All about gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, affecting around 1 in 20 women.

Diabetes is a common condition in which there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This is because the body is either unable to make enough of the hormone insulin, or the insulin is unable to work effectively. Insulin is a hormone that allows your body to break down glucose in your blood to be used as energy. With inadequate insulin, glucose builds up in the blood leading to high blood glucose levels. If not properly controlled, can lead to problems for mum and bub.

What is the cause of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can be detected during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and the majority of cases return to normal after birth. Gestational diabetes occurs when a pregnant women's glucose levels are higher than normal, due to insufficient insulin in the blood or the body's inability to respond to insulin. As the pregnancy develops, the placenta produces hormones that help the baby grow and develop. These hormones are known to block the action of the mother's insulin – hence insulin becomes 'resistant' to working properly. Pregnant women are routinely checked for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of their pregnancy. Women at increased risk are usually tested earlier.

Who is at risk of gestational diabetes?

Any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, but risk factors that increase a women's susceptibility include:

·      Women who are overweight or obese

·      Women over 30 years of age

·      Women with a family history of Type 2 diabetes

·      Women who have had gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies

·      Previous babies were large at birth (4kg and over)

Complications

Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy puts the mother at a higher risk of various problems, including pre-eclampsia (pregnancy induced high blood pressure), premature labour, and increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. As gestational diabetes develops around the 24 to 28 week stage of pregnancy, glucose crosses the placenta exposing the baby to high glucose levels. This high sugar level in the baby's blood stimulates the baby's pancreas to produce extra insulin, which may cause the baby to grow larger than usual. As a result, babies are more likely to have a high birth weight and suffer birth trauma.

What can you do to reduce the risk?

To effectively reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes it is important pregnant women control blood glucose levels by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and doing regular physical activity.

What should I eat to reduce the risk?

·      Eat small amounts often. Not only will this satisfy your hunger, but also help to maintain a healthy weight.

·      Spread carbohydrate foods over three small meals and 2–3 snacks each day to help manage blood glucose levels.

·      Include some carbohydrates in every meal and snack. It's important to choose low glycemic index (low GI) carbohydrates. The lower the GI, the slower the rise in blood glucose levels will be when the food is consumed.

·      Limit saturated fat by choosing leaner cuts of meat, skinless chicken, low fat dairy foods and limit processed and fried foods.

·      Choose fibre-rich fruit, vegetables, legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, beans and wholegrain breads and cereals.

Keep moving

Physical activity helps keep blood glucose level under control and can reduce the likelihood of insulin resistance. Aim to include at least 30 minutes of regular physical activity each week, such as walking, swimming, stationary cycling and gentle yoga. As always, it's important to talk to your doctor before starting or continuing any form of physical activity while pregnant.

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