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Guide to Gestational Diabetes

Dr Aaron Chambers

Over the last 20 years in Australia, the number of people diagnosed with gestational diabetes has tripled. Through this blog, we aim to provide you with a general guide to Gestational diabetes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment and ongoing management. Should you have any concerns or further questions about your own health, we encourage you to please speak with your doctor or nurse.

Gestational diabetes is a condition where women develop high blood sugar while pregnant. Gestational diabetes generally lasts only for the duration of the pregnancy but is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes diagnosis later in life. Between 12% and 14% of pregnant women develop the condition, usually around halfway through their pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes is caused by hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy. These hormones help the baby to grow and develop, but also block the women’s insulin action - this is called insulin resistance. Therefore, the body requires 2 to 3 times the normal insulin levels during pregnancy. If your body is not able to cope with this extra demand, gestational diabetes may develop.

Many women living with this condition do not experience symptoms and are only diagnosed during routine testing. In about 30% of cases, women with Gestational diabetes will give birth to a larger-than-average baby. This leads to an increased likelihood of labour intervention, such as a caesarean birth. It does not mean the baby will be born with diabetes. In fact, babies of mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher likelihood of low blood sugar in the newborn period.

At their 26 to 28-week routine check-up, all women should be screened for gestational diabetes. While most women diagnosed with the condition will have a healthy pregnancy, regular delivery and a healthy baby, it is still important to be tested because untreated gestational diabetes can have serious implications for your baby, and resuls in a 50% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

For more information contact a Diabetes Consultant at Growlife Medical .

Guide to Gestational Diabetes | Growlife Medical

Ten Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors

All pregnant women will undergo routine testing for gestational diabetes at their 26 to 28-week check-up. Doctors may ask questions about your lifestyle and family history to check if you match up with common risk factors. Guidelines identify ten Gestational diabetes risk factors of developing diabetes during pregnancy:

are aged 40 years or older.
have type 2 diabetes in your family history.
have a first-degree relative (such as mother or sister) who has had gestational diabetes.
come from an Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or some Asian backgrounds.
have experienced gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
have experienced polycystic ovary syndrome.
have previously given birth to a large baby (above 4.5kg).
are taking some kinds of steroid or anti-psychotic medications.
are higher than the recommended healthy weight range.
have put on weight too quickly in the first half of your pregnancy.

If you match any of the above criteria, you may be tested for gestational diabetes more often. Keep in mind that some women may develop the condition even if they do not meet any of the increased risk factors.

Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed at a pathology lab with an oral glucose tolerance test or OGTT. Mater Pathology located at our Sherwood practice is an ideal location for having the glucose tolerance test in pregnancy. Women will need to fast overnight before taking the test. The normal process involves a fasting blood glucose level check, after which you will be required to drink a sugary beverage. Your blood sugar will be tested again one and two hours later. If your blood sugar level is above the healthy range at any of the testing points, you will be diagnosed with Gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Many women diagnosed do not experience any Gestational diabetes symptoms. This is why routine checks are vital for diagnosis of the condition, and why some women are confused and question whether they have it. Regardless, some women do experience symptoms in rare cases. The signs to watch out for include:

higher than normal thirst levels.
a dry mouth.
excessive urination.
recurring yeast infections (thrush).
tiredness and lethargy.
blurred vision.

If you experience any symptoms during your pregnancy, it’s worth getting in touch with Growlife Medical. It’s important to diagnose gestational diabetes as quickly as possible, so you can begin treatment and develop a management routine.

Gestational Diabetes Treatment

It’s important to begin Gestational diabetes treatment as soon as possible. By sticking to recommended treatment, any risk of harm to your pregnancy or baby is minimised. The majority of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have a healthy pregnancy, as long as they follow healthy eating, exercise and take any recommended medication. There is a significantly increased risk for you to develop Type 2 diabetes in the future. This is especially true if you have a family history of Type 2 diabetes.

