Pregnancy is a period of transformation in the female body and requires attention to a series of health indicators, including blood glucose levels. On this National Diabetes Day, celebrated on June 26th, awareness about gestational diabetes is highlighted.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, hyperglycemia during pregnancy affects almost one in five women worldwide and mainly includes cases of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition that appears during pregnancy and can increase the risk of complications for mother and baby when not identified and controlled properly.

Factors that increase the risk of gestational diabetes

Among the conditions associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes is PCOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome), formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The study “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and the Mediating Role of Obesity: A Population-Based Cohort Study”published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, which analyzed more than 1 million births over 12 years, showed that women with PCOS have a 5% higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. The researchers observed that excess weight was the main factor associated with this increase, reinforcing the importance of weight control before pregnancy.

Obstetrician Rodrigo Ruano, from Hospital Samaritano Paulista, from Rede Américas, explains that some other factors also considerably increase the chances of developing the condition. “Women who were already overweight or obese before pregnancy should be alert throughout prenatal care. It is also important to monitor weight gain throughout pregnancy. Older pregnant women, those with a family history of diabetes or those who have had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies are also at greater risk”, he states.

Iimpacts of the disease on mother and baby

When blood sugar is not controlled, both your health can be affected. For the mother, the risks involve high blood pressure, leading to pre-eclampsia, urinary and vaginal infections, risk of premature birth and greater chances of needing a cesarean section, especially when the baby grows excessively. “In the future, these women also have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and of having gestational diabetes again in future pregnancies”, explains the doctor.

The impacts on the child are also evident. Too much sugar can cause the fetus to grow too large (macrosomia). After birth, the newborn may experience hypoglycemia, respiratory distress and jaundice. “In addition to a greater tendency towards obesity and heart problems in adult life”, adds Rodrigo Ruano.

Pregnancy planning can help with prevention

The good news is that healthy habits are key to reducing your risk of developing gestational diabetes. Keep your weight under control, have a balanced diet and practicing physical activity helps the body to process insulin better and can even help regularize ovulation before pregnancy.

For Paloma Hess, endocrinologist at Hospital Pró-Cardiaco, from Rede Américas, the ideal is to anticipate care even before pregnancy. “The strategies used to control gestational diabetes, such as diet and weight monitoring, are prevention tools if adopted before pregnancy, enabling a healthier pregnancy”, he explains.

Prenatal diagnosis and monitoring are essential to reduce risks

Gestational diabetes is a silent condition; Therefore, prenatal exams are essential for diagnosing the disease. At the beginning of pregnancy, the doctor usually requests a fasting blood glucose test. If everything is ok, between the 24th and 28th week, the famous “glycemic curve” test is carried out to see how the body processes sugar.

If the result is positive, there is no reason to panic: most of the time, gestational diabetes is controlled with a personalized diet and light physical exercise. If this is not enough, the use of insulin may be indicated, as it is considered the safest option to protect the baby.

“The health of the mother and baby depends on an attentive and multidisciplinary approach. When an obstetrician, endocrinologist and nutritionist work together, glycemia control becomes much simpler and more effective, bringing the protection that this period requires”, concludes Paloma Hess.

By Monique Dutra