Are there signs of gestational diabetes

A doctor may diagnose gestational diabetes during a routine health check. Typically, they will ask a pregnant woman how she is feeling and request a urine sample. If a significant amount of sugar is present in the urine, they may conduct a screening for gestational diabetes. Most pregnant women will receive a screening test for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks into the pregnancy. Women who have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes may need to undergo more frequent testing.

The initial glucose challenge test involves drinking a syrup-like substance that contains glucose. Anyone with higher-than-normal results will require the follow-up test to determine whether they have gestational diabetes. For this test , a person will fast overnight. The next day, they will drink a glucose mixture. A doctor will check their blood sugar three times over the next 3 hours.

If two of the three readings come back high, the doctor will usually diagnose gestational diabetes. According to the charity March of Dimes , seven out of every women in the United States will develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. A doctor will focus treatment on controlling blood sugar levels. They will explain to a woman with gestational diabetes how to monitor her blood sugar levels at home. They will also take readings during office visits. This may include diet and lifestyle modifications, and use of insulin or oral medications.

Gestational diabetes can be managed with close blood sugar monitoring, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication. Monitor your blood sugar. If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor may ask you to monitor your blood sugar levels several times a day. Maintain a healthy diet. She typically recommends a diet of 30 to 40 percent carbohydrates, and choosing those carbohydrates that are more slowly digested and less likely to cause blood sugar spikes.

These foods tend to be high in fiber. A certified diabetes care and education specialist and registered dietitian nutritionist, which you can find via the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists , can help you build a diabetes-friendly diet.

Get exercise. Talk to your doctor about the amount and level of physical activity that is right for you during your pregnancy. Faye typically recommends 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week for all her patients. Use medication. Sometimes, lifestyle changes may not be enough to manage gestational diabetes sufficiently.

Your healthcare provider will teach you how to use a small needle to give yourself insulin shots. Some doctors may prescribe a different medication to take orally. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent gestational diabetes, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk. Focus your diet on healthy foods that are high in fiber and low in fat like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. These healthy habits can make lasting changes that will help you through your pregnancy.

In these cases, it is likely to occur because of the effects of placental hormones. Genetics may also play a role, as there is a higher risk of gestational diabetes in patients who have a first-degree relative such as a mother or father with diabetes, Fay says. Many people may not realize that type 1 diabetes , type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes are different kinds of diabetes.

As previously mentioned, gestational diabetes is caused by the effects of placental hormones and develops only in pregnant women who didn't have diabetes before becoming pregnant. Type 1 diabetes occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults and often starts quickly and has severe symptoms.

People with type 1 diabetes need to use insulin daily. Type 2 Diabetes comes on gradually, developing over many years. It can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Type 2 diabetes mainly occurs in older adults, although kids, teenagers, and younger adults can develop it, as well. Conditions that may increase the risk of gestational diabetes include obesity and PCOS.

The ADA is considered the leading nonprofit for diabetes education. Get tips on diet , exercise , and healthy habits to help manage gestational diabetes, and join the online community to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Learn about ways to manage gestational diabetes, how to track blood sugar levels, and steps you can take to have a healthy pregnancy from the experts who diagnose and treat the condition every day. Women With Gestational Diabetes.

This project from the International Diabetes Federation IDF , an umbrella organization of more than diabetes associations in countries, offers articles, as well as video guides on insulin , healthy eating , and blood glucose monitoring.

If you are experiencing these symptoms or notice any new or unusual symptoms during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the possibility of gestational diabetes. One common myth is that pregnant women can eat whatever they want. Unfortunately, overeating or eating unhealthily during pregnancy can result in medical problems like gestational diabetes. For tips on how to gain — and lose — pregnancy weight in a healthy manner, click here. The good news is that many women who have gestational diabetes catch it through their pregnancy care services and routine pregnancy check-ups.

When your doctor or nurse asks how you are feeling, report any symptoms of fatigue, frequent urination or extreme thirst. If your urine shows a high amount of sugar, you should be screened for gestational diabetes. The screenings may include an initial glucose challenge test. This test requires you to fast overnight, then drink a glucose mix. After you consume the glucose, your doctor will check your blood sugar three times in the next three hours.

It involves having a blood test in the morning, when you have not had any food or drink for 8 to 10 hours though you can usually drink water, but check with the hospital if you're unsure. You're then given a glucose drink. After resting for 2 hours, another blood sample is taken to see how your body is dealing with the glucose. The OGTT is done when you're between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. If you've had gestational diabetes before, you'll be offered an OGTT earlier in your pregnancy, soon after your booking appointment, then another OGTT at 24 to 28 weeks if the first test is normal.

If you have gestational diabetes, the chances of having problems with your pregnancy can be reduced by controlling your blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels may be reduced by changing your diet and exercise routine.

However, if these changes don't lower your blood sugar levels enough, you will need to take medicine as well. This may be tablets or insulin injections. You'll also be more closely monitored during your pregnancy and birth to check for any potential problems. If you have gestational diabetes, it's best to give birth before 41 weeks. Induction of labour or a caesarean section may be recommended if labour does not start naturally by this time.