Health professionals, including your GP, midwife or nurse, dietitian or diabetes specialist will know what steps to take to treat your condition. It’s also important to talk to your family about your Gestational diabetes so they know what you are going through, and how to help you through your treatment plan.

The goal of a Gestational diabetes treatment plan is to reduce your blood glucose levels to be more in line with normal expectations. Treatment of Gestational diabetes may involve:

preparing and following a special meal plan.
undergoing regular, scheduled physical activity.
daily blood glucose testing and monitoring.
if necessary, medication such as metformin or insulin injections.

Daily blood glucose testing is necessary for finding out if your condition is improving. Tests should typically be done four or more times a day, with one test first thing in the morning, and one after each meal.

Approximately 10% to 20% of women with Gestational diabetes will need insulin injections to manage their condition. Typically, this kind of treatment is only required if regular exercise and a specialised meal plan do not help you achieve your goals. If necessary, you may also be prescribed an oral medication to control your blood sugar.

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Managing Gestational diabetes should involve regular blood glucose testing, following a healthy diet and keeping on top of your doctor’s recommended exercise regime. Exercise is especially important, as it will help with other common pregnancy issues such as back pain, swelling, constipation and muscle cramping as well as managing your blood sugar levels.

Make sure to exercise only as much as your doctor recommends. Typically, you will be expected to engage in moderate physical activity for about 30 minutes a day. Depending on your fitness level, this may range from a long walk, to swimming, to cycling. Strenuous everyday activities such as cleaning and gardening may also count towards your exercise goal.

You should also follow a healthy diet during your pregnancy. This will help to ensure the general health of yourself and your baby, as well as improving your blood sugar levels. Follow your doctor or dietitian recommendations to make sure you are getting the right vitamins and minerals to support you through your pregnancy. In most cases, you should be following a diet that focuses on:

fruit
vegetables
whole grains
lean protein
low calorie, high fibre foods

Typically, you should also avoid foods such as:

refined carbohydrates
sugary sweets and drinks
high-fat, fried foods

Your GP, dietitian or diabetes specialist will help you create a simple, tasty meal plan and exercise regime to follow through the duration of your pregnancy. This should ensure your blood sugar levels remain normal. If not, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor, as you may need to start medication.

As with any pregnancy-related health condition, please be assured that health professionals, including your GP, midwife or nurse, dietitian or diabetes specialist (add booking link) will know what steps to take to treat your condition. It’s also important to talk to your family about your Gestational diabetes so they know what you are going through, and how to help you through your treatment plan.

If left untreated, gestational diabetes can have serious implications, and can result in a 50% increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. As always, if you have any concerns, please ensure you speak with your doctor or nurse.

Gestational Diabetes Testing

Gestational diabetes testing is typically diagnosed at a pathology lab with an oral glucose tolerance test or OGTT. Women will need to fast overnight before taking the test. The normal process involves a fasting blood glucose level check, after which you will be required to drink a sugary beverage. Your blood sugar will be tested again one and two hours later. If your blood sugar level is above the healthy range at any of the testing points, you will be diagnosed with Gestational diabetes.

Diabetes Consultation

Growlife Medical values providing community based Diabetes advice.

We are also Brisbane's leader in Telehealth Consults , Growlife Medical now provides easy and secure Telehealth Consults with your doctor. You can easily book online or over the phone , for a video or phone consult with your GP. All Growlife Medical Doctors in all or our general practice locations are available for Telehealth consults .

References:

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613822000146

Dr Aaron Chambers

General Practitioner
BSc, MBBS(Hons), FRACGP, Dip Child Health

The author Dr Aaron Chambers has worked in General Practice since 2006. He is passionate and an authority on family practice, paediatrics and obstetric care. After completing his medical degree with honours at the University of Queensland, Dr Chambers served as an RAAF Doctor, conducting humanitarian missions and evacuating wounded servicemen from the Middle East. He continues to consult at Oxley, Sherwood and Highgate Hill Grow Medical Clinics.