Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a potential complication experienced by pregnant women. It is characterised by an increase in blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This type of diabetes usually disappears again after giving birth.
Causes
The increase in blood sugar levels is linked to the cells' resistance to the action of insulin, triggered during pregnancy by placental hormones. Some women are unable to produce enough insulin to compensate for the effect of these hormones. This causes high blood sugar, which can in turn lead to diabetes.
Treatment
A healthy lifestyle is usually sufficient to maintain normal blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy:
- a balanced diet with the right balance and distribution of carbohydrates (sugars),
- regular and appropriate physical activity,
- sufficient sleep,
- good stress management, etc.
If the woman's blood sugar level does not return to normal, insulin injections may be prescribed by her doctor.
Potential complications
Gestational diabetes can cause complications for both mother and baby.
Women with gestational diabetes and who give birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg are at higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
For the baby, gestational diabetes encourages weight gain through fat accumulation. This can lead to complications during labour. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in the baby at birth. This can be dangerous for the baby's brain, which needs a constant supply of sugar.
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