Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Women with gestational diabetes don’t usually have symptoms or may chalk them up to pregnancy. Most find out that they have it during a routine screening.

You may notice that:

• 1. You’re thirstier than usual
• 2. You’re hungrier and eat more than usual
• 3. You pee more than usual

Gestational Diabetes Causes

When you eat, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps move a sugar called glucose from your blood to your cells, which use it for energy.

During pregnancy, your placenta makes hormones that cause glucose to build up in your blood. Usually, your pancreas can send out enough insulin to handle it. But if your body can’t make enough insulin or stops using insulin like it should, your blood sugar levels rise, and you get gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors

You’re more likely to get gestational diabetes if you:

• 1. Were overweight before you got pregnant
• 2. Have blood sugar levels that are higher than they should be but not high enough to be diabetes (this is called prediabetes)
• 3. Have a family member with diabetes
• 4. Have had gestational diabetes before
• 5. Have high blood pressure or other medical complications
• 6. Have given birth to a large baby (weighing more than 9 pounds)
• 7. Have given birth to a baby who was stillborn or had certain birth defects
• 8. Are older than 25

Gestational Diabetes Treatment

If you have gestational diabetes, you’ll need treatment as soon as possible to keep yourself and your baby healthy during your pregnancy and delivery. Your doctor will ask you to:

• 1. Check your blood sugar levels four or more times a day
• 2. Check your urine for ketones, chemicals that mean that your diabetes isn’t under control
• 3. Eat a healthy diet
• 4. Make exercise a habit

Your doctor will keep track of your weight and your baby’s development. They might give you insulin or another medicine to keep your blood sugar under control.

Diet and Exercise for Gestational Diabetes

Take these simple steps to stay healthy:

• Eat a healthy, low-sugar diet. Follow a meal plan made for someone with diabetes. Talk to your doctor to be sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. Trade sugary snacks like cookies, candy, and ice cream for natural sugars like fruits, carrots, and raisins. Add vegetables and whole grains, and watch your portion sizes.
• Exercise throughout your pregnancy. Get active as soon as possible. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. Running, walking, swimming, and biking are all good options.