Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It happens when the body cannot use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
This condition is important because it affects both the mother and the baby if not well managed.
Many women do not notice symptoms, which is why doctors screen for it during routine antenatal care.
In this article, we’ll look at what this condition means for an expecting mother.
What Causes Gestational Diabetes?
During pregnancy, the body produces hormones that support the baby’s growth. But some of these hormones also reduce how well insulin works.
When insulin becomes less effective, sugar builds up in the blood, and that’s when gestational diabetes can develop.
Some key reasons are:
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Hormonal changes: Hormones such as human placental lactogen, estrogen, cortisol, and progesterone increase insulin resistance.
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Insulin resistance: The body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar normal, but sometimes it cannot make enough.
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Placental growth: As pregnancy progresses and the placenta gets bigger, hormone levels rise even more, which increases the risk later in pregnancy.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Not every pregnant woman will develop gestational diabetes, but some are more likely to get it than others. The major risk factors include:
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Being overweight before pregnancy: Women who are overweight or obese have a higher chance.
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Family history of diabetes: If your parents or siblings have diabetes, your risk is higher.
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Older age: Women above 30–35 years have a greater risk compared to younger mothers.
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Previous pregnancy history: If you had gestational diabetes before, or gave birth to a very big baby (more than 4 kg), your chances increase.
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Ethnic background: Studies show that African women tend to have higher rates of gestational diabetes compared to women in some other parts of the world.
Other Contributing Factors
Apart from weight, age, and family history, some other things can make a woman more likely to have gestational diabetes:
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Lifestyle factors: Eating a lot of processed foods, frequent sugary drinks, and lack of regular exercise increase the risk. These habits are becoming more common in many cities, where many women are less physically active and rates of overweight are rising.
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What Happens if Gestational Diabetes Is Left Unmanaged?
When gestational diabetes is not properly managed, it can affect both mother and baby. The risks may not show immediately, but can have serious short- and long-term consequences.
For the mother:
For the baby:
Untreated gestational diabetes affects two lives at once. Proper screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and medical care can drastically reduce these risks.
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes is a condition every pregnant woman should know about, especially because it often shows no signs until tests are done. Staying informed makes it easier to protect both mother and baby during pregnancy.
What are your thoughts?
Have you or someone you know ever been screened for gestational diabetes during pregnancy? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments.
Researched by Victoria Odueso
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