Last Updated on January 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Pregnancy-related diabetes could pose serious risks to the mother and her baby. In addition, if left untreated, a woman with GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus) is more susceptible to infections, ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, uncontrolled blood sugar levels may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital birth defects. Gestational diabetes, just like any other type of diabetes is not curable. Nevertheless, there is considerable evidence to suggest that proper management of GDM and pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy could improve the health of the mother and the newborn. This article discusses gestational diabetes management with an emphasis on prevention strategies.
What happens when a mother has gestational diabetes?
Pregnancy-related diabetes mellitus affects pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes, causing abnormally high blood sugar levels. During a normal pregnancy, increase in hormones like human placental lactogen and prolactin results in increase in pancreatic B-cell and insulin levels. However, the hormones from placenta increase the insulin resistance in the women with gestational diabetes. These hormones mainly include progesterone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, placental lactogen, and placental growth hormone. Thus, GDM results from the inability to overcome pregnancy-related insulin resistance despite increased B-cell formation. Therefore, the primary goal of managing GDM should be the prevention of fetal overgrowth and other pregnancy complications.
How should gestational diabetes be managed?
You can manage gestational diabetes using a multidisciplinary strategy. GDM testing, glycemic management, prenatal care, as well as preconception advice for patients with DM1 or DM2. Only a small percentage of women actually need medication; for the majority, dietary changes and promoting physical activity are enough to reduce postprandial glucose elevations.
The two main prevention methods are nutritional intervention and exercise. GDM mothers should eat enough macro- and micro-nutrients each day, including low-calorie carbohydrates. Low-glycemic-index carbohydrate diet guarantees reduction in glycemic fluctuation. This ultimately results in the proper amount of weight gain for pregnant women. Additionally, it’s important to encourage GDM mothers to practice easy exercises like yoga and walking. When blood glucose levels are still too high, medication therapy must start right away. Prescribed metformin and insulin are the primary choices. Please remember that you should not self-prescribe hypoglycemic medications. Blood glucose levels should be regularly checked by the patient, and you must maintain normal glucose levels. Besides, breastfeeding should be encouraged for GDM mothers.
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