Gestational diabetes (GD) occurs when blood sugar, or blood glucose, levels rise too high during pregnancy. It is usually a result of hormonal changes that occur between the 20th and 24th weeks of pregnancy. It is a common condition that may complicate pregnancy. This article discusses the rise and fall of blood sugar levels due to GD and how long the gestational diabetes lasts. It also discusses the potential complications in cases of non-detection of the condition.
When does GD reach its peak during pregnancy?
As the pregnancy progresses, the levels of a variety of hormones, such as cortisol and estrogen rise. This results in increased insulin resistance. This peak effect of these hormones during the pregnancy is usually between the 26th and 33rd weeks.
When does gestational diabetes usually resolve?
Excess glucose in the bloodstream may cause complications for the pregnant woman and her unborn child. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes is important as soon as possible. This is to ensure that the blood glucose levels remain stable.
Generally, gestational diabetes lasts till the child-birth. Blood sugar levels usually return to normal after the baby is born, though approximately 50% of women who have gestational diabetes might develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Therefore, patients with GD should get an evaluation again at least 6 weeks after delivery. If postpartum sugar levels are normal, these patients should undergo check-ups at least three times a year.
Understanding how long gestational diabetes lasts can help manage expectations, but it’s also important to know if it can be resolved during pregnancy. For more on how to approach this condition during your pregnancy, explore our piece on the possibility of curing it.
What are the risks of uncontrolled gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes rarely results in congenital anomalies or abnormalities. This is because the condition manifests itself during the second trimester. The majority of the potential complications are manageable. Nonetheless, there may be link between congenital conditions and poorly controlled blood sugar levels in women who have diabetes before becoming pregnant. Fetal prematurity, high birth weight leading to delivery problems, low fetal blood glucose levels after birth, fetal breathing problems, and even stillbirth are the most common complications involving the baby.
Besides that, gestational diabetes increases the risk of preeclampsia and may necessitate a cesarean delivery. Furthermore, such mothers should have their blood pressures checked because high blood pressure can be harmful to both the pregnant mother and her unborn child.
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