Early Diagnosis and the Right Approach for Mother and Baby Health
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous physiological changes — one of which can affect blood sugar regulation. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to elevated blood glucose levels that develop during pregnancy in women who did not previously have diabetes.
Why Does It Occur?
Hormones produced during pregnancy can reduce the effectiveness of insulin, leading to insulin resistance. Normally, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. However, in some women, this compensation is insufficient, and blood sugar levels begin to rise.
Risk factors include:
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Previous delivery of a baby weighing over 4 kg
- Maternal age over 35
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Symptoms
Gestational diabetes often presents without noticeable symptoms and is usually detected during routine prenatal screening. Some women may experience excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or recurrent infections. However, since these can also occur in normal pregnancy, screening tests are essential for diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, a 50-gram oral glucose challenge test (OGTT) is administered. If results are elevated, a 100-gram glucose tolerance test follows, measuring blood glucose levels at specific intervals. Once diagnosed, your obstetrician and dietitian will develop a personalized monitoring and nutrition plan tailored to your needs.
Risks for Mother and Baby
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can pose risks for both mother and baby.
For the mother:
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Excessive weight gain in late pregnancy
- Increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes after delivery
For the baby:
- Macrosomia (large baby size) leading to birth complications
- Birth trauma
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after birth
- Respiratory distress
- Long-term risk of obesity or diabetes later in life
Therefore, regular monitoring, proper nutrition, and timely medical intervention are essential.
Management and Nutrition in Gestational Diabetes
The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle modification, including nutrition, blood glucose monitoring, and safe physical activity.
Pregnant women diagnosed with GDM are advised to eat three main meals and three snacks per day to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar. Prolonged fasting should be avoided, as it may lead to ketone accumulation, which can be harmful to both mother and baby.
A balanced diet should include all food groups — protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, and healthy fats — in appropriate portions. Carbohydrate intake should be evenly distributed throughout the day, avoiding large quantities in a single meal.
Limit simple sugars (sodas, fruit juices, desserts) and choose low-glycemic index foods instead. Minimize consumption of sugar, honey, or molasses. If you crave sweets, consult your dietitian for portion and timing guidance.
Drink 2.5–3 liters of water daily, as proper hydration reduces edema and supports metabolic balance. With your doctor’s approval, light exercise such as walking can be a safe and effective part of treatment.
Keep a blood sugar log to track your readings — this helps guide adjustments in your nutrition or treatment plan. If blood sugar levels remain high despite dietary measures, insulin therapy, which is safe during pregnancy, may be initiated.
Postpartum Period
In most women, blood sugar returns to normal after childbirth. However, close follow-up remains essential. Blood glucose should be rechecked within 6–12 weeks postpartum, and regular diabetes screenings should continue in subsequent years.
Maintaining a balanced diet and active lifestyle significantly reduces the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Remember, gestational diabetes is not the mother’s fault — it occurs when the body cannot meet the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
At our clinic, our multidisciplinary team provides continuous support throughout your pregnancy to safeguard both your health and your baby’s well-being.
