Gestational diabetes usually develops around the 3rd trimester of pregnancy due to resistance to the insulin produced by pregnancy hormones. This type of diabetes usually goes away after childbirth and rarely causes symptoms, although in some cases blurred vision and great thirst can occur.
Its treatment should be started during pregnancy, with an adequate diet or with the use of medicines, such as oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin, depending on the blood sugar level.
Gestational diabetes is almost always cured after childbirth, however, it is important to continue the treatment prescribed by the doctor correctly, as there is a high risk of developing diabetes mellitus 2 after 10 to 20 years and you may also have gestational diabetes in the next pregnancy.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of gestational diabetes are often confused with common pregnancy disorders such as:
- Excess of hunger;
- Very thirsty;
- Exaggerated weight gain in women or babies;
- Increased need to urinate;
- Out of print;
- Swelling of the legs and feet;
- Vision trouble;
- Candidiasis or frequent urinary tract infection.
In addition to this, the pregnant woman can cause candidiasis or frequent urinary tract infections.
Since these symptoms are common during pregnancy, the doctor should order a glucose test at least 3 times during pregnancy, the first test being done at 20 weeks, to identify any changes over time. For diagnosis, the doctor may also order tests such as the glucose tolerance curve to check blood sugar levels over time. See how gestational diabetes is diagnosed.
Treatment of gestational diabetes aims to promote the health of mother and baby, avoiding complications such as being underweight for gestational age and respiratory and metabolic disorders. It is important that the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team consisting of a nutritionist, an obstetrician and an endocrinologist, in order for blood sugar control to be effective.
The treatment of gestational diabetes must be done through changes in eating habits and physical activity, so that blood sugar levels are kept under control:
1. Food
Diet in gestational diabetes should be guided by a nutritionist so that there are no nutritional deficiencies for the mother or baby. For this reason, pregnant women are recommended to eat foods with a low glycemic index, such as peel fruits, vegetables, whole foods, seeds, and nuts, for example, as these are foods high in fibers. In addition to this, you should avoid the consumption of sugar or foods that contain it like soft drinks, pasteurized juices, cookies, among others. Learn about diet in gestational diabetes.
It is important that blood sugar is measured on an empty stomach and after main meals, in this way it is possible to keep a record of the measurements so that the doctor can check blood sugar levels and the nutritionist can modify the eating plan. , if he deems it necessary.
2. Practical exercises
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Exercise during gestational diabetes is important not only for promoting the health of the pregnant woman, but also for maintaining blood sugar balance, as it helps reduce sugar on an empty stomach and after meals.
Exercising during pregnancy is generally safe, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, as in certain situations it may be contraindicated, and you should consult your doctor about whether or not you can do it. no more seeking professional advice. physical education to help you tailor the exercises to your condition.
It is important that pregnant women take precautions before, during, and after exercise, such as having a snack and drinking water before doing so, and paying attention to the intensity with which this is done. It is also important to keep an eye out for any signs or symptoms that indicate that you need to stop exercising, such as: vaginal bleeding, uterine contractions, loss of amniotic fluid, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath before exercising.
3. Use of drugs
The use of drugs is generally indicated by the doctor when blood sugar levels are not regulated with changes in eating habits and with the practice of physical activity, representing a significant risk for the pregnant woman and the baby.
In these cases, oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin are indicated as appropriate, and should be used under the supervision of the physician. It is important for a woman to check her blood sugar daily and at times indicated by the doctor to see if the treatment is working.
Possible complications
Complications of gestational diabetes can affect the pregnant woman or the baby and can be:
| Risks for pregnant women | Risks for the baby |
|
Rupture of the amniotic sac before the due date |
Development of respiratory distress syndrome, which is difficulty breathing at birth |
| Premature delivery |
Very large baby for gestational age, which increases the risk of obesity in childhood or adolescence |
|
The fetus does not turn its head before childbirth |
Heart disease |
|
Increased risk of preeclampsia, which is the sudden increase in blood pressure during pregnancy |
Jaundice |
|
Possibility of cesarean section or perineum laceration during normal delivery due to the size of the baby |
Hypoglycemia after birth |
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These risks can be reduced if the woman follows the treatment correctly, so the pregnant woman with gestational diabetes should have high-risk prenatal follow-up.
In any case, gestational diabetes cannot be avoided, as it is linked to hormonal changes typical of pregnancy, however, the development of gestational diabetes can be reduced by:
- Be at the ideal weight before pregnancy;
- Perform prenatal examinations;
- Increase in corn slowly and gradually;
- Eat healthy;
- Practice moderate exercise.
Gestational diabetes can occur in pregnant women over 25, obese, or when the pregnant woman has an intolerance to sugar. However, it can also develop in younger or normal weight women due to hormonal changes.
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