Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can appear during pregnancy and disappear after childbirth. This condition can occur at any stage of pregnancy but is commonly found in the second or third trimester. In Indonesia, there are 1.9-2.6% of pregnant women experience gestational diabetes.
This condition occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased energy needs in early pregnancy. On the other hand, at 0-24 weeks of pregnancy, the body also produces hormones that cause insulin resistance, a condition where the body cannot use insulin effectively. If this condition occurs, a woman will experience gestational diabetes.
If left untreated, gestational diabetes can affect the health of the mother and baby or cause problems during delivery. Pregnant women can cope with this condition by adopting a healthy pattern, exercising regularly, and taking medications as needed.
Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
Gestational diabetes is generally asymptomatic. Most of these cases are diagnosed with an initial blood sugar check. However, some women may experience the following symptoms when blood sugar is too high:
1. Getting thirsty often
2. Urinate more often
3. Dry mouth
4. Fatigue
It should be emphasized that these symptoms can occur in anyone during pregnancy. Call your doctor to confirm these symptoms if you're concerned about the risk of gestational diabetes.
Who is at risk for gestational diabetes?
In principle, any woman can get gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but the risk increases if:
1. Overweight and obesity
2. Lack of physical activity
3. History of previous birth with new weight 4.5 kg
4. History of Gestational Diabetes or Prediabetes in Previous Pregnancies
5. Have PCOS syndrome
6. Family history
7. Black, Mongolian and Hispanic races are at greater risk than whites
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand during pregnancy. Some hormones produced during pregnancy also cause insulin resistance, which prevents the body's cells from using insulin effectively.
Insulin is a hormone that transports glucose (sugar) to produce energy in cells. So if there is a malfunction in this hormone, blood sugar levels can rise.
Complications of Gestational Diabetes
A woman with gestational diabetes is at high risk for her baby to:
1. Macrosomia, a condition in which babies are born with more weight and height than normal babies
2. Premature birth
3. Severe breathing difficulties
4. Low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia
5. Obesity and type 2 diabetes in the future
6. Death during childbirth
While the risks experienced by pregnant women with gestational diabetes include:
1. High Blood Pressure and Preeclampsia
2. Giving birth by cesarean section
3. Diabetes in the future
How To Treat Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes must be treated quickly so as not to cause complications for both mother and child. Treatment aims to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits. The doctor will give insulin injections and daily blood sugar checks as needed.
There are several ways to treat gestational diabetes, such as:
1. Check the blood sugar level
2. Eat healthy food at the right time
3. Physical activity
4. Monitor fetal development
If you've changed your diet to healthier and exercise frequently, but your blood sugar is still out of control, the doctor will prescribe insulin, metformin, or other medications.