Gestational Diabetes – What It Is, How You Can Prevent It, and How to Know If You Have It

Gestational diabetes is a common condition that affects pregnant women, but many women are unaware of what it is, how to prevent it, or how to recognize the symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes or are concerned about the risk, you’re not alone. The good news is, with proper knowledge, lifestyle changes, and early intervention, gestational diabetes can be managed effectively, and you can have a healthy pregnancy.

In this post, we will explore what gestational diabetes is, how to prevent it, and the signs and tests that can help you know if you have it.

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy, or when your body’s cells become resistant to the insulin it produces. As a result, high blood sugar levels can develop, which can affect both the mother and baby.

Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes is specifically tied to pregnancy and generally appears in the second or third trimester. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can interfere with your body's ability to process insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

While gestational diabetes typically goes away after childbirth, it can have serious implications for both the mother and baby during pregnancy. It’s essential to understand gestational diabetes and the steps you can take to manage or prevent it.

How Can I Prevent Gestational Diabetes?

While some risk factors for gestational diabetes, such as age, family history, or ethnicity, are beyond your control, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. In fact, prevention is possible and begins with healthy habits before and during pregnancy.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight Before Pregnancy

If you're planning to conceive, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Excess weight, especially abdominal fat, can increase the risk of insulin resistance.

2. Eat a Balanced Diet

A nutrient-dense diet that supports stable blood sugar levels is essential. Focus on whole foods, such as:

• Proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, legumes)

• Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil)

• Fiber-rich vegetables (broccoli, spinach, cauliflower)

• Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)

Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugary foods, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Consuming small, balanced meals throughout the day rather than large meals can also help keep your blood sugar levels stable.

3. Stay Active

Regular physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels and can reduce insulin resistance. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, including activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine during pregnancy.

4. Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels

If you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend checking your blood sugar levels before pregnancy or during the early stages of pregnancy to catch any early signs of gestational diabetes.

How Do I Know if I Have Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes often has no obvious symptoms, which is why it’s important to get tested during pregnancy. However, some women may experience mild symptoms, such as:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

But even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to get tested, as gestational diabetes can still develop without noticeable signs. In most cases, your healthcare provider will recommend a glucose screening test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, which is the standard procedure for diagnosing gestational diabetes.

1. Glucose Screening Test

This is a routine blood test done between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. You’ll be asked to drink a sugary solution, and your blood sugar levels will be measured an hour later. If your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, your doctor may recommend a follow-up test.

2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

If the initial screening indicates high blood sugar, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the next step. During this test, you’ll drink a larger dose of glucose, and your blood sugar will be measured multiple times over the course of a few hours. This test helps determine whether you have gestational diabetes.

What Happens If I’m Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes?

A diagnosis of gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to know that it is manageable with the right approach. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor or healthcare provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that includes:

1. Blood Sugar Monitoring

You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly at home using a glucometer to ensure they stay within a healthy range. Tracking your blood sugar levels helps you understand how your body responds to different foods, activities, and insulin (if prescribed).

2. A Healthy Diet

Working with a nutritionist or dietitian can help you develop a meal plan that maintains stable blood sugar levels. Your diet should include whole foods, low-glycemic-index carbs, and balanced portions of protein and healthy fats. Some women may also need to avoid certain foods that spike blood sugar.

3. Exercise

Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and can lower blood sugar levels. Your doctor will guide you on what types of exercise are safe and beneficial during pregnancy.

4. Medication or Insulin

If diet and exercise aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar levels, your doctor may prescribe medication or insulin to help keep your levels in check.

How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect My Baby?

Untreated or poorly controlled gestational diabetes can cause problems for both mom and baby, including:

• Macrosomia (large baby): This can lead to difficult deliveries, C-sections, and potential injury during birth.

• Preterm birth: The baby may be born early, leading to potential complications.

• Hypoglycemia: After birth, babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may experience low blood sugar.

• Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes: Both mom and baby are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

By managing gestational diabetes, you can significantly reduce the risks to both you and your baby, ensuring a safer, healthier pregnancy and delivery.

Take Control of Your Health

While gestational diabetes can feel like a challenging diagnosis, it’s important to remember that it is manageable with proper care and lifestyle changes. Early detection, healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and monitoring are key to managing your blood sugar levels and ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

At Root Nutrition & Wellness, we are dedicated to helping you optimize your health during every stage of pregnancy. Whether you’re looking to prevent gestational diabetes, manage a diagnosis, or simply support your overall wellness, we’re here to guide you with personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

Are you concerned about gestational diabetes or looking for personalized support in managing your pregnancy health? Apply for 1:1 today and get the expert guidance you need to thrive during pregnancy. Together, we can create a customized plan for a healthy, balanced pregnancy.