Diabetes during pregnancy can have an impact on your metabolic health. Learn about gestational diabetes and how to manage it.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes in which a pregnant woman's blood glucose climbs to unacceptably high levels. A healthy diet and regular exercise is often enough to keep this condition under control. However, some women may require insulin therapy to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes can lead to a slew of health complications if it is not addressed immediately.

Who is most likely to develop gestational diabetes?

Any woman is at risk of developing gestational diabetes. It is, however, more common in Hispanic, African American, Asian and Native American women over 25 years old.

Other risk factors for diabetes during pregnancy include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Pre-pregnancy obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of diabetes
• Previous pregnancy with an overweight baby
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Much of the time, gestational diabetes doesn't exhibit any symptoms. If it does, the most common telltale signs include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Skin issues

How do you know if you have gestational diabetes?

Blood tests are used by health professionals to monitor pregnant women's blood glucose levels. Undergoing blood glucose tests in pregnancy is key to determining whether you have gestational diabetes and choosing the right treatment plan. The most common procedures performed for the diagnosis of diabetes in women who are expecting include:

Oral Glucose Challenge Test

In this initial test, you'll be given a sugary drink. A blood test will be performed after an hour to determine your blood sugar level. If it's less than 7.8 millimoles per litre (mmol/L), it's considered to be within the healthy range. However, if your glucose metre reads more than 10 mmol/L, another glucose tolerance test will be required to determine whether you have gestational diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Just like in the first test, you will be given a glucose drink, but with more sugar added. Your healthcare provider will check your blood glucose levels every hour for the next three hours. If two of the three readings are higher than expected, gestational diabetes is present.

What are the treatment options for gestational diabetes?

If you have gestational diabetes, you may need more frequent doctor visits throughout your pregnancy. Your blood sugar levels will be checked on a regular basis, and you may need to conduct daily blood glucose monitoring at home using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device.

An effective diabetes management plan entails lifestyle changes and a healthy diet, so be sure to discuss this with your healthcare team. With moderate exercise and whole foods, most women can keep their blood sugar levels under control, though some may require certain medications or insulin injections.

A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables and lean protein, which are high in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and low in sugar. Working closely with a healthcare provider who specialises in dietetics to ensure you receive adequate nutrition education and support is something to think about.

Getting regular exercise into your daily routine is just as important as eating a healthy, balanced diet before, during and after pregnancy. Exercise can help to lower your blood sugar levels, and it can also alleviate some common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation and difficulty sleeping.

What pregnancy complications could arise from gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of:

• Premature birth or birth defects
• Stillbirth
• Having a C-section
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Breathing difficulties
• Low blood sugar

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should have regular glucose screenings to reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes or to help you manage it effectively. Consult a diabetes specialist or your healthcare team about the best healthy eating plan and exercise program for you.