THE gestational diabetes is a condition that can arise during gestation, characterized by increased levels of glucose in the blood of pregnant, even if she didn't have diabetes mellitus previously. With a good diagnosis, monitoring and changes in lifestyle, it is possible to control the condition and ensure the health of the mother and baby. Understand the main risks, symptoms and how to do it treatment of gestational diabetes safely.
Summary
Explanatory video about the challenges of Gestational Diabetes:
What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
THE gestational diabetes often does not present obvious symptoms. Therefore, the diagnosis early is essential. When they occur, the gestational diabetes symptoms include:
- Excessive thirst;
- Increased urge to urinate;
- Extreme fatigue;
- Blurred vision;
- Frequent infections, such as urinary or skin.
These signs can be confused with common changes during pregnancy, which reinforces the importance of prenatal with routine examinations. The Brazilian Diabetes Society recommends special attention for women with risk factors, such as obesity, family history or gestational age over 35 years.
What causes gestational diabetes?
THE gestational diabetes is caused by a resistance to insulin that arises from hormonal changes in the gestation. The placenta produces hormones that reduce the effectiveness of insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia (high levels of glucose in the blood).
If the woman's body is not able to produce insulin sufficient to compensate for this resistance, the diabetes in pregnancy. This condition usually appears between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.
Among the risk factors are overweight before pregnancy, sedentary lifestyle, polycystic ovary syndrome and history of gestational diabetes mellitus in previous pregnancies.
How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
THE diabetes diagnosis is done through laboratory tests during the prenatal, especially among the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The most common is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which consists of ingesting a sugar solution and measuring the blood glucose on an empty stomach and after 1 and 2 hours.
Values of fasting blood glucose equal to or greater than 92 mg/dL are already indicative of gestational diabetes. Measurement of the fasting plasma glucose at the beginning of the gestational period, and in cases of high risk, this examination may be brought forward.
THE Brazilian Diabetes Society and entities of gynecology and obstetrics reinforce the importance of screening tests for all pregnant women.
What are the risks of gestational diabetes for the mother and baby?
THE gestational diabetes can bring significant risks to the mother and baby. For pregnant women, there is a greater chance of preeclampsia, premature birth, need for cesarean section and increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes after childbirth.
For the baby, there are risks of fetal macrosomia (overweight), neonatal hypoglycemia, respiratory problems at birth and a greater likelihood of obesity and diabetes mellitus in adult life. The diabetes in pregnancy can also lead to complications such as malformations and fetal death if not well controlled.
Strict monitoring of the blood glucose and following medical recommendations helps to minimize these risks and ensure health of pregnant women and babies.
Is there a cure for gestational diabetes?
THE gestational diabetes There is no definitive cure, but it can be reversed after childbirth, in most cases. With the end of gestation, hormone levels normalize and glucose tends to return to values considered healthy.
However, it is essential to continue medical monitoring, as there is a risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. According to the Brazilian Diabetes Society, about 40% of the women who had gestational diabetes mellitus can evolve into type 2 diabetes if they do not adopt one lifestyle healthy after pregnancy.
👉 To understand how this and other disorders affect the body during pregnancy, check out our complete guide to hormonal imbalance.
What is the treatment for gestational diabetes?
THE treatment of gestational diabetes is based on three pillars: healthy eating, physical activity moderate and, if necessary, use of insulin. The main objective is to maintain the glucose levels under control to avoid complications for the pregnant woman and baby.
Diet should prioritize foods with a low index glycemic, rich in fiber and whole grains. Smaller, more frequent meals help maintain blood glucose stable. Recommended physical exercises should be light, such as walking, and always authorized by the obstetrician.
In cases where these measures are not sufficient, the doctor may prescribe insulin to assist in controlling the blood glucose.
What to eat with gestational diabetes?
THE healthy eating is one of the main features in treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. Recommended foods include:
- Vegetables and legumes rich in fiber;
- Fruits with a low glycemic index (apple, pear, strawberry);
- Lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs);
- Whole grains (brown rice, oats);
- Oilseeds (nuts, chestnuts) in small portions.
Refined sugar, sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods. Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your body hydrated and help control your glucose.
What are normal blood glucose levels for pregnant women?
According to the Brazilian Diabetes Society, you glucose levels ideal for women with gestational diabetes they are:
- Fasting blood glucose: below 95 mg/dL;
- 1 hour after meals: below 140 mg/dL.
Maintaining these values helps reduce risks to mother and baby health. Therefore, it is important to monitor your blood glucose levels using a glucometer, keep a diary with the results and perform laboratory tests as directed by your doctor.
Can gestational diabetes kill the baby?
If not well controlled, the gestational diabetes can yes, it can cause serious complications for the baby, such as fetal distress, difficulty breathing, macrosomia and even intrauterine death. However, with early diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes, these risks are drastically reduced.
THE blood glucose uncontrolled during the gestational period also increases the risk of premature birth and neonatal hypoglycemia. Strict prenatal care and multidisciplinary monitoring are essential to ensure a safe pregnancy.
Can people with gestational diabetes have a normal birth?
Yes, women with gestational diabetes may have normal delivery, as long as the condition is under control. What can influence the decision is the baby weight (macrosomia) or the presence of complications. The decision between normal delivery or cesarean section will be taken together with the medical team.
Keep the glucose levels within the recommended range, following the eating plan, taking exams at the correct time and following the birth plan are attitudes that favor a safe vaginal birth, including for women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: How to safely manage gestational diabetes
- THE gestational diabetes can occur even in women with no history of diabetes;
- THE diagnosis is done between the 24th and 28th week with the oral glucose tolerance test;
- Balanced diet, exercise and, if necessary, insulin are part of the treatment;
- The risks for mother and baby they exist, but can be avoided with medical supervision;
- After giving birth, most women return to normal blood glucose levels, but monitoring remains essential.
Adopt a lifestyle healthy during pregnancy and after childbirth is essential to prevent complications and ensure the well-being of the family.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about gestational diabetes
What is gestational diabetes?
It is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy, in which the levels of glucose in the blood rise due to resistance to insulin.
When is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
Usually between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, with the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Is there a cure for gestational diabetes?
There is no definitive cure, but it usually goes away. after childbirth. However, it is important to keep monitoring.
What are the risks to the baby?
Risk of macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, future obesity and complications during childbirth.
Is it possible to have a natural birth?
Yes, as long as the levels of blood glucose are controlled and there are no other complications.
What can I eat with gestational diabetes?
Fruits with low index glycemic, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains are recommended.
Can gestational diabetes come back?
Yes, there is a risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, so medical monitoring must continue.
What is the ICD for gestational diabetes?
The ICD-10 for gestational diabetes is O24.4, which corresponds to “diabetes mellitus that begins during pregnancy”. This code is used to record and monitor cases diagnosed specifically during the gestational period.
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