Proper nutrition and effective blood sugar management are two paramount factors that impact a healthy Pregnancy. The hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy can affect a woman’s blood glucose and sugar levels, leading to Gestational Diabetes.

Understanding and monitoring blood sugar levels during pregnancy is essential for maternal health and to ensure the baby’s optimal development. Conducting glucose tests during pregnancy is an important diagnostic tool that provides vital insights into a mother’s blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational Diabetes starts during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that affect the normal level of blood glucose. It usually begins around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy and lasts until childbirth. If left unmanaged, this condition can pose risks to both the mother and the baby.

For the mother, it may lead to complications like preeclampsia and an increased likelihood of needing a C-section. For the baby, it can result in excessive fetal growth, low blood sugar after birth, and an increase in the chances of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes can be effectively managed through sugar level tests, dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, medication or insulin therapy. Early screening and diagnosis, usually between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, are crucial for timely intervention and ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

What are the causes of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can be caused by various factors, such as:

1. Hormonal Changes: Hormones produced by the placenta can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to utilise insulin effectively.

1. Excess Weight: Obesity before pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

1. Insufficient Insulin Production: Some women may not produce enough insulin to counteract the effects of pregnancy-related hormones.

1. Genetics: A family history of diabetes can predispose some women to gestational diabetes.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms. This is why blood sugar testing is routinely conducted during pregnancy to diagnose it. However, in some cases, women with gestational diabetes may experience mild symptoms or signs similar to those of regular diabetes.

These symptoms include:

1. Feeling excessively thirsty

1. Frequent urination

1. Feeling fatigued

1. Some women may experience temporary changes in vision due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

1. Excessive hunger, even shortly after eating

1. Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet may be reported.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

Maintaining blood glucose levels within a normal range during pregnancy is vital for both the expecting mother and the baby. A glucose test during pregnancy is a routine procedure crucial to assessing a pregnant woman’s blood glucose level.

Below are the types of prenatal glucose tests:

1. Two-Step Testing

1. It involves drinking a high-sugar beverage and checking blood glucose levels one hour later.
2. If results from the above step indicate high glucose levels, a 3-hour glucose tolerance test is recommended.
3. The 3-hour test involves fasting, drinking a glucose solution, and multiple blood draws over three hours.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels

1. Fasting: Equal to or less than 95 mg/dL
2. 1 hour: Equal to or less than 180 mg/dL
3. 2 hours: Equal to or less than 155 mg/dL
4. 3 hours: Equal to or less than 140 mg/dL

2. One-Step Testing

A one-step, 2-hour glucose tolerance test, like the two-step test, requires fasting for 8 to 14 hours and consuming a glucose-containing liquid (75 grams). Blood samples are taken before consuming the beverage and at specific intervals afterwards.

Normal Blood Sugar Level

1. Fasting: Equal to or less than 92 mg/dL
2. 1 hour: Equal to or less than 180 mg/dL
3. 2 hours: Equal to or less than 153 mg/dL

Preparation for the Tests

1. A regular diet must be maintained during the days leading up to the test.
2. Consult the healthcare provider about any medications that could affect test results.

How is gestational diabetes managed?

Adopting healthy habits before pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Moreover, if someone has previously experienced gestational diabetes, these lifestyle choices can also lower the chances of it recurring in future pregnancies.

1. Eat Healthy Foods
   1. Prioritize a fibre-rich diet while keeping fat and calorie intake low. This involves choosing foods that are both nutritious and filling.
   2. Emphasize consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
   3. Be conscious of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
2. Stay Physically Active

• 1. Regular exercise before and during pregnancy can be a protective measure against gestational diabetes.
  2. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, promoting overall health and well-being.
  3. Activities like brisk daily walks can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and reduce the chances of gestational diabetes.

3. Manage Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Gaining weight during pregnancy is natural, but if expecting mothers gain weight rapidly and in excess, they can increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Healthcare providers must be consulted to establish a reasonable and healthy weight gain goal tailored to personal physical health.

Gestational diabetes is a significant concern during pregnancy, and early detection through glucose tolerance tests is crucial.