Gestational diabetes affects up to 10% of pregnant women each year in the United States. While common, gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy) can be harmful for both mother and baby when not managed. And Diabetes Awareness Month is a great time to learn ways to help prevent or better manage gestational diabetes.
Small changes, including what you eat, how you move, and when to get screened, can make a big difference for your well-being and that of your baby. Visit with our experienced OB/GYN physicians at Women’s Health Services in Arlington or Grand Prairie, Texas, to get evaluated for gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in some women. It alters blood sugar levels, causing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) due to insufficient insulin production or a reduced ability to utilize insulin efficiently.
Gestational diabetes most often appears around weeks 24-28 of pregnancy. It can contribute to uncontrolled high blood sugar, increasing your risk of pregnancy complications.
Potential gestational diabetes symptoms include:
However, it’s common to have no noticeable symptoms with gestational diabetes, which is why getting screened during pregnancy is so important.
Complications that could occur in the mother due to mismanaged gestational diabetes include a higher risk of C-section delivery, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Gestational diabetes also elevates the risk of high birth weight, premature birth, breathing problems at birth, low blood sugar in newborns, stillbirth, and obesity and type 2 diabetes for babies born to mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes.
While any expectant mom can develop gestational diabetes, the following factors increase your risk:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make it difficult for your body to keep blood sugar levels in check.
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent gestational diabetes, here are some tips to lower your risk:
These prevention strategies can also lower your risk of gestational diabetes during a subsequent pregnancy or of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, work with our Women’s Health Services specialists to effectively manage your condition. We offer guidance on healthy lifestyle adjustments, routine blood sugar monitoring, and medication management, as needed, to avoid complications.
Take advantage of superior obstetrics care at Women’s Health Services by contacting our office nearest you. Call us today or request an appointment online anytime.
