Gestational diabetes arises from hormonal changes during pregnancy that increase insulin resistance. It is not the result of a person’s actions.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when the body is unable to manage blood sugar levels effectively. It occurs due to hormonal changes that increase insulin resistance, leading to elevated glucose levels in the blood.

Individuals may wonder if their actions caused gestational diabetes, but the condition is not the result of something a person does wrong. No one is at fault. While certain risk factors can raise the chances of developing gestational diabetes, it is primarily due to complex genetic, hormonal, and environmental influences beyond the individual’s control.

This article examines gestational diabetes, its causes, treatment, and prevention.

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An individual cannot cause gestational diabetes by anything they do or do not do. Instead, it can result from hormonal changes during pregnancy that naturally make the body more insulin-resistant. These hormonal shifts are a typical part of pregnancy, and any person can develop gestational diabetes.

Risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes may increase the chances of developing gestational diabetes. However, it is not something a person can directly control or prevent through their actions.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a typically temporary condition that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. It results from the body’s reduced ability to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Although gestational diabetes usually resolves after childbirth, managing it during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the parent and baby.

Learn more about gestational diabetes.

Several factors can raise the risk of gestational diabetes, including:

  • family history of diabetes
  • being overweight or having a high body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy
  • previously giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds
  • being over the age of 30
  • having conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

However, individuals without these risk factors can develop gestational diabetes due to the natural hormonal shifts during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can develop without noticeable symptoms, which is why regular prenatal checkups and screenings are essential. However, in some cases, individuals may experience symptoms similar to other forms of diabetes. These can include:

Because many of these symptoms are common in pregnancy, they may not always signal gestational diabetes. Routine glucose testing between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy is crucial for detecting the condition early, even if no symptoms are present.

Learn more about the symptoms of gestational diabetes.

Clinicians typically diagnose gestational diabetes by administering a glucose tolerance test (GTT). In this test, the individual drinks a sugary solution, and a healthcare professional takes blood samples to measure how the body processes glucose. If the results show elevated blood sugar levels, clinicians may perform additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Managing gestational diabetes involves controlling blood sugar levels to ensure the health of both the parent and the baby. The treatment plan will depend on the individual’s specific needs but may include:

  • Balanced diet: Focus on complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables and limit simple sugars. Also include lean proteins and healthy fats. Eating regular, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • Regular physical activity: Experts recommend moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
  • Blood sugar monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential to ensure they remain within the target range set by clinicians. The person must check their blood sugar multiple times daily, before meals and 1 to 2 hours after eating.
  • Medications: If diet and exercise alone cannot control blood sugar levels, healthcare professionals may prescribe medications. Insulin is a standard therapy as it is safe for the parent and baby.
  • Regular healthcare visits: Frequent check-ups with the healthcare team are essential to monitor the parent’s health and the baby’s development. These visits may include ultrasounds and other tests to ensure the pregnancy is progressing without complications.

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With proper management, most individuals with gestational diabetes can experience a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

The condition typically resolves after childbirth, but having gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle after pregnancy are necessary to lower this risk.

While it is not always possible to prevent gestational diabetes, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a moderate weight before and during pregnancy can lower the risk.

For individuals with higher risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes, early monitoring and lifestyle adjustments may help reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.

Gestational diabetes arises due to hormonal changes during pregnancy; it does not stem from anything a person has done wrong. While certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing it, gestational diabetes can affect anyone.

By focusing on proper management through diet, exercise, and medication when needed, individuals can maintain healthy blood sugar levels and experience a safe pregnancy.