Steer Clear of Diabetic Complications During Pregnancy

Diabetes is a condition that needs lifelong management. Be it type 1 or type 2 diabetes, medications alone won't help you manage diabetes if you want a flexible lifestyle. Lifestyle and dietary changes also need to be undertaken to lead a lifestyle without any complications during diabetes. But there is one type of diabetes that occurs temporarily. Yes, during pregnancy, the blood sugar levels can fluctuate which can lead to a condition called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes also has two types- A1 and A2. While A1 gestational diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise, A2 gestational diabetes needs insulin dosage to keep your blood sugar levels in check. As mentioned above, gestational diabetes is temporary and only persists until the time of pregnancy but there's a risk of your new-born having type 2 diabetes. To detect gestational diabetes, you need to pay attention to certain gestational diabetes symptoms, these include: 

• Frequent thirst
• Frequent hunger
• Frequent urination

But the question remains, what exactly causes gestational diabetes? The pancreas creates insulin in our body which is essential for various bodily functions. During pregnancy women experience constant hormonal changes, this sometimes leads to glucose accumulation in the bloodstream. Usually, the pancreas releases insulin to deal with excess glucose but during pregnancy it fails to do so, resulting in gestational diabetes.

Spotting the signs of gestational diabetes early is the best way to prevent any complications during pregnancy. Your doctor may ask you to undertake a few tests that can determine, if you're suffering from gestational diabetes or not. Usually, a glucose screening test is suggested by the doctor as the regular fasting test for diabetes isn't ideal during pregnancy. During the test, you're asked to consume a sweet drink, so that your blood sugar levels rise. After an hour or so, a normal blood test is taken to examine how the body manages or reacts to the excess sugar. If your sugar levels are higher than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), a further oral glucose tolerance test could also be suggested. If the results of both the tests are similar, chances are you may have gestational diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes management 

The key to managing diabetes is controlling your blood sugar levels. Similarly, you need to keep your sugar levels in check for a healthy delivery. If you do experience any gestational diabetes symptoms, consult your doctor to avoid any complications during pregnancy. We've put down a few basic measures that can help you manage diabetes during pregnancy.

• Keep a track of your blood sugar levels at least 3-4 times a day.
• A healthy diet helps in keeping the blood sugar levels stable, hence work out a plan with your gynecologist to ensure you and the baby are getting adequate nutrition. Make sure you don't consume sugary snacks often, rather switch to natural alternatives instead like fruits, carrots and raisins.
• Physical activity/exercising always helps but please ensure you consult your doctor before considering any exercises even as simple as swimming or cycling.

If your gestational diabetes symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest insulin dosage. Keep a note of your blood sugar levels as much as you can to avoid any complications for the child and yourself.

Diabetes during pregnancy can be managed if you adhere to certain measures. Lifestyle and dietary changes alongside the doctor's guidance help you deal with the condition more effectively. Please consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms of gestational diabetes.