How gestational diabetes affects pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It usually develops towards the middle of pregnancy and usually disappears after delivery. It is diagnosed when the pregnant woman is given the O'Sullivan Test, known as the curve, which detects the blood glucose level. If the

If the values are higher than recommended, the pregnant woman should follow a special diet, exercise and periodically check the blood sugar level.

Questions and answers about diabetes in pregnancy

When is gestational diabetes?

There is a greater risk of suffering from this type of diabetes if you are older than 25 years, there is a family history of diabetes, you had diabetes in another previous pregnancy, you are overweight or you have high blood pressure.

Why does gestational diabetes occur?

The placenta produces hormones that can block the action of insulin, which is the substance that carries sugar from the blood to the cells.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

If the blood sugar levels are not very decompensated, the pregnant woman will not notice anything, but in the most serious cases, it can cause discomfort, increase the need for urination, more appetite, thirst and physical fatigue.

How do I know if I have gestational diabetes?

Between week 26 and 28, a glucose test is performed to determine the blood sugar level. It is known as O'Sullivan Test or curve test.

How is diabetes controlled in pregnancy?

In most cases, it is enough to perform a special diet consisting of not taking sugars, limiting fat intake to the maximum and controlling hydrates. Physical exercise is also important to burn excess glucose. Pregnant women who do not manage to control diabetes in this way, they are treated with insulin.

If the pregnant woman was already diabetic, what is the treatment?

Medication is usually changed if oral hypoglycemic agents are taken since they are contraindicated in pregnancy and insulin is administered.

Does diabetes disappear after delivery?

Yes, a few days after giving birth, the glucose levels return to their original state, except in very specific cases.

Does the woman have a higher risk of diabetes later?

Yes, in about 5 or 10 years the woman could develop diabetes, so it is a wake-up call to lead healthy lifestyle habits.

If diabetes is not controlled, what can happen?

Uncontrolled diabetic mothers can be born very large babies, who may suffer obesity in the future.