Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who previously did not have diabetes. It is caused by hormones from the placenta blocking the action of insulin in the mother's body, which leads to high blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of gestational diabetes may include:
- Feeling thirsty more often than usual
- Feeling more hungry than usual
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
However, many women with gestational diabetes do not have any noticeable symptoms, which is why screening tests are important during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes can be managed through a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels. In some cases, medication such as insulin may be required to control blood sugar levels. Treatment for gestational diabetes is important because uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can harm both the mother and the baby. Complications may include pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and high birth weight.
In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, so it is important to continue to monitor blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle after giving birth.