational diabetes are not well understood. However, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes, including:

• Age: Women over 25 are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.
• Family history: A family history of diabetes increases the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese before pregnancy are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
• Previous history: Women who have had gestational diabetes in an earlier pregnancy or had a large baby in the last pregnancy are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes.
• History of PCOD

While some risk factors for gestational diabetes, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk of developing gestational diabetes. Here are some tips:

• Maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy: Obese or overweight women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy can help reduce this risk.

• Eat a healthy diet: Gestational diabetes risk can be decreased by eating a balanced diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

• Stay active: Regular moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes daily can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

• Get screened: At 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, all expectant mothers should be tested for gestational diabetes. If one is at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, their healthcare provider may recommend screening earlier in pregnancy.

Proper management and care, especially during pregnancy, are the key to preventing gestational diabetes and related complications.

 Reference:

1. Thanawala, U., Divakar, H., Jain, R., & Agarwal, M. M. (2021). Negotiating Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in India: A National Approach. Medicina, 57(9), 942. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57090942baby.¹