Glucose levels during pregnancy

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Pregnant women are frequently sent to laboratories to do some glucose screening tests. Doctors recommend these tests between 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, in order to prevent and diagnose potential gestational diabetes and check glucose level in expecting moms that are already diabetics. Gestational diabetes is not so rare condition ad you might think – almost 4% of all pregnant women are estimated to develop this condition.

Normal glucose levels are about 64.8 and 104.4 mg/dL. In pregnant women, these numbers fluctuate around 70 and 130mg/dL and sometimes, after meals glucose level could rise to 180mg/dL. These are normal numbers and you shouldn’t be worried. However, if the glucose levels go higher than that, you could be facing gestational diabetes.

There are several risk factors for gestational diabetes. Overweight women, especially, those with family members that suffer from diabetes mellitus are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Also, women with polycystic ovary syndrome and those who gave birth to a big baby (over 4.5kg) are also at risk to develop this condition.

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women experience fluctuation of glucose levels because of the hormonal changes in the body, characteristic for pregnancy. There are hormones that prevent insulin normal functioning, which is breaking down the sugar from the blood (glucose). All this happens to ensure that the baby gets enough sugar to develop. At the same time, moms’ body need more insulin but there are none and this is what causes gestational diabetes.

This condition must be treated, or it could harm both mom and unborn child. The first symptoms are tiredness, dizziness, sweating and increased hunger. It could cause preeclampsia and premature labor in pregnant women and lead to birth defects in the baby. The unborn child might have jaundice, low blood sugar or be overweight in that case.

A number of risk factors affect the incidence and development of gestational diabetes mellitus. The most common risk factors include obesity and overweight, high maternal age, family history of Type 2 diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome, persistent glucosuria, recurrent abortions, previous history of a large baby (birth weight???4000 g), history of stillbirth, history of chronic hypertension or blood pressure associated with pregnancy and maternal smoking as well as other risk factors.

Among these risk factors, women with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity are related to an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus at a rate of two, four and eight times, respectively.
Today, the interventions such as lifestyle changes, the use of metformin, glyburide, myo-inositol, insulin, diet and exercise activities are applied to prevent and treat the gestational diabetes mellitus.
Some studies showed physical activity in pregnancy has these features, and also it is effective on insulin resistance.

✓ Fact confirmed: The effect of exercise on the prevention of gestational diabetes in obese and overweight pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis Fatemeh Nasiri-Amiri, Mahdi Sepidarkish, Marjan Ahmad Shirvani, Payam Habibipour & Narges Sadat Motahari Tabari; 27. August 2019.

Control Gestational Diabetes

The best way to control you blood sugar and gestational diabetes is to watch your diet, exercise regularly and if you are diabetic take your medications as it was prescribed.

Pregnant women should avoid processed food and rich sugar food. Don’t eat cakes, ice-creams, sweetened drinks or yogurts. Switch to fresh fruits and vegetables, because they are much better for your health.

Try to eat five meals every day: 3 meals and 2 snacks. Doctors also recommend eating a carbohydrate snack just before going to bed.

Regular physical activity is important for pregnant women. They should start with some light exercises for 10 minutes every day and then increase the time to 30 minutes. These shouldn’t be hard for you and if you feel uncomfortable at any time, you must stop immediately and consult your doctor.