Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs exclusively during pregnancy when a mother's glucose levels are elevated and typically returns to normal after childbirth.

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes numerous changes. There are changes in her appearance, appetite, energy level, and some hormonal changes, to name a few. During pregnancy, a woman's body produces more hormones, which can lead to weight gain. Insulin is another hormone that everyone needs. It enables glucose, or "sugar," to enter cells for energy, which is crucial not only for waking up in the morning but for overall survival.

Because those "pregnancy" hormones are hard at work, her body uses the insulin hormone less efficiently. This results in the pregnant body becoming insulin resistant, increasing the mother's need to produce more insulin.

While the exact cause of gestational diabetes isn't fully known, it is known that approximately 10% of pregnant women are likely to experience it each year, according to the American Diabetes Association. Some women who are insulin resistant before becoming pregnant are at greater risk for developing gestational diabetes since their need for more insulin has already increased. Women who have had gestational diabetes during a prior pregnancy are also at a greater risk. Other risk factors include being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and women who have a family history of Type 2 diabetes or are black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, or other Pacific Islander are also at risk.

It's normal for women to become insulin-resistant later on in the pregnancy. Healthcare providers should perform a glucose tolerance test between 24-28 weeks gestation. This test will show them how the mother's body responds to glucose or how well her body's insulin works. Again, if it's working like it's supposed to, the insulin will allow glucose into the cell to be used as energy. If the insulin isn't working as well as it should, that glucose will stay in the blood and cause high blood sugar. High blood sugars throughout the pregnancy increase the risk for complications. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause serious complications.

Complications for the pregnant mother may include a complicated or high-risk delivery, severe high blood pressure that can be life-threatening, an increased risk of heart problems, or the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Similar dangers can also be present for the newborn. They include the possibility of having a high birth weight (nine pounds or greater), increasing the need for a cesarean section, or the chance of birth-related injuries. The baby may experience respiratory distress- or severe difficulty breathing. There's also the chance for the baby to become hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) after delivery, which can lead to a seizure for the newborn. Gestational diabetes also puts the baby at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes or becoming obese later on in life.

During pregnancy, the goal is to keep blood sugars within a desired range. This range should be discussed with a healthcare provider to know what might be best for each individual. Some things that will help keep glucose levels (blood sugar) in range include a healthy and well-balanced diet, light to moderate exercise daily, and close monitoring of your glucose levels, and prescribed medication if needed. It's also advised to speak with a healthcare provider to be sure the amount of exercise one does is right for them and to know how often to monitor glucose levels.

Practicing these healthy habits will reduce the risk of severe complications for both mom and baby. As a reminder, pregnant women should take care of themselves so they can better care for their new baby.

Teresa Hurtado is a dedicated Licensed Vocational Nurse currently serving with the Victoria WIC Program. She has been a nurse for nine years and has experience in nutrition and diabetes education, bringing invaluable expertise to her role.

https://diabetes.org/tools-resources/diabetes-education-programs

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355345

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/gestational-diabetes.html

https://texaswic.org