Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is described as a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women who did not suffer from diabetes prior to her pregnancy. According to a report from the Philippine Department of Health, 1 out of 7 pregnant women suffer from complications caused by gestational diabetes. Most women recover from gestational diabetes after giving birth, but some can still suffer from its side effects later on.
What are the signs and symptoms
Pregnant women are encouraged to keep their medical appointments with healthcare providers to monitor the status of their pregnancies, including monitoring for possible development of gestational diabetes. GDM does not present obvious symptoms, but increased thirst and more frequent urination are some initial signs to watch out for.
Prenatal care is an essential part of a successful pregnancy to ensure that both the mother and the baby are healthy. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed during the first trimester of your pregnancy, so additional blood tests may be requested by your doctor to monitor your glucose levels.
What causes GDM
The exact cause of GDM is not yet known, but being overweight prior to getting pregnant can contribute to your risk levels. Women who have pre-existing health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and/or have a family medical history of diabetes are also put at risk of getting GDM.
Suffering from GDM also puts you at risk of surgical delivery (C-section), secondary to delivering a big baby. It is important that you keep a close eye on your health condition throughout your entire pregnancy to avoid possible complications like high blood pressure, preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnant women), and future cases of diabetes.
What you can do
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to manage gestational diabetes. This means you should:
- Keep an active routine - do brisk walking and some light exercises (if allowed by your doctor).
- Avoid gaining excessive weight – putting on extra pounds that is more than what is recommended will increase your risk to more health complications.
- Eat balanced meals – get creative in the kitchen and mix in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains into your diet. Portion control is one of the best ways to keep your hunger pangs at bay.
- Get a head start – adjust your lifestyle and set a target weight for yourself before you get pregnant to avoid developing complications later on.
Each person’s experience with GDM is different from others, which is why it is essential that you work with your OB-GYN in creating a personalized treatment plan for you and your child. Having a healthy pregnancy leading to a safe delivery is what families hope for, and it can be made possible by seeking proper medical guidance, living a healthy lifestyle, and taking appropriate health supplements if needed.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
http://caro.doh.gov.ph/health-sector-underlines-women-and-diabetes/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339
https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational
