Gestational Diabetes – Causes, Symptoms, Diet Plan, & Exercises

Definition: What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition during the second or third trimester of pregnancy where blood sugar levels are abnormally high. It can develop in women without previously diagnosed diabetes (3). So, what triggers gestational diabetes? Find out in the next section.

Note: There are two types of gestational diabetes – A1GDM and A2GDM. A1GDM is responsive to nutritional therapy, but A2GDM is only responsive to medical treatment (2).

Causes: Why Does Gestational Diabetes Occur?

Insulin resistance causes gestational diabetes. Diana Gariglio-Clelland (RD) says, “Pregnancy hormones can cause an increase in the amount of sugar in the mother’s bloodstream, and pregnancy can reduce insulin sensitivity. Insulin is the hormone necessary to lower blood sugar levels, and when the body is resistant to insulin, it makes blood sugar levels rise.”

However, not all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. Being overweight or obese, gaining weight during pregnancy, PCOS, high blood pressure, diabetes in the family, and late pregnancy increase the risk of gestational diabetes (4), (5).

So, how do you know if you have gestational diabetes? Are there any symptoms you can look out for? And, how do you diagnose gestational diabetes? Scroll down to find out.

Symptoms And Diagnosis: How To Tell You Have Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes has very mild symptoms. A few of them include:

•  Feeling thirstier than before.
•  Frequent urges to urinate.

These symptoms overlap with those of pregnancy. That’s why your doctor will do a diagnostic test between 24 to 28 weeks.

There are two stages of the diagnostic process. First, you will be required to do a glucose challenge test. You will drink a sugary drink, and your blood glucose will be measured after an hour. If the results indicate a high blood sugar level, then the doctor will proceed with the next stage – the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These two tests will confirm whether you have gestational diabetes.

If you are pregnant, your doctor will talk to you about gestational diabetes. The earlier the diagnosis, the better because there could be some unfavorable outcomes that are mentioned below.

Risk Factors: Why Is Managing Gestational Diabetes Important?

According to the CDC, gestational diabetes has unfavorable outcomes for both the mother and the baby (3). It can cause:

•  High blood pressure in the mother.
•  Baby weight more than 9 pounds.
•  Difficult delivery with higher chances of Cesarean delivery.
•  Premature birth and breathing difficulties.
•  Low blood sugar in the baby.
•  Higher chances of the mother and the baby developing diabetes type 2 later.

All of these complications can be avoided. How? Find out in the next section.

Treatment: How To Control Gestational Diabetes?

The CDC recommends lifestyle intervention as the most effective treatment for diet-dependent gestational diabetes (3).

•  Eat healthy foods in the right amounts at the right time.
•  Stay active.
•  Monitor your blood sugar levels.

Your goal is to not only reduce weight but also make your body more insulin-sensitive. Thankfully, diet-dependent gestational diabetes responds to nutritional intervention. That means you need to eat certain foods while avoiding others. For your convenience, we have created a gestational diabetes foods list that tells you what to eat and what to avoid. Take a screenshot or share it with your family members to get the maximum help and support you need. Scroll down.

Foods List: What To Eat And Avoid

Knowing what to eat and avoid if you have gestational diabetes is the first step towards reversing it. The next step is adhering to a good diet plan. Scroll down for a downloadable gestational diabetes diet plan sample.

Diet Plan: Gestational Diabetes Sample Menu Plan

Taking care of what you eat in each meal is extremely important to keep the blood sugar levels in control. Here’s a sample gestational diabetes diet plan. Save it by clicking on the Download

Apart from taking care of your diet, it is also important to exercise and stay active. The following section tells you what to do. Scroll down.

Exercise: Staying Active Is Important

Gariglio-Clelland says, “Exercise can help prevent and treat gestational diabetes. Walking and swimming are two very safe, low-impact exercises good for pregnancy, but other types of exercise can also be enjoyed.” She further adds, “Being active can help lower blood sugars and improve insulin sensitivity, which is the ultimate goal of managing gestational diabetes.” Keeping her advice in mind, here’s what you can do:

•  Warm-up for 10 minutes.
•  Go on brisk walks for 20 minutes in the morning and evening.
•  If you are an athlete, you can also go on jogs.
•  Do yoga stretches for 20-30 minutes.
•  Swim one to two laps or do other water exercises.
•  You can use a pillow to support your lower back and do exercises on the bed.
•  Get up and walk every one hour.
•  Exercise post-delivery as well.

Gestational diabetes impacts the mother and the baby post-delivery too. Therefore, along with staying active during and after pregnancy, other aftercare protocols are vital for yourself and your baby. Here’s what to do after delivery.

Aftercare: What Should You Do Post-Delivery?

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases recommend the following (6):

•  Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding provides your baby the nutrients required for proper development and preventing metabolic disorders later in life. It also helps the mother shed weight.
•  Change Lifestyle: Eating healthy and staying active has to become your new lifestyle. Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Work out at least 3-4 hours per week. Make diet and exercise an enjoyable family activity.
•  Monitor Glucose: Monitor your and your kid’s blood glucose levels intermittently to keep a check and prevent developing diabetes.
•  Medication: Talk to your doctor to treat PCOS and diabetes with medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gestational diabetes a high-risk pregnancy?

Yes, gestational diabetes may increase the risk of preterm delivery, hypertension, and congenital anomalies (8).

Does stress cause gestational diabetes?

Yes, psychological stress can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes (9).

Can gestational diabetes cause autism?

Yes, research indicates there may be a link between gestational diabetes and autism (10).

Do you need bed rest for gestational diabetes?

Studies show that bed rest may increase your risk of developing gestational diabetes (11). Consult your doctor for further information.

Is normal delivery possible with gestational diabetes?

Yes, If your diabetes is under control and you do not have any other complications, you can deliver your baby healthily and normally.

Are eggs good for gestational diabetes?

Yes, consumption of eggs is associated with a low risk of developing gestational diabetes (12).

Are bananas good for gestational diabetes?

Yes, bananas are rich in fiber which may reduce the risk of diabetes (13), (14). However, they are rich in sugar and carbs. Consult a nutritionist for further information.

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Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information. After completing her master's in biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology,...more