Pregnancy comes with unexpected challenges like gestational diabetes, a temporary condition that occurs when blood glucose levels rise during pregnancy. Affecting approximately 10% of pregnancies globally, gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes that impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. While it often resolves after childbirth, it’s a condition that demands attention and management to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Says Dr. (Prof.) Neerja Goel, Senior Consultant at Sharda Hospital & Sharda Care Healthcity, “Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that develops during pregnancy when blood glucose levels elevate. Early detection of the symptoms is essential for successful treatment and a safe pregnancy.”
This condition requires careful monitoring and management to prevent complications such as large birth weight (macrosomia), preterm labour, and an increased lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.
Recognizing the early signs can make all the difference. Let’s explore 7 key indicators of gestational diabetes.
1. Increased Thirst
If you’re feeling persistently thirsty, it might be more than just a hot day or an extra salty snack. Excess glucose in the bloodstream pulls water from tissues, leaving you dehydrated.
What to Look For: A prolonged and intense need to drink water, even when you’ve already had plenty.
2. Frequent Urination
During pregnancy, frequent bathroom visits are common. However, gestational diabetes can amplify this need.
The Science: High blood sugar leads to increased urine output as the body tries to flush out excess glucose.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is a hallmark of pregnancy, but with gestational diabetes, it can feel overwhelming. Dr. Goel says, “Excessive tiredness might indicate problems with glucose metabolism, as the body struggles to convert sugar into energy.”
4. Blurred Vision
Changes in blood sugar levels can affect the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to blurred vision.
What It Means: While temporary, this symptom shouldn’t be ignored as it signals blood sugar instability.
5. Unintended Weight Loss
Despite eating normally, some women with gestational diabetes may lose weight.
Why This Happens: The body’s inability to effectively use glucose forces it to break down fat and muscle for energy, resulting in unintentional weight loss.
6. Infections
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or thrush could be linked to elevated blood sugar levels.
Dr. Goel says, “High blood sugar can weaken the immune system, making women more susceptible to infections.”
7. Slow-Healing Wounds
Small cuts or wounds taking longer to heal than usual can signal poor blood circulation, a common complication of high glucose levels.
What To Watch: Any injuries that linger or seem resistant to healing should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.
What To Do If You Notice These Symptoms
While some of these symptoms overlap with normal pregnancy changes, they shouldn’t be ignored. Dr. Goel advises, “For an accurate diagnosis, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.”
Early detection allows for effective management strategies, which include:
- Dietary Changes: A balanced diet focusing on whole grains, lean proteins, and fibre-rich foods can stabilize blood sugar.
- Regular Exercise: Activities like walking or prenatal yoga help improve insulin sensitivity.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Keeping track of glucose levels is key to managing gestational diabetes.
- Stress Management: Reducing stress can minimize blood sugar spikes.
- Medication: In some cases, insulin or other medications may be necessary under medical supervision.
Gestational diabetes is a challenge, but it’s one that can be managed with awareness and proactive care. Paying attention to your body’s signals and working closely with your doctor ensures a healthy pregnancy journey.
Sources:
https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/43/5/763/6511028
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16505245/
https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1479-828X.2007.00743.x
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