apollo
Online Doctor Consultation & Medicines
  • Login

Diabetes Management

Does Gestational Diabetes Lead to Type 2 Diabetes?

3 min read

By Apollo 24/7, Published on - 17 November 2020, Updated on - 28 August 2023

What causes gestational diabetes?Risk factors for developing gestational diabetesWhat are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?Does gestational diabetes turn into type 2 diabetes later on?Conclusion

  • Share this article

  • 0

  • 0 like

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes experienced by some women during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal and are experienced by some women during pregnancy. If untreated and uncontrolled, gestational diabetes can affect the mother and the baby. The baby may grow large, and there may be difficulties during childbirth. Premature birth and respiratory distress in the new-born are other problems associated with the condition. Getting the right treatment and controlling blood glucose levels makes most women have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. One can also reduce the chances of developing gestational diabetes by adopting healthy habits before pregnancy.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Hormonal changes that occur in women during pregnancy is the main cause of gestational diabetes. The placenta that provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing foetus also produces a few hormones to maintain pregnancy. These hormones that include cortisol, estrogen, and human placental lactogen, can block the effect of the mother’s insulin. As a result, the cells are unable to utilize insulin effectively (referred to as insulin resistance). Many pregnant women who experience insulin resistance during late pregnancy can produce more insulin to overcome insulin resistance. However, a few women cannot meet the increased demand and hence, develop gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes may develop in women who did not have diabetes before and is usually seen in the second trimester between 24 and 28 weeks into pregnancy. If not detected and managed rightly, gestational diabetes can cause complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and the child may be at risk of developing diabetes.

Risk factors for developing gestational diabetes

Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy and some insulin resistance is common during the later stages of pregnancy. However, there are a few factors that are known to increase the risk:
  • Being overweight
  • A parent or sibling having type 2 diabetes
  • Previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes
  • Previous childbirth where the weight of the baby was over 4.5kg
  • Having prediabetes (sugar levels more than normal but not as high as diabetes).

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

People with gestational diabetes usually do not experience any symptoms but sometimes may show mild symptoms like
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
As there are no obvious symptoms, the condition is usually detected when blood glucose levels are tested during routine screening for gestational diabetes.

Does gestational diabetes turn into type 2 diabetes later on?

Though blood sugar levels in the mother return to normal about six weeks after childbirth but, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50% of women having gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later in life. The risk can be lowered by maintaining a healthy weight after childbirth, making healthy food choices, and being physically active. Doctors recommend that women with gestational diabetes get their blood glucose levels tested 6 to 12 weeks after the delivery (postpartum) and every 1 to 3 years later to ensure the sugar levels stay in a healthy range.

Conclusion

For a woman with gestational diabetes, one of the essential components for managing the condition is their diet. Diet needs to be tailored to meet the nutritional needs of the mother and the baby, and at the same time, keep the blood glucose levels under control. Doctors also recommend regular exercise, which aids in controlling blood glucose. Also, women with a history of gestational diabetes need to get screened for diabetes after childbirth as they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Consult an endocrinologist or a diabetologist for any queries related to diabetes.
 
You can also manage your diabetes like a pro with Apollo 24|7's 12-week empower programme.

Services

References+6

Diabetes Management

Consult Top Diabetologists

View All
doctor

Laura

35 Years•Diabetology
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Fees ₹ 100
doctor

Sourav Gupta

24 Years•Neurology
32 Ivory Dental Care Test, Bengaluru
Fees ₹ 1000
doctor

Naveena

6 Years•Endocrinology
3D DENTAL & IMPLANT CLINIC, Hyderabad
Fees ₹ 100health-creditsCashback 25
doctor

Dr. Girish Rao A V

25 Years•Diabetology
Rushi Diabetic Care Hospital, Khammam
Fees ₹ 0

Leave Comment

Name

Email Id

Comment

Services

Recommended for you

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

How Type 2 Diabetes May Be Linked to an Unhealthy Gut?

A recent study found that Lactobacillus, a microbe containing numerous bacterial strains and found in probiotics and fermented foods like pickled vegetables and fortified dairy products, can improve metabolism and reduce the risk of diabetes. Another study revealed that individuals consuming a high-fibre diet possess higher levels of indolepropionic acid in their blood. This anti-inflammatory agent, produced by gut bacteria, helps lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Are You at Risk for Diabetes? This Simple Test Can Tell

The HbA1c test, also known as the haemoglobin A1c test, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It is used to diagnose and monitor prediabetes and diabetes.The test does not require fasting or any other special preparation. It is important to interpret the results in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Monsoon Care for Diabetes: 9 Things Every Diabetic Must Know

The rainy season can affect people with diabetes as during this time of the year, intestinal & functions become weak which can result in low metabolism and increased fat storage. To stay on track, monitor your levels regularly. Keep insulin and diabetes supplies on hand. Drink clean water to prevent infections, and be cautious with street food. Protect your feet from fungal infections by keeping them dry.

Subscribe

Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter

Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more.

Email

Visual Stories

story-img

8 Fruits That are Incredibly Healthy for Diabetes

Tap to continue exploring

  • Share this article

  • 0

  • 0 like

Recommended for you

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

How Type 2 Diabetes May Be Linked to an Unhealthy Gut?

A recent study found that Lactobacillus, a microbe containing numerous bacterial strains and found in probiotics and fermented foods like pickled vegetables and fortified dairy products, can improve metabolism and reduce the risk of diabetes. Another study revealed that individuals consuming a high-fibre diet possess higher levels of indolepropionic acid in their blood. This anti-inflammatory agent, produced by gut bacteria, helps lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Are You at Risk for Diabetes? This Simple Test Can Tell

The HbA1c test, also known as the haemoglobin A1c test, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It is used to diagnose and monitor prediabetes and diabetes.The test does not require fasting or any other special preparation. It is important to interpret the results in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Article Entity

Diabetes Management

Monsoon Care for Diabetes: 9 Things Every Diabetic Must Know

The rainy season can affect people with diabetes as during this time of the year, intestinal & functions become weak which can result in low metabolism and increased fat storage. To stay on track, monitor your levels regularly. Keep insulin and diabetes supplies on hand. Drink clean water to prevent infections, and be cautious with street food. Protect your feet from fungal infections by keeping them dry.