sugar It is considered the main source of fuel for the body, while the hormone insulin plays a major role in bringing glucose from the bloodstream into the cells so that it can be used as energy for the body.When the body cells stop responding to insulin and the pancreas starts making more insulin to make the cells respond, eventually the body faces an imbalance and the blood sugar levels start rising rapidly. This process is known as insulin resistance,
During pregnancy, the mother’s body naturally uses more fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. This is done by her body to make carbohydrates available for the growing fetus. To maintain adequate stores of glucose in the bloodstream for the growing fetus to use, the mother’s body moves towards an insulin resistant state during pregnancy. To maintain this balance between the mother’s and fetus’ bodies, the pancreas also increases insulin production.
Complications during pregnancy, especially sugar levels rising beyond acceptable limits, begin to occur when the mother’s diet and lifestyle do not help balance these hormonal insulin changes and the insulin resistance changes that naturally occur in pregnancy. Research also indicates that
Gestational diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5–10 years by 60%.
Risk factors that may increase your chance of developing gestational diabetes include:
1. Family history of type 2 diabetes.
2. Maternal age over 35 years
3. Long-term use of oral contraceptives
4. Maternal obesity
5. Vitamin D deficiency
6. Previous history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
7. Smoking
8. Stress and emotional disturbances
9. Asian origin
10. Hormonal imbalances like PCOS, hypothyroidism
While these risk factors do increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes, it is important to note that 44% of women who develop high sugar levels during pregnancy globally did not have any of these risk factors. Hence having an active pregnancy and practicing moderation with diet has proven to be the key to reducing the chances of gestational diabetes, whether one is predisposed to the condition or not.
Testing for diabetes during pregnancy is usually done in the second trimester, between weeks 24-28. It is also done during these specific weeks because it coincides with the natural increase in insulin resistance that is known to occur during pregnancy as part of the mother’s body naturally tries to balance glucose needs for both her and the baby (the process explained above at the beginning of the article).
Gestational diabetes poses a risk to both the mother and the baby. Abnormally high levels of glucose in the mother’s blood lead to more glucose being delivered to the fetus.
High glucose levels in the unborn baby can cause them to grow too much, a condition called macrosomia. During a vaginal birth, the baby being too big can cause injury to both the mother and/or the baby. The baby’s head can enter the canal but the shoulder can get stuck – a dreaded complication in delivery
Delivery room.
Women with gestational diabetes are also more likely to have a C-section delivery as the baby may be large and the mother’s blood sugar level may be unstable. It has also been found that such newborns often suffer from initial low blood sugar levels after delivery as their bodies produce excessive insulin during pregnancy to compensate for the excessive blood sugar in the mother’s body.
Tips to keep blood sugar levels under control during pregnancy:
1. Avoid overeating, instead opt for three balanced meals and two small snacks.
2. Avoid skipping breakfast, as the first meal of the day will help stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent you from overeating.
3. If you feel constantly hungry, increase the amount of protein in your diet and increase your water intake.
4. Focus on leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, one carbohydrate per meal, high-quality protein, and fat.
5. Mixing a pinch of cinnamon in warm water and drinking it helps in keeping the blood sugar level balanced.
6. Focus on at least 30 minutes of activity every day, such as walking, prenatal yoga, stretching or swimming. Exercise is known to reduce the body’s need for insulin.
(Dr. Vanshika Gupta Adukia, Pregnancy/Childbirth Specialist, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist, Founder of Therahappy)
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