Gestational Diabetes – the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Can Increase by Up to 10 Times

1. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, typically diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks
Early Pregnancy Screening: Gestational diabetes can be diagnosed if fasting blood glucose is over 126mg/dL, random blood glucose is over 200mg/dL, or HbA1c is over 6.5%.
50g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, after ingesting 50g glucose, if blood glucose exceeds 140mg/dL after 1 hour, a 100g oral glucose tolerance test is performed.
100g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Blood glucose levels are measured at fasting, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours after ingestion, with reference values of 95mg/dL, 180mg/dL, 155mg/dL, and 140mg/dL. If two or more values exceed the threshold, gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

2. Gestational diabetes can cause delayed fetal lung development, excessive growth in the womb, and post-birth hypoglycemia
If gestational diabetes is not properly managed, it can pose various risks to both the mother and fetus:
Fetal Macrosomia: Excess glucose from gestational diabetes can lead to excessive insulin production in the fetus, promoting excessive growth and increasing the risk of shoulder dystocia, prolonged labor, and other complications during birth.
Difficult Labor: Larger fetal size may make natural childbirth more difficult and increase the need for a C-section. Shoulder dystocia during delivery can cause nerve damage.
Neonatal Hypoglycemia: After birth, the fetus no longer receives excessive glucose but maintains high insulin levels, leading to hypoglycemia, which can severely affect the newborn’s health and requires immediate treatment.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Gestational diabetes can delay fetal lung development, increasing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, especially in preterm births.

3. Mothers who experience gestational diabetes have a 10-fold increased risk of obesity and developing Type 2 Diabetes after childbirth
Women who have gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing obesity and Type 2 diabetes, influenced by genetic factors and the metabolic environment during pregnancy.
Hypertension and Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia, which involves kidney damage, high blood pressure, and severe edema, can lead to life-threatening complications for both mother and fetus. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of these conditions.
Increased Risk of Cesarean Section: Due to fetal macrosomia, the need for a C-section increases. C-sections involve longer recovery times and higher risks of complications compared to vaginal births.
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Women with gestational diabetes have a 7-10 times higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes after childbirth. Continued blood sugar management and regular check-ups are essential.
Metabolic Syndrome: Gestational diabetes increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, all major causes of cardiovascular diseases.

4. If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, exercise is essential for controlling blood sugar
Walking is one of the safest and most effective exercises for pregnant women. It improves circulation, lifts mood, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Aim for 30 minutes to 1 hour of light walking daily.
Swimming and water aerobics are also great options. Water-based exercises reduce weight load while strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular function. They are particularly beneficial during pregnancy's second trimester and help reduce swelling.
Prenatal yoga helps maintain flexibility and strength, alleviates tension, and prepares for childbirth. Many women practice prenatal yoga to manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy, though it is important to avoid any poses that apply pressure to the abdomen and to choose safe postures.

5. Gestational diabetes typically resolves after childbirth, but if left unmanaged, it can progress to Type 2 Diabetes
Whether gestational diabetes is cured can be assessed based on the following criteria:
Postpartum Blood Sugar Testing: 6-12 weeks after delivery, fasting blood sugar or a 75g oral glucose tolerance test should be performed to check if blood sugar has returned to normal.
Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring: Annual blood sugar testing after childbirth is crucial to monitor for the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes can cause serious issues for both mother and fetus if not managed properly, potentially threatening lives. Therefore, managing gestational diabetes and continuing health monitoring postpartum is critical for the long-term well-being of both mother and child.