Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions affecting pregnant women. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

It is considered a mild form of diabetes and is usually diagnosed around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. Although the condition typically resolves after delivery, it can have long-term health implications for both the mother and the baby. Several factors can influence a woman’s risk of developing GDM, including seasonal changes.

What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is a condition when pregnant women with no prior history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

The condition occurs when the mother’s insulin resistance increases, causing her body to produce more insulin. It happens when the body is unable to use the hormone, insulin, effectively. Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be converted into energy.

Therefore, when a mother is insulin resistant, her body has difficulty dealing with the increased sugar in her blood, leading to GDM.

What are the Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

GDM usually does not show any symptoms. However, some women might experience symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, and increased hunger.

These symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but they typically go away after delivery.

What are the Risk Factors for Developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Several factors may influence a woman’s risk of developing GDM, including:.

Obesity or being overweight before pregnancy
Previous history of GDM
Family history of diabetes
Advanced maternal age (over 35 years old)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Having a large baby or having a stillbirth in the past
High blood pressure
History of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

Seasonal Factors and Gestational Diabetes Risk

Several studies suggest that seasonal changes may play a role in a woman’s risk of developing GDM.

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found an association between the season of conception and the risk of GDM. The research showed that women who conceived in the winter and spring months had a higher risk of GDM than women who conceived during the summer months. The study suggested that the seasonal variation of vitamin D may play a role in the risk of GDM.

Vitamin D is essential for glucose metabolism, and deficiency of this vitamin has been linked with insulin resistance and GDM.

Another study published in the journal Diabetes Care found a correlation between the timing of GDM diagnosis and the season of delivery.

The study analyzed the medical records of almost 1,000 women with GDM in Singapore and found that women diagnosed with GDM in the fourth quarter of the year had a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than those diagnosed in the other three quarters. The researchers suggested that the higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the winter and early spring could be due to lower vitamin D levels, which is related to less sun exposure during these months.

Conclusion

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women. The condition occurs when the mother’s insulin resistance increases, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Several factors may influence a woman’s risk of developing GDM, including obesity, family history of diabetes, and advanced maternal age. Research suggests that seasonal factors may also play a role in the development of GDM. Specifically, seasonal variations in vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of GDM.

It is important for pregnant women to be mindful of their health and to speak with their healthcare provider about ways to reduce their risk of developing GDM.