Gestational diabetes, or gestational diabetes mellitus, is characterized by a disturbance in the metabolism of carbohydrates, which manifests itself in an increased level of sugar in the blood. Sugar is not sufficiently absorbed by the cells of the body and circulates in larger quantities in the blood. Because glucose does not get into the cells in sufficient quantity, the organism paradoxically starves. It typically appears in the second half of pregnancy and usually ends in the sixth trimester.
What are the causes of gestational diabetes?
Congenital predispositions, lack of exercise & changes in a woman's hormonal profile are often involved in the development. Risk factors include age, genetics, lack of exercise, obesity, diet with a high glycemic index (especially simple carbohydrates - sweets, sugar, etc.). Conversely, protective factors include sufficient fiber, a low glycemic index and regular physical activity.
Glycemic index values are influenced by several factors. For example, the content of fiber, protein, fat or acids (lemon juice, etc.) lowers the glycemic index of the given food. At the same time, it is important to mention that it also depends on the type and length of technological modification of the diet, for example baked potatoes will have a higher glycemic index than boiled, or pasta cooked "al dente" will have a lower glycemic index than boiled.
Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that lowers blood sugar. Insulin function is affected by the growing placenta. It produces hormones that, in some cases, do not maintain the level of sugar in the bloodstream at standard values. The baby then grows unnaturally fast and has a higher birth weight and larger organs, which can also affect its development after birth.
Symptoms of gestational diabetes are often unambiguous. Diabetes can cause, for example, more frequent and increased excretion of urine (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia). The examination of gestational diabetes takes place between the 24th and 28th. week of pregnancy.
An oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) is performed to find out how well the body can process larger amounts of sugar.
If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, the doctor prescribes medication with an active substance called metformin or insulin. It is also important to adjust your diet and focus more on physical activity.
Verra Team
List of used literature:
Gestational diabetes - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) - DIAvision. Diabetology and endocrinology Prague 4 - DIAvize [online]. Available from: https://www.diavize.cz/tehotenska-cukrovka/
KREJČÍ, PhD., MD. Hannah. Gestational diabetes. Online. Available from: https://www.tehotenskacukrovka.cz/. https www.diab.cz/dokumenty/DP_GDM_2017.pdf
