Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs after the second half of pregnancy in a woman who did not have diabetes before and disappears with the birth of the baby. Hormones that rise during pregnancy cause insulin resistance in the tissues. On the other hand, the mother's insulin requirement increases for the growth and development of the unborn baby. As a result, blood sugar increases.
It is seen in only 2-4% of pregnant women. It is usually between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. It occurs within weeks. The risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies is very high. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a very high risk of developing permanent type 2 diabetes in later years.
Gestational Diabetes Risks
If there are people with diabetes in the family, if they are obese, if they are over 35 years of age, if they have previously weighed 4 kg. If she has given birth to more than 100,000 babies or had diabetes during a previous pregnancy, she is at risk for developing gestational diabetes. It is necessary to consult a doctor for the necessary tests.
How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect the Baby?
The mother's blood sugar is very important for the growth and development of the baby in the womb. If the sugar level in the mother's blood is too high, it is directly reflected on the baby and causes the baby's blood sugar to rise. In this case, the baby's pancreas is stimulated and begins to secrete more insulin. Insulin is a hormone that accelerates growth, so the baby in the womb gains a lot of weight. If precautions are not taken during birth in large babies weighing over 4 kg, some problems such as shoulder occlusion, shoulder dislocation, and paralysis of the arm nerves are observed. After the baby is born, the high sugar flow through the placenta will decrease, so the baby may develop hypoglycemia (sudden drop in blood sugar) attacks. Additionally, newborn jaundice may occur.
How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect the Pregnant Woman?
Keeping blood sugar under control prevents many problems. If blood sugar is not under control, urinary tract infections occur more frequently. Blood pressure may rise and protein loss through urine may increase, resulting in a very serious complication that we call "preeclampsia" (pregnancy poisoning). Amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus may increase (polyhydramnios), causing premature birth.
How to Determine Gestational Diabetes ?
For pregnant women Sugar loading test is applied between 24 and 28 weeks. One hour after drinking 50 g of sugar, the glucose level in the blood is checked. If the glucose level is below 140 mg/dl, it is determined that the mother does not have gestational diabetes. If the glucose in the blood is above this value, a 3-hour test is performed with 100 g of glucose. According to the results of this test, a definitive diagnosis is made whether you have gestational diabetes or not. During the application of these tests, excessive physical activity should not be done and nothing should be eaten.
How to Eat?
In the treatment of gestational diabetes, diet is first applied and there is no need to switch to insulin treatment. The aim of diet therapy is to provide the most appropriate calorie intake that will keep blood sugar levels within normal limits but will not cause excess weight gain and malnutrition. The most appropriate nutrition and diet list is created by taking into account the expectant mother's weight before pregnancy, her weight at the time she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, her physical activity level and habits. If the blood sugar level cannot be controlled with diet and exercise, insulin should be started without delay.
Foods containing simple sugar should definitely not be included in the nutrition program. These are cola drinks, chocolate, cakes, cakes, desserts and confectionery type foods. In addition, starch-rich foods (potatoes, carrots, pastries, rice foods), which turn into sugar in the body, should be consumed in certain amounts and rarely. Fruits should be eaten in certain amounts because they contain carbohydrates. It is necessary to consume it by dividing it into portions throughout the day.
Exercise, gymnastics and walking are recommended for pregnant women and those with gestational diabetes. Doing these activities on an empty stomach will disrupt the sugar balance more. For this reason, exercise should be started 30 minutes after the snack and 60 minutes after the main meal.
Although gestational diabetes can cause serious problems, a happy ending with a healthy birth and baby can be achieved with early diagnosis and taking the necessary precautions.
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