Gestational Diabetes: The Condition All Pregnant Women Need to Be Aware Of When Preparing to Become Moms

The pregnancy period is filled with positive emotions and week-by-week surprises. As women go through the 40-42 physiological weeks of pregnancy, they experience a multitude of symptoms. From possible nausea and tears of emotion to increased appetite for certain foods, all are characteristic of this period.

Depending on several factors, expectant mothers may need to pay more attention to their health during pregnancy. Although not all pregnant women experience gestational diabetes, it can be a real problem. However, there are effective means of prevention, control, and, above all, early detection.

What is gestational diabetes and why is it so important to know details about it?

Gestational diabetes is a nutritional pathology that develops during pregnancy when blood glucose levels are too high. It usually appears in the middle of the period, between 24 and 28 weeks. Like other types of diabetes, it affects how our cells use glucose. Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar, which can affect the pregnancy and the baby’s health.

During pregnancy, the mother’s body undergoes a series of physiological changes to support the demands of the growing fetus. These involve adaptations of the cardiovascular, renal, blood, respiratory, and metabolic systems. An important metabolic adaptation is insulin sensitivity. Throughout gestation, insulin sensitivity changes according to the demands of pregnancy. During early gestation, insulin sensitivity increases, favoring glucose absorption into adipose tissue in preparation for subsequent energy demands.

What are the causes of diabetes during pregnancy?

However, as pregnancy progresses, the increase of local and placental hormones leads to insulin resistance. In this situation, we are talking about estrogen, progesterone, leptin, cortisol, human placental lactogen, and placental growth hormone. As a result, blood glucose is slightly elevated, and this glucose is transported across the placenta to fuel fetal growth.

While any pregnancy complication is worrying, there is good news. During this period, gestational diabetes can be prevented by eating healthy foods, exercising, and, if necessary, taking medication. Before taking any supplements, it is essential for pregnant women to consult a specialist doctor. Controlling blood glucose levels can keep mother and baby healthy and prevent a difficult birth.

Moreover, cold-pressed Aronia juice is a suitable option for preventing gestational diabetes. It regulates blood sugar and provides the energy the body needs during pregnancy. Vitamins, minerals, and especially antioxidants are very important for the mother and baby. In addition, aronia is very good for immunity, helping the body fight against viruses, bacteria, and germs.

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If gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, blood glucose levels generally return to normal shortly after birth. However, if you have had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You will need to be tested more often to detect changes in blood glucose.

Furthermore, the occurrence of gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean you already had diabetes before becoming pregnant. This condition can be triggered by pregnancy. Individuals who already had type 1 or type 2 diabetes need to pay more attention to these issues during pregnancy.

Prevalence of gestational diabetes affecting the fetus

Regarding official data, one study suggests that the global prevalence of gestational diabetes is approximately 14%. The European continent records an average of about 8% of this pathology.

Gestational diabetes – symptoms, values, and possible complications

Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes and the way the body converts food into energy. A hormone called insulin breaks down glucose (sugar) from food and passes it to cells. Insulin keeps blood glucose levels healthy. However, if insulin works poorly or the body doesn’t produce enough of it, sugar builds up in the blood, leading to diabetes.

During pregnancy, hormones can influence how insulin works. Blood sugar levels may not be regulated as they should be. Thus, gestational diabetes can occur. Genetic predisposition and being overweight are also factors that can tip the scales towards a positive diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes that can signal problems?

Gestational diabetes can occur in anyone during pregnancy. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes, including:

• Heart conditions:
• High blood pressure;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Obesity or being overweight;
• Family history of gestational diabetes;
• Polycystic ovary syndrome;
• Previous birth of a baby weighing 4 kg or more;
• Prediabetes (history of higher than normal blood sugar).

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes typically does not cause any symptoms. However, some pregnant women experience the following signs of gestational diabetes:

• Frequent urination (polyuria);
• Nausea;
• Thirst (polydipsia);
• Fatigue.

What are the values for gestational diabetes and when should we worry?

Usually, there are no warning signs of gestational diabetes. Symptoms are mild and often go unnoticed until a test with values indicating gestational diabetes. However, to establish a definitive diagnosis, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) must be performed. This is done between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.

How is this test performed?

Before testing, pregnant women should not consume anything. Specifically, they must avoid all liquids or food the night before and the morning of the test. Initially, a blood sample will be drawn to determine fasting blood glucose (fasting). Then, 75 g of glucose dissolved in still water must be drunk.

