What is Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who don’t already have diabetes. It may result in high blood sugar levels which could be harmful to both, you and the unborn child.

The main cause of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops when your body is unable to produce enough insulin during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that serves as a key to letting blood sugar into your cells for use as energy.

What are the symptoms

Most of the time, gestational diabetes has no visible indications or symptoms. Increased thirst and increased urination are the most common symptoms. Some other symptoms include Dry Mouth, Tiredness, Itching in the genitals, and Blurred eyesight.

How can it affect the baby

• Baby Being very large (9 pounds/4 Kgs or more), which can lead to a difficult delivery
• Premature Birth of the baby, which can cause breathing and other problem
• Baby might be born with low blood sugar levels
• Baby will have the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

Who are at higher risk of having Gestational Diabetes

• Women who are overweight or obese
• Having a family history of Diabetes
• Women who are older than 25 years
• Women who have previously given birth to babies weighing more than 9 pounds/4 Kgs

How to get tested for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes can be tested via a blood test known as Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). You will need to get tested for it preferably in the early morning as this test involves drawing blood sample from your body when you have not had any food or drink for 8-10 hours.

When should you get tested for Gestational Diabetes

The OGTT test is done between 24 weeks to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Though you can get it done earlier as well if you think you are having the symptoms or if you found yourself to be at higher risk of getting gestational diabetes.

What is the cost of an OGTT test in India

It starts from INR 270 and might go up to INR 600 depending upon the pathology lab standards.

Is normal delivery possible with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes does not rule out the chances of a normal delivery, It all depends on how well your blood sugar levels are managed, though it might make it difficult if the baby is bigger in size.  Most women can still make it safely to their due date and can begin labour naturally. The most important thing to remember is that you do not cross your due date. If there are no signs of spontaneous labour by the 40th week, your doctor may wish to induce labour artificially.

How to prevent Gestational Diabetes

• Regularly Checking your blood sugar levels to ensure that your levels stay in a healthy range.
• Healthy food choices Try to adhere to a healthy eating plan created by your doctor or dietitian.
• Eating in the right amounts at the right times is equally important.
• Staying physically active. Regular moderate-intensity physical activity (such as brisk walking) reduces blood sugar and makes you more responsive to insulin, allowing your body to use less of it. Check with your doctor to see what forms of physical activity you can undertake and which ones you should avoid.
• Eating the right medicine: If healthy eating and being active aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe insulin, metformin, or other medication.