Recognising the early signs of gestational diabetes and understanding its prevalence in Australia can pave the way to a safer pregnancy. Gets tips on how to prevent or manage this condition.

Key takeaways:

• Gestational diabetes affects up to 31% of Australian females aged 45 to 49.
• Women with gestational diabetes may notice increased thirst, frequent urination and unexplainable weight loss.
• This condition poses serious complications for both the mother and the baby.
• Prevention is possible through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Early detection and management play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition during pregnancy that happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. The rise of gestational diabetes symptoms in Australia emphasises the importance of awareness and early detection.

In Australia, gestational diabetes has shown a marked increase, especially among certain age groups. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has reported that up to 31% of females aged 45 to 49 are diagnosed with this condition. But age is just one part of the picture. Several factors are driving the rising incidence of gestational diabetes in Australia.

1. Increasing maternal age: More women are choosing to have children later in life. As age increases, so does the risk of gestational diabetes.
2. Ethnicity: Research indicates that women from certain ethnic backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians, South Asian, Middle Eastern and Polynesian backgrounds, have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
3. Lifestyle factors: Urbanisation and the accompanying lifestyle changes can lead to an increased risk. A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and obesity play significant roles in the development of gestational diabetes.
4. Family history: Women with a family history of diabetes mellitus, particularly first-degree relatives, may have a higher risk.
5. Previous gestational diabetes: Having gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy increases the likelihood of it reoccurring in subsequent pregnancies.
6. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS are known to have an increased risk of gestational diabetes.

With the rising trend for gestational diabetes symptoms in Australia, it's clear that women are becoming increasingly concerned and vigilant. Detecting gestational diabetes's early symptoms is crucial. Early diagnosis allows for better management, reduces the risk of complications, and can ensure a safer pregnancy for both mother and child.

Complications of gestational diabetes

Having gestational diabetes does not only affect the mother but can also have serious implications for the baby. Some potential complications include:

• For the baby: premature birth, birth defects, respiratory distress syndrome, low blood sugar levels at birth and increased likelihood of obesity or diabetes later in life.
• For the mother: increased chances of having a large baby or a Caesarean delivery, greater risk of developing high blood pressure and recurrent gestational diabetes in future pregnancies.

Recognising the signs and symptoms

The onset of gestational diabetes often comes without symptoms, which is why many pregnant women may not notice it.

As their pregnancy progresses, especially around the 24- to 28-week mark, some women may notice changes in their bodies that could be indicative of gestational diabetes early symptoms. The common signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes include:

Unexplainable weight loss

Despite a growing baby bump, some women may experience weight loss that doesn't align with their dietary or activity changes.

Frequent urination

A significant increase in the urge to urinate, which isn't just a result of the growing pressure on the bladder, can be a sign.

Excessive thirst

Feeling constantly thirsty, even after drinking ample amounts of water.

Increased appetite

While it's common for pregnant women to eat more, an insatiable appetite can sometimes signal gestational diabetes.

Fatigue

While many pregnant women feel tired, excessive fatigue might be something to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Blurry vision

Any sudden changes in vision during pregnancy should be taken seriously.

Dry mouth and skin

Persistent dryness, despite staying well hydrated, can be a warning sign.

Yeast infections

An increased frequency of yeast infections can be linked to higher blood sugar levels.

Headaches

Persistent, unexplained headaches can be concerning. While headaches can be a result of various factors during pregnancy, if they're coupled with other symptoms mentioned here, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional.

It's vital to stress that some of these symptoms are common in pregnancy and might not necessarily mean you have gestational diabetes. However, if you notice a combination of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek professional advice. Early detection and intervention ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome and lower the incidence of gestational diabetes in Australia.

Proactive prevention of gestational diabetes

According to a national survey conducted in Australia, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most important factor in preventing gestational diabetes.

The following strategies can potentially reduce the risk of developing this condition, ensuring a smoother and safer pregnancy journey:

• Adopt a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables while minimising sugar intake.
• Engage in regular exercise.
• Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.
• Test for gestational diabetes with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the focus shifts to managing blood sugar levels. Here are helpful ways to manage gestational diabetes:

• Monitoring blood glucose at home
• Following a tailored meal plan
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Frequent check-ups with your healthcare provider

Whether you're planning a pregnancy or just aiming to improve your overall health, optimising your glucose control is key. Vively, the metabolic health app, can be a vital tool. It provides insights, advice and tracking capabilities that can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which leads to health and longevity!