What is gestational diabetes? | Afrilatest.be

Gestational diabetes is a common condition in which abnormally high blood sugar or glucose levels ('hyperglycemia') are detected during pregnancy. It is estimated that this occurs in 1 in 8 pregnant women in Flanders, even in women who have never had elevated blood sugar levels before.

What is gestational diabetes?

The placenta produces hormones that ensure that your baby can develop normally. These hormones also have a downside: they interfere with normal metabolic processes, especially in the second half of pregnancy. For example, they hinder the action of insulin to a limited extent. Insulin is needed to absorb sugar or glucose, the body's fuel, into the tissues. Much more insulin must therefore be produced to ensure that blood sugar levels do not become too high. Normally, the beta cells in the pancreas respond to this by producing more insulin, but in some cases the beta cells cannot keep up with the increased demand for insulin. As a result, glucose can no longer be absorbed smoothly into the tissues and accumulates more quickly in the blood: this is called hyperglycemia.

Consequences for the mother

• C-section and problems during childbirth
• A larger placenta and too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). This can cause the baby to be born prematurely.
• Problems with high blood pressure during pregnancy, which can lead to preeclampsia ('pregnancy poisoning'). This is a major cause of death in women during pregnancy. Of course, this condition also poses a threat to the unborn child.
• Urinary tract infections

• Increased risk (30-50%) of developing gestational diabetes again in a subsequent pregnancy.
• Significantly increased risk (+50%) of developing permanent type 2 diabetes in the 5 to 10 years after pregnancy.

Also read: What are the early symptoms of diabetes?

Consequences for the child

• A baby that is too heavy (macrosomia). This increases the chance of problems during delivery (such as caesarean section and shoulder dislocation).
• Too low blood sugar levels in the baby shortly after birth (neonatal hypoglycemia). Sometimes the baby has to be admitted to the neonatology department for this.
• Immaturity of organs. Immaturity of the baby's liver can lead to jaundice.
• Increased risk of obesity and the development of diabetes later in life.

Also read: How are you tested for gestational diabetes?

Gestational Diabetes Treatment

Also read: Gestational diabetes: what does the treatment look like?

Also read: Gestational diabetes: what does the treatment look like?

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