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Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is marked by high blood sugar during pregnancy, affecting 15-20% of pregnant Indian women, higher than the global average. It poses serious health risks for both mother and child, with the foetus being at greater risk of diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial. A top diabetes and endocrinology expert from Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore, discusses the causes of gestational diabetes mellitus, risk factors, diagnostic tests, and treatment, emphasizing effective management.
Who Is at Risk?
Not all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood. Understanding these risk factors helps in the early identification of these conditions, enabling proper management. The following list contains the major risk factors associated with GDM.
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Family History of Diabetes: People with family members who have diabetes face an elevated risk of developing GDM during their pregnancy. Genetics determine how your body processes sugar throughout pregnancy. Regular monitoring enables early diagnosis, which decreases potential risks for both expectant mothers and their babies.
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Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Excess weight before pregnancy increases insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to regulate sugar levels. A sedentary lifestyle worsens this risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active before and during pregnancy lowers the chances of developing GDM.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Previous GDM: PCOS affects insulin function, making women with this condition more likely to develop GDM. If you had GDM in a previous pregnancy, the risk of recurrence is high. Regular screening and proactive management reduce complications.
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History of Large Baby (>4 kg at Birth): If you previously gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg, your risk of GDM increases. This suggests possible undiagnosed glucose issues in previous pregnancies. Proper screening ensures early diagnosis, reducing risks for you and your baby.
Treatment and Management
Managing gestational diabetes mellitus is crucial to keep both you and your baby healthy. Proper treatment helps control blood sugar levels and reduces pregnancy complications.
Below are key ways to manage GDM:
- Healthy Diet: Eat more vegetables, proteins, and fibre. Avoid sugar, jaggery, honey, juices, and refined carbohydrates to prevent sugar spikes.
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Regular Exercise: Walk daily or practice prenatal yoga as advised by an experienced endocrinologist in Bangalore. Physical activity improves insulin function and stabilises blood sugar levels.
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Blood Sugar Monitoring: Check fasting and post-meal sugar levels regularly. Keeping track helps adjust diet and medication if needed.
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Medication if Needed: If diet and exercise are not enough, insulin is the safest option. Your expert diabetology specialist will decide the right dosage.
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Regular Checkups: Frequent medical checkups help monitor your baby’s growth and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
When and Why is Medication Needed?
Diet and exercise help manage Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), but some women still struggle with high blood sugar levels. In such cases, medication becomes necessary to protect both mother and baby.
Below are the reasons medication may be needed:
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Persistent High Blood Sugar: If fasting or post-meal sugar levels remain high despite lifestyle changes, medication is required to prevent complications.
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Risk to Baby’s Growth: Uncontrolled GDM can lead to excessive fetal growth, increasing the risk of birth injuries and complications.
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Excess Amniotic Fluid (Polyhydramnios): High sugar levels can cause too much fluid around the baby, leading to preterm labour or delivery complications.
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Preventing Future Health Issues: Proper treatment reduces the mother’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and lowers the baby’s future diabetes risk.
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Insulin as the Main Treatment: Insulin is the safest medication during pregnancy and helps regulate blood sugar without harming the baby.
Conclusion
Visit a doctor if you have risk factors like obesity, PCOS, or a family history of diabetes. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue. Regular screenings during pregnancy help detect GDM early. If diagnosed, follow medical advice strictly. Proper management ensures a healthy pregnancy and reduces future diabetes risk for both you and your baby.
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