🌸 What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy. It happens when hormones from the placenta interfere with how the body uses insulin, causing high blood sugar.
It usually appears around weeks 24–28 of pregnancy and often disappears after birth — but it can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
⚡ Symptoms
Most women don’t notice symptoms, but some may experience:
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Increased thirst
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Frequent urination
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Tiredness (UK: fatigue)
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Blurred vision
🧪 Risk Factors
You may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:
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Are over 25 years old
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Have a family history of diabetes
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Are overweight before pregnancy
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Had gestational diabetes in a past pregnancy
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Belong to certain ethnic backgrounds with higher risk
🩺 Diagnosis
Doctors usually test for gestational diabetes between weeks 24–28 using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
🍎 Managing Gestational Diabetes
Treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar in a healthy range for both mother and baby:
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Healthy diet → high in fibre (US: fiber), low in processed sugar
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Regular exercise (safe for pregnancy, like walking or yoga)
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Monitoring blood sugar at home
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Insulin therapy (if diet and exercise are not enough)
👶 Possible Complications
If untreated, gestational diabetes can cause:
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Large baby size (macrosomia) → harder delivery
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Premature birth
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Low blood sugar in the newborn
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Higher chance of caesarean (UK: caesarian/US: cesarean) delivery
🌍 After Pregnancy
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Blood sugar usually returns to normal after birth.
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But women who had gestational diabetes have a 35–60% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.
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Regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle are important.
✅ Key Takeaway: With the right care, most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and babies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gestational Diabetes
Q1: When does gestational diabetes usually appear?
A: It usually develops between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, when pregnancy hormones affect how the body uses insulin.
Q2: Can gestational diabetes harm my baby?
A: If untreated, it can cause complications such as large baby size (macrosomia), premature birth, or low blood sugar in the newborn. With proper care, most babies are born healthy.
Q3: Does gestational diabetes go away after delivery?
A: Yes, in most cases blood sugar levels return to normal after birth. However, mothers remain at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Q4: How is gestational diabetes treated?
A: Treatment usually includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. Some women may need insulin if lifestyle changes are not enough.
Q5: Can I breastfeed if I had gestational diabetes?
A: Yes. In fact, breastfeeding can help regulate blood sugar for both mother and baby, and may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in mothers.
Q6: Who is most at risk?
A: Women over 25, those who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or had gestational diabetes before are at higher risk.
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