Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Solutions You Need to Know

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms: Key Signs & What to Do

Pregnancy is an exciting time full of firsts — kick counts in your belly and adorable, totally necessary end-of-stripe baby clothes. But for many mamas-to-be out there, there’s a curveball—gestational diabetes. Sounds scary, right? Don’t worry! It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. In fact, you’re not alone. Millions of women get it, and the really nice thing? As long as you take the right steps, you can manage it. Learn about gestational diabetes symptoms, common causes, and effective solutions to manage your health during pregnancy. Let’s talk about gestational diabetes, why it occurs, and how you can take it in stride.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes happens when your body isn’t able to make enough insulin during your pregnancy. Insulin is a bit like a key that allows your cells to use sugar (glucose) for energy. Insulin helps sugar enter your cells, so without enough of the hormone, glucose accumulates in your blood rather than being utilized. That can cause blood sugar levels to become high — and that’s why doctors monitor for it during pregnancy.
Now, this is not permanent. It usually clears up post-delivery, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security — diabetes during pregnancy still needs some TLC while you’re with child in order to keep both you and your baby healthy.

For comparison, you could eat 2 cups of non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, etc) to equal the carbohydrates in only ½ cup of cooked rice; or 10 cups of green, leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, kale, etc.)!

Lily Nichols, Real Food for Gestational Diabetes: An Effective Alternative to the Conventional Nutrition Approach

Why Does It Happen?

So why do things like this happen in the first place? Well, pregnancy requires a great deal of work on your body’s part. As your baby develops, your hormones begin to misbehave to accommodate your little one. These hormones can also make your body less sensitive to insulin. This is known as “insulin resistance.”
“But if this is common, then why doesn’t everyone get gestational diabetes?” It’s true — not every pregnant woman will get it. Age, weight, family history, and ethnicity all determine whether you’re likely to experience it. But whatever the cause, just know there is a way to manage gestational diabetes, and it’s in no way your fault.

Who Is at Risk?

Women vary in their risk for developing these conditions. If you have had gestational diabetes, you are at increased risk of it reoccurring in subsequent pregnancies. If you are overweight before your pregnancy, that is another risk factor. And if your family has a history of diabetes, you may be at a higher risk. Age is also a consideration, as women over 25 are more susceptible to it.
But here’s the important part — even if you don’t fit one of these categories, you can still be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. So don’t assume you are out of the woods. However, that’s only if you get tested during pregnancy — which leads us to our next point!

What Are the Symptoms?

Gestational diabetes does not always have obvious symptoms. In fact, many women don’t even know they have it until they are tested. That said, some women do have increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. If you’re constantly tired and can’t stop drinking water, or you can’t go 20 minutes without running to the bathroom, it could be a sign that your blood sugar levels are higher than they should be.
The upside is that most women with gestational diabetes don’t have severe symptoms, and that’s one of the reasons that regular testing during pregnancy is so important.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Gestational diabetes is most commonly diagnosed using a glucose screening test, typically performed between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. In this test, you will sip a sugary solution, and your blood will be drawn an hour later to measure how your body processes the sugar. If your blood sugar levels are high you might be asked to take a longer and more detailed test, called the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
It may sound intimidating, but it’s really just a way for doctors to detect the condition earlier so that they can take action and help you manage your blood sugar.

What Are the Potential Effects of Gestational Diabetes on You and Your Baby?

If not well managed, gestational diabetes can cause complications. Being able to control your blood sugar levels is really important so that your baby does not grow larger than normal and lead to a complicated delivery or need for c-section. Infants of mothers with gestational diabetes may also experience low blood sugar at birth, and they have an increased risk of becoming obese or developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
But not to worry — these risks can be minimized with the right management. It’s all about being vigilant about your health and keeping in close touch with your doctor.

Good News: IT IS Manageable!

Now for the good news: gestational diabetes can be managed with some lifestyle changes! Most women with gestational diabetes can go on to have a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby with appropriate management. Here are the key ways to manage the sugar in your blood:
Diet: A healthy diet with plenty of fiber, lean proteins and whole grains is important. Eat a moderate and even carb intake and avoid sugary foods and beverages.
Exercise: Light workouts such as walking or swimming can help your body utilize glucose efficiently. It doesn’t have to be strenuous — just maintaining activity makes a difference.
Blood Sugar Testing: You will probably have to check your blood sugar levels at home several times a day. Your doctor will advise you when and how to do so.

How Diet Can Help Manage Gestational Diabetes

The easiest and perhaps most powerful way to control gestational diabetes is through your diet. Opt for foods that have a low glycemic index (GI) — in other words, they won’t increase your blood sugar rapidly. Concentrate on leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and legumes. Smaller meals throughout the day instead of larger ones or snacking on smaller portions of food is also recommended. And carbs are not the enemy, it’s the quality and quantity that count.

Put a Peg in the Sand: Exercise ↔ Physical Distance

And exercise isn’t just for weight loss — it’s for keeping your blood sugar stable and for your health in general. No, you don’t have to run a marathon, but light to moderate exercise can work wonders to help control gestational diabetes. These might include walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Strive for at least half an hour of exercise daily, or whatever your doctor recommends.

When Medication Is Needed

In certain situations, diet and exercise alone may not sufficiently keep blood sugar levels under control. If so, your doctor may write you a prescription for insulin and perhaps other drugs to help control your blood sugar. Don’t worry — it is perfectly safe to take medication during pregnancy with your doctor on board. These drugs can have a huge impact on keeping you and your baby healthy during pregnancy.Gestational diabetes sounds like a lot to manage but just remember — you’ve got this! It’s entirely doable, with the right measures in place. Diet, exercise, checking your blood sugar and keeping close contact with your doctor will keep you healthy and well throughout your pregnancy. Most importantly, keep in mind that you are not alone on this journey.” Like so many women before you who have walked this path and emerged stronger. You’re armed with everything to navigate gestational diabetes (GD) with confidence, and even joy! Be positive, be healthy and be smile.