- This metabolic change is detected in most cases between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. A woman is at greater risk of developing it if she had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, if she is overweight or obese, if she has a first-degree family history of type 2 diabetes, and/or if she is over 30 years of age. .
- An inadequate solution to this problem can cause complications in a son or daughter, such as fetal macrosomia, prematurity, respiratory disorders, neonatal hypoglycemia, and others. In the long term, an increased risk of obesity, diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension has been described. There are also maternal risks, such as obstetric trauma, with a higher rate of caesarean section.
The changes that women undergo in their bodies during pregnancy are many and varied in nature. One is the increase in insulin resistance generated by the placenta, which can potentially lead to gestational diabetes (GD), which is usually diagnosed between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. For this reason, as part of the Breastfeeding Week, we invite you to familiarize yourself with this pathology, which can lead to some complications in the future if not properly treated.
“In Chile, the global trend of gestational diabetes continues, affecting 10% of pregnant women. This is a change in care to avoid future problems with the baby and more serious complications during the pregnancy period,” said diabetes expert physician Cecilia Vargas.
A woman is at greater risk of developing it during pregnancy if she has a history of: having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, being overweight or obese, having significant weight gain during pregnancy, having a family history of first-degree type 2 diabetes mellitus ( parents, siblings) and/or over 30 years of age.
“Detection of gestational diabetes is done by means of a glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, repeated if necessary at 32 weeks if risk factors are present. The test must be carried out by taking a venous blood sample for glucose measurement after fasting for 8 hours, then giving a liquid with 75 g of glucose, and after 120 minutes of waiting, a new blood sample is taken for measurement. post-food glycemia, ”says the specialist.
The DG approach is carried out through a balanced diet, indication of physical activity and with periodic monitoring of blood sugar levels. However, there is a percentage of women who may need insulin treatment.
Dr. Cecilia Vargas states that “treatment of gestational diabetes is not difficult, but it is important to avoid future complications in the life of the mother and the newborn. With proper treatment and following the doctor’s recommendations, this disease disappears with the birth of a child and in most cases there are no further complications.
Timely and correct treatment of gestational diabetes avoids such problems during pregnancy and childbirth as preeclampsia; fetal macrosomia, prematurity; shoulder dystocia; perinatal death; neonatal hypoglycemia and other post-pregnancy complications such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or cardiovascular disease. There are also maternal risks, such as obstetric trauma, with a higher rate of caesarean section.
A very important aspect to highlight is that a woman who develops gestational diabetes during pregnancy has a lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 8 weeks postpartum with a new glucose tolerance test to screen for prediabetes or diabetes and then yearly follow-up of her metabolic status. At the same time, healthy lifestyle and weight management strategies should be implemented, if appropriate.
Team Press Portal Network Health