Gestational Diabetes: Is it dangerous and how is it treated?

Published at 03 November 2024

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels rise above normal during pregnancy only; it occurs as a result of the change in hormones during this period, which leads to increased insulin resistance and increased insulin secretion. (1)

Quick facts: (2)

Most women with gestational diabetes complete their pregnancy normally and give birth to healthy babies.
Gestational diabetes can be detected through a simple test performed on all women between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes can be easily controlled by following a low-sugar diet and exercising. Some women may need to use safe medications that do not pose a risk to pregnancy, such as insulin.
If gestational diabetes continues untreated, this can cause complications for the mother and fetus.
Gestational diabetes usually disappears after delivery, and blood sugar levels return to normal, but the woman remains at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, if she does not take good care of her health and diet.

When does gestational diabetes occur?

Gestational diabetes often occurs in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, so a routine test is performed to detect it between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, through a gestational diabetes test, also known as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If hyperglycemia was detected before this period, it is likely that she had chronic diabetes before pregnancy. (3)

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes often does not show clear symptoms, but there are signs that may indicate the presence of gestational diabetes, such as: increased amniotic fluid, and an increase in the size of the fetus and its growth faster than the normal rate. (4)

If symptoms appear on a woman with gestational diabetes, they include the following: (5)

Extreme thirst.
Frequent urination.
Fatigue.
Nausea.
Recurrent infections of the vagina, bladder, or skin.
Blurred vision.
Urine tests show the presence of sugar in the urine (Glycosuria).

Categories at risk for gestational diabetes

Any woman can develop gestational diabetes, globally 14.7% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, and Middle Eastern countries have some of the highest rates of gestational diabetes in the world; for example, in Qatar, 21.5% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes; that is, 1 in 5 pregnant women, which is a very high rate compared to global rates.

There are certain factors that increase the risk of gestational diabetes, including: (5)

Having previously gestational diabetes or prediabetes.
Having a first-degree relative with diabetes.
Having previously given birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kilograms.
Obesity or being overweight.
Polycystic ovary syndrome.
Inactivity and lack of movement.

Is it dangerous?

If gestational diabetes is followed up regularly with the doctor, and the mother adheres to his treatment instructions, it does not pose a significant risk to her or the fetus. However, untreated gestational diabetes can lead to several complications, including: (5)(6)

Increased fetal weight (more than 4 kilograms), which may cause problems during delivery and often requires a cesarean section.
Premature birth, which exposes the fetus to several risks, including respiratory problems.
Blood sugar disorders in the fetus after birth.
The risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes in children in the future.
Increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

What is the treatment for gestational diabetes?

Controlling blood sugar levels during pregnancy is the most important factor to ensure a normal pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child without complications. To achieve this, it is necessary to make lifestyle modifications, including changes in diet and exercise. If these measures are not sufficient, medications that are safe for pregnant women are used. (7)

Changing the diet

Moderate your intake of carbohydrates at each meal and choose complex carbohydrates that do not raise blood sugar quickly in the blood, such as: whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
Reduce your intake of foods rich in added sugars, such as processed food, sweets, juices, and soft drinks, and replace them with sweet fruits or vegetables.
Eat 3 main meals during the day at the same time, with healthy snacks if needed, but the important thing is that there is no long period between meals.
Pay attention to the amount of portions in each meal.
Focus on eating proteins in each meal and replace saturated fats (butter and hydrogenated oil) with healthy fats, such as nuts, olive oil, and avocado.
Use healthy cooking methods, such as grilling or boiling.

Exercise

Try to do moderate physical activities throughout your pregnancy, including walking, hiking, swimming, etc. The important thing is to maintain a regular routine, for example, walk for half an hour at least 5 days a week during your break at work, or use the stairs every day when going up to your apartment, etc.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe medications to control your blood sugar levels, from the time you are diagnosed or if lifestyle changes do not improve your blood sugar levels. Medications that are considered safe for pregnant women include insulin and metformin (Glucophage).

Make sure to monitor your health during pregnancy and discover effective ways to control gestational diabetes with the help of our specialized medical team in the Women's Clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital.