TABLE OF CONTENT
What is Gestational Diabetes
Feeling More Thirsty
Frequent Urination
Fatigue
Increased Hunger
Blurred Vision
Sugar in Urine (Glycosuria)
Nausea or Vomiting
Unusual Weight Gain
Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that happens when a woman is pregnant, usually around the 6th or 7th month. It appears when the body are not produce to the enough insulin and the hormone responsible for the regulate blood sugar level to meet the increased needs of pregnancy. As a result, blood sugar levels go higher than normal, posing health risks for both the mother and the baby.
During pregnancy, hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and human placental lactogen can cause insulin to not work as effectively. This can lead to a problem called insulin resistance.
While mild insulin resistance is normal in pregnancy, some women’s bodies cannot compensate with increased insulin production, resulting in gestational diabetes.
Some Females with gestational diabetes cannot experience obvious symptoms, which are why routine glucose screening to the essential. When symptoms do appear, they may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, or unusual weight gain.
If not managed properly, gestational diabetes can lead to complications such as high birth weight, preterm delivery, low blood sugar in the newborn, and an increased risk of cesarean section. It can also increase the mother’s chances of getting type 2 diabetes when she is older.
Treatment often involves changes in daily habits like eating healthy foods, staying active with exercise, and checking blood sugar levels. And the sometimes, people have need to insulin or other medicines.
With proper care, most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies and maintain good health throughout pregnancy. After childbirth, blood sugar levels typically return to normal, but ongoing monitoring is important, as both mother and baby may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Early detection, careful management, and regular follow-up are key to controlling gestational diabetes and preventing long-term complications.
Signs of Gestational Diabetes can be subtle or may not appear at all. It usually develops during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and is often detected through routine screening. But when symptoms happen, they might include:
8 Common Signs of Gestational Diabetes:
1-Feeling More Thirsty
Feeling very thirsty is a common sign of gestational diabetes and may be one of the first things you notice. When blood sugar levels go up too much during pregnancy, the body tries to get rid of the extra sugar by flushing it out in urine. This process causes fluid loss, leading to dehydration. In response, the body signals the brain to increase fluid intake, resulting in persistent or excessive thirst. Pregnant women may find themselves drinking more water than usual and still feeling thirsty. If increased thirst is accompanied by frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider and get tested for gestational diabetes.
2-Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is a common symptom of gestational diabetes and can be more noticeable in the second or third trimester. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys have to work harder to get rid of the extra sugar in the blood. This process pulls additional water from the body, resulting in increased urine production. Pregnant women may find themselves needing to urinate more often than usual, including during the night. While frequent urination is also a normal part of pregnancy, when combined with other symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, it may be a sign of gestational diabetes and should be discussed with a doctor.
3-Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of gestational diabetes and may feel more intense than typical pregnancy-related tiredness. When blood sugar levels are high, the body has a hard time using sugar for energy. As a result, both mother and baby may not get the fuel they need, leading to feelings of constant tiredness and weakness.
This fatigue can persist throughout the day, even with rest or proper sleep. It may also be worsened by dehydration from frequent urination. If fatigue is severe or accompanied by other symptoms like increased thirst or blurred vision, testing for gestational diabetes is strongly recommended.
4-Increased Hunger
Increased hunger is a possible symptom of gestational diabetes and occurs when the body cannot properly use glucose for energy. Despite eating regularly, a pregnant woman may feel constantly hungry or crave carbohydrates and sugary foods. This happens because insulin resistance during pregnancy can prevent glucose from entering the cells, leaving them starved for energy. As a result, the brain signals the body to eat more in an attempt to provide fuel. If this excessive hunger is accompanied by other symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, or fatigue, it may be a sign of gestational diabetes and should be evaluated by a doctor.
5-Blurred Vision
Blurred vision can be a symptom of gestational diabetes and is often caused by high blood sugar levels affecting the fluid balance in the eyes. Elevated glucose can cause the lens of the eye to swell, making it difficult to focus clearly. This may result in temporary vision problems, such as blurriness or difficulty seeing fine details. The symptom may come and go and is usually more noticeable when blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Although blurry vision can also occur due to other pregnancy-related changes, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if it persists or worsens.
6-Sugar in Urine (Glycosuria)
Sugar in the urine, known as glycosuria, is a potential sign of gestational diabetes and is often detected during routine prenatal urine tests. Usually, the kidneys take back glucose so that it doesn’t go into the urine. When blood sugar levels get too high, the kidneys can’t handle it and sugar ends up in the urine. This may not cause noticeable symptoms but serves as a warning sign that blood sugar levels are elevated. If glycosuria is detected, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, such as an oral glucose tolerance test, to check for gestational diabetes and ensure proper management.
7-Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting beyond typical morning sickness can be a symptom of gestational diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are unstable. While mild nausea is common in early pregnancy, gestational diabetes-related nausea may persist later into pregnancy or become more intense. High blood sugar can upset digestion and make the stomach take longer to empty, causing feelings of nausea and discomfort.
Additionally, rapid changes in glucose levels may trigger feelings of sickness. If nausea or vomiting occurs alongside other symptoms such as excessive thirst, fatigue, or frequent urination, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider and undergo screening for gestational diabetes to ensure safe management.
8-Unusual Weight Gain
Unusual or rapid weight gain during pregnancy may be a sign of gestational diabetes, especially when it exceeds recommended levels without a change in diet or activity. High blood sugar can cause the body to store more fat and contribute to excessive fetal growth, leading to a larger-than-normal baby. This weight gain may also result from fluid retention or increased fat storage due to insulin resistance. While some weight gain is natural and necessary during pregnancy, unexpected or excessive increases should be monitored closely. If accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue or increased thirst, it may warrant testing for gestational diabetes.
RELATED BLOG
Sings of Gestational Diabetes
Does Swimming Help Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Is Cycling Good for Type 2 Diabetes?
How to Reverse Prediabetes in 3 Months