Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that is experienced by pregnant women, from the time of pregnancy to delivery. This condition is prone to be experienced in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Find out more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of gestational diabetes.
When the body cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy, gestational diabetes occurs. In order not to cause dangerous pregnancy complications, here are the causes, symptoms and treatment of gestational diabetes that you need to know.
Causes and Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes
Although it is not certain, the cause of gestational diabetes is thought to be related to excessive hormone production, growth hormone, HPL (Human Placental Lactogen), and cortisol during pregnancy. This condition makes it difficult for the body to process blood sugar, so that blood sugar levels increase and cause gestational diabetes.
In addition, here are some factors that increase the risk of gestational diabetes:
- Overweight or obesity.
- Family history of diabetes.
- Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
- suffer polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Have high blood pressure or hypertension.
- Giving birth to babies weighing over 4.5 kg in previous pregnancies.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
When blood sugar levels are too high or hyperglycemia, the following symptoms appear:
- Dry mouth.
- Often thirsty.
- Frequent urination.
- Get tired.
- Decreased vision.
Keep in mind, the above symptoms can be experienced by pregnant women. Therefore, consult and check with your doctor regularly if you experience the symptoms mentioned above.
Management of Gestational Diabetes
Management of gestational diabetes focuses on preventing complications of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Here are some methods of treating gestational diabetes that can be done:
1. Diets
Dietary changes to control blood sugar levels will be recommended by your doctor. Patients are asked to increase their intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. In addition, the doctor will ask the patient to reduce consumption of food and drinks with high sugar and saturated fat content.
2. Sports
The next treatment for gestational diabetes is to exercise regularly to reduce blood sugar levels. In addition, regular exercise is beneficial for reducing pregnant women’s complaints, such as swollen feet, back pain, difficulty sleeping, and constipation. Consult with your doctor to find out the type of exercise that suits your health condition.
3. Drugs
If the previous methods don’t work for gestational diabetes, the doctor will give drugs that aim to reduce blood sugar levels, for example metformin. If needed, the doctor can also give injectable insulin.
Prevention of Gestational Diabetes
Although gestational diabetes cannot be avoided, there are various ways you can do to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, namely:
- Eat foods with complete and balanced nutrition, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Eat in small portions, but often.
- Reduce fast food and drinks or foods high in sugar.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Exercise regularly before and during pregnancy according to pregnancy conditions.
- Cut down on starchy foods, such as noodles, bread or potatoes.
- Eat on a regular schedule.
- Check with your obstetrician regularly.