Subsequently, blood will be drawn again after one hour and then after two hours. Thus, this test will determine blood glucose values at 3 key moments:

• Fasting (normal <92 mg/dl);
• One hour after consuming glucose (normal <180 mg/dl);
• Two hours after consuming glucose (normal <153 mg/dl).

The American Diabetes Association considers a diagnosis of gestational diabetes to be valid in one situation. If at least one of the measurements is equal to or exceeds the mentioned threshold, the test can be considered positive.

When should we go to the doctor?

If possible, we should talk to our doctor immediately. If we develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, we may need more frequent check-ups. This way, the doctor can monitor blood glucose levels and the baby’s health.

What complications can gestational diabetes cause during pregnancy?

If left uncontrolled, this condition can lead to high blood glucose levels. Thus, gestational diabetes affects the fetus, as well as our health. In severe cases, an emergency Cesarean section is necessary.

Complications that can affect the baby

If we have gestational diabetes, the baby may have an increased risk of:

• Excessive birth weight. If blood glucose levels are higher than the standard range, it can cause the baby to overgrow. Very large babies, those weighing over 4 kg, are more prone to problems. They can get stuck in the birth canal, suffer birth injuries, and sometimes require a Cesarean section.
• Premature birth. Hyperglycemia can increase the risk of labor and premature birth before the due date. In some situations, early delivery may be recommended because the baby is large.
• Severe breathing difficulties. Premature babies may experience respiratory distress syndrome, a condition that makes breathing difficult.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Sometimes, babies have low blood sugar shortly after birth. Severe episodes of hypoglycemia can induce seizures in newborns. Prompt breastfeeding and intravenous glucose administration can bring the baby’s blood sugar levels back to normal.
• Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. Babies have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Sudden infant death syndrome. Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to the baby’s death either before term or shortly after birth.

Complications that can affect the mother

Gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of:

• High blood pressure (preeclampsia). Gestational diabetes increases the risk of pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. The term used in this case is “preeclampsia.” This is a serious pregnancy complication that causes other symptoms that can put us and the baby at risk.
• Future diabetes. If you have developed gestational diabetes, there is a high chance it will recur during a future pregnancy. You also have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes as you get older.

When it comes to gestational diabetes, we must pay very close attention to all signs. Not only to take care of our bodies in the long term, but also to provide the baby with the right environment to grow. At the same time, by preventing and treating gestational diabetes, we will also be able to control potential future episodes of this pathology.

What dietary options for gestational diabetes can we consider?

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Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder that can be controlled through lifestyle changes, with a particular focus on diet and exercise. Regarding nutrition, consuming small, frequent meals is recommended. Regular meals can help maintain stable blood glucose levels. There are also fruits allowed in gestational diabetes, such as aronia, blueberries, or sea buckthorn.

Here are the main actions and benefits they can have:

• Blood sugar control: Aronia and sea buckthorn contain compounds that can help stabilize blood glucose levels. These fruits contain dietary fiber, which can slow down the absorption of glucose from food, keeping blood sugar more stable.
• Anti-inflammatory effect and high antioxidant content: The mentioned fruits are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances.
• Vitamin and mineral intake: Aronia, blueberries, and sea buckthorn are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, E, and B complex. All of these help regulate glucose metabolism and maintain health.
• Weight control and digestion: The dietary fiber in the mentioned fruits contributes to weight control and maintaining healthy intestinal transit. This aspect is very important in the context of preventing gestational diabetes.

It is important to emphasize that gestational diabetes requires close medical supervision. In addition to including these fruits in the diet, blood glucose monitoring and adherence to the doctor’s recommended treatment are important. Before making any dietary or supplement changes, you must discuss them with your doctor. Only then can we prevent and control the signs of gestational diabetes, creating the perfect environment for the developing baby.

References:

1. Stanley, J., C. M. & Vickers, L., Baker, Plows, J. F., P. N., Reynolds, M. H. (2018). The Pathophysiology of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(11), 3342. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19113342
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10290305/
3. McCance DR. Diabetes in pregnancy. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2015 Jul
4. Immanuel J, Simmons D, Teede H, Hague WM, Nolan CJ, Flack JR, Peek MJ, McLean M, Kautzky-Willer A, Wong V, Hibbert E, Harreiter J, Backman H, Gianatti E, Sweeting A, Mohan V, Enticott J, Cheung NW; TOBOGM Research Group. Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosed Early in Pregnancy.

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