During pregnancy, some women develop high blood sugar levels. This condition is known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes typically develops between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
Advanced maternal age , overweight / obesity and ethnicity ,hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovarian syndrome, polymorphisms of susceptible genes, increase low grade inflammation, increase insulin receptor phosphorylation defects, decrease adiponectin, Increase in adipocyte fatty acid binding protein results in beta cell dysfunction insufficient insulin production and insulin resistance. There is increase in glucose and increase free fatty acids resulting in gestational diabetes .
During pregnancy oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol and prolactin, increase in human placental lactogen
Defective insulin receptor phosphorylation IRS 1 expression p58 subunit of P13K expression
Decrease in pancreatic beta cell and increase in insulin secreation
It leads to hyperinsulemia and causes INSULIN RESISTANCE
Increase in glucose and increase and increase free fatty acids leads to Insulin resistance
Fatigue
Excessive thrist
Frequent urination
Snoring
Blurred vision
Nausea.
The American diabetes association also advises that you to be tested for type 2 diabetes if you have the risk factors forthis condition. This testing should be done at your first prenatal visit.
Screening is done by these tests:
One hour glucose tolerance test:
The person is aske to drink a special beverages which is high in sugar. One hour later the healthcare provider measures your blood sugar (glucose) levels. If the levels are hogher than a certain level, this is considered an abnormal result.
Three-hour glucose tolerance test:
If the 1-hour test is abnormal, you will have a second glucose tolerance test done to confirm the diagnosis. You will drink another special beverage, but with more sugar. Your healthcare provider will measure your blood sugar levels 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours later. You have gestational diabetes if at least two of the glucose measurements are higher than normal.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you should get tested for diabetes 4 to 12 weeks after your baby is born. You should also get this screening at least every 3 years for the rest of your life.
First-trimester laboratory studies
Second-trimester laboratory studies
Ultrasonography
Electrocardiography
If maternal diabetes is longstanding or associated with known microvascular disease, obtain a baseline maternal electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram.
Normal range:
The gestational diabetes can lead to diabetes in later stages of life and and also it predicts whether the diabetes is present before the pregnancy. The appropriate treatment at the time might leads to the deterioration in the diabetes of the pregnant women.
Spend atleast 150 minutes per week of anaerobic exercises such as walking or cycling .
Avoid saturated and trans fats along with refined carbohydrates out of your diet.
Take large amounts of fruits, vegetables and grains.
Eat smaller portions and don’t take large amount of food at a time.
