Gestational Diabetes Prevention: What Every Mom Needs to Know!

Gestational diabetes develops when blood sugar becomes too high (hyperglycemia) during pregnancy. This condition occurs when hormones from the placenta interfere with the body's ability to produce or use insulin optimally.

Insulin plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood glucose levels. Too high glucose levels can lead to complications during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes appears in the middle of pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. Please keep in mind that gestational diabetes does not mean that you had diabetes before pregnancy.

After giving birth, blood sugar levels typically return to normal. However, having had gestational diabetes raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

In most cases, gestational diabetes does not cause obvious signs or symptoms. If there are any symptoms, they are similar to those of regular diabetes, including excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, and fatigue.

What happens if a pregnant woman develops gestational diabetes?

If a pregnant woman develops gestational diabetes and does not maintain normal blood sugar levels, it can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby.

For the mother, gestational diabetes increases the risk of not being able to give birth normally because of the baby’s large size. It raises the possibility of developing preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning).

For the baby, some conditions that may occur include:

• Excessive birth weight (fetal macrosomia).
• Breathing problems at birth.
• Hypoglycemia. This condition can cause seizures in newborns.
• Obesity, especially if the birth weight is more than 4,000 grams.
• Premature birth.
• Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes

1. Obesity and overweight

Research shows that a higher body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of gestational diabetes. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to manage blood sugar levels.

2. Genetic factors

Pregnant women with a family history of diabetes are at 3.52 times greater risk of developing gestational diabetes than those without this genetic factor.

3. History of gestational diabetes

A meta-analysis published in the BMJ revealed that women with a history of gestational diabetes are at 10 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after childbirth.

4. Maternal age over 35 years

The risk of gestational diabetes increases in pregnant women over 35 years of age, especially if there are additional factors, such as hypertension, obesity, PCOS, or a history of gestational diabetes, because insulin sensitivity decreases or insulin resistance occurs.

5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Women with PCOS have higher insulin resistance, which may increase their risk of gestational diabetes.

How do I manage gestational diabetes?

The good news is that gestational diabetes can often be managed through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and, if necessary, medication.

Keeping blood sugar levels under control is critical to ensure the health of both mother and baby and to help prevent complications during delivery.

Lifestyle changes

Your lifestyle, diet, and physical activity are important in stabilizing your blood sugar levels.

Here are several lifestyle changes that can help:

Healthy eating habits 

Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—nutrient-dense foods high in fiber and low in fat and calories. Eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, including berries.

Drink plenty of water and consume high-fiber foods to avoid constipation. Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods, and beware of “hidden” carbohydrates and sugars. Read nutrition labels to learn more about what you’re eating.

Reduce your salt intake by avoiding processed and packaged foods and choosing products labeled “low-salt.”

Avoid foods and drinks that may be harmful to your baby, such as alcohol, raw or undercooked fish, fish with high levels of mercury, undercooked meat or poultry, and unpasteurized soft cheeses.

Stay active

Physical activity can help reduce blood sugar levels. As a bonus, regular exercise can also help relieve pregnancy discomforts, such as back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation, and sleep problems.

Aim for 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise on most days of the week. If you’re new to exercising, start slowly and increase the intensity gradually. Walking, biking, and swimming are all safe options during pregnancy. You can also stay active with everyday activities, such as housework and gardening.

Blood sugar levels monitoring

Check your blood sugar levels at least four times a day—in the morning and after meals—to ensure your levels are stable.

Medications

If diet and exercise aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar levels, your doctor may prescribe insulin injections to help lower them.

Monitor your baby’s development

A key part of managing gestational diabetes is closely monitoring your baby’s growth and development. Your doctor may use ultrasounds or other tests to monitor your baby’s growth.

If you don’t go into labor on time—or if you need to go into labor earlier—your doctor may recommend inducing labor to reduce the risk of complications for you and your baby.

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Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnancy hormones make your body resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can pose risks to both the mother and her baby.

Start by increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits. Eating regularly also helps to prevent blood sugar levels from remaining stable.

If you have questions about gestational diabetes or are experiencing symptoms, visit GWS Medika Clinic, a health clinic in Jakarta, for further consultation.