Gestational diabetes: When your sugar goes crazy during pregnancy
Gestational diabetes - i.e. Diabetes that occurs for the first time during pregnancy - is one of the most common pregnancy complications today and affects around 10-15 % of all pregnant women worldwide. The good news is that with the right treatment, the risk for you and your baby can be significantly reduced.
What is gestational diabetes anyway?
Your hormone balance changes during pregnancy. These hormones make your body more „insulin-resistant“ - meaning your insulin is less effective. If your pancreas is unable to compensate for this, your blood sugar rises, resulting in gestational diabetes (GDM or „gestational diabetes“).
Typical risk factors are, for example
- Overweight before pregnancy
- older age of the mother
- Diabetes in the family
- Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
For this reason, a pregnancy test is usually carried out between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Sugar test (oral glucose tolerance test) is offered.
Why is this important for you and your baby?
Untreated gestational diabetes can:
- Letting your baby grow excessively (macrosomia) - this increases the risk of caesarean section or birth injuries.
- Increase your risk of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
- can lead to hypoglycaemia and adaptation problems in the baby after birth.
In the long term, gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Your child also has a higher risk of obesity and metabolic disorders.
What can you do yourself?
In most cases, the Basic therapy:
- an adapted, carbohydrate-conscious diet and
- Regular, moderate exercise (if permitted by your doctor)
This allows many women to control their blood sugar levels well. If this is not sufficient, insulin or - depending on the doctor's practice and guidelines - certain tablets such as metformin can be used.
After the birth: Please don't „forget“!
Even if your blood sugar often normalises after giving birth, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on remains significantly increased. That is why they are important:
- a sugar load test a few weeks after birth,
- regular check-ups at the doctor and
- a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
How does the Hasen Apotheke support you?
| Your situation | What we can do for you at the Hasen Apotheke |
|---|---|
| You have many questions about the diagnosis | We explain gestational diabetes to you calmly and in understandable language. |
| You need to measure blood sugar | We help you with the selection and use of measuring devices, lancets and test strips. |
| You inject insulin or take metformin | We will show you how to handle and store them correctly and inform you about possible side effects. |
| You want to adapt your lifestyle | We give you practical tips on nutrition and exercise - in addition to medical advice. |
| After the birth | We will remind you about follow-up care and support you in preventing diabetes. |
Hasen Apotheke's support services for gestational diabetes.
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes is a scare at first - but No reason to panic. If you take the checks seriously, adjust your diet and exercise and follow the doctor's recommendations, you can do a lot for yourself and your baby.
The team at Hasen Apotheke will be happy to accompany you personally on this journey. Book your free consultation appointment with us!
