Gestational diabetes affects about 9% of pregnant women, making it a common health concern during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications not only for the mother but also for the baby.

In this article, we discuss why ignoring gestational diabetes can be dangerous.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar levels effectively.

The pancreas produces insulin that helps your body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. When you are pregnant, your hormones can interfere with this process, and the result is high blood sugar levels.

Risks for Mother and Baby

Ignoring gestational diabetes can lead to a host of complications for both the mother and the baby. Some of the risks for the mother include:.

Risks to the Mother

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can occur in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. It is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the kidneys and liver. Preeclampsia can be fatal for both the mother and the baby.

Birthing Complications

Women with gestational diabetes are more likely to have birthing complications such as the need for a C-section, which increases the risk of infection and other postpartum problems.

Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Risks to the Baby

Macrosomia

Macrosomia is a condition where the baby is born larger than average. The baby can grow too large when there is too much sugar in the mother’s blood.

A large baby can cause shoulder dystocia during delivery, where the baby’s shoulders become stuck after the head has been delivered. This can cause nerve damage to the baby’s arm.

Low Blood Sugar

When the baby is born, it can suffer from low blood sugar levels because it has been producing too much insulin in the womb to process the extra glucose from the mother’s blood.

Low blood sugar in a newborn can lead to seizures and other complications.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a condition that occurs when the baby’s lungs are not fully developed. It can be fatal if not treated immediately.

How is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?

Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Your doctor will ask you to take a glucose screening test and follow-up glucose tolerance test if necessary.

The glucose screening test involves drinking a sugary drink and then measuring your blood sugar level a certain amount of time afterward. If your levels are high, you will be asked to take a glucose tolerance test, which involves fasting overnight and then drinking a sugary drink.

Your blood sugar levels will be tested every hour for up to three hours to see how your body handles the glucose.

Treatment and Management of Gestational Diabetes

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor will work out a treatment plan with you to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You may be asked to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and keep a food diary.

You may also be advised to exercise more and make lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.

Conclusion

Ignoring gestational diabetes can be dangerous for both mother and baby, leading to serious complications. If you are pregnant, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and any treatment plan for gestational diabetes.