6 Things You Should Know About Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes in pregnant women is known to create a number of complications in the health of the mother and the child. But did you know, diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder in the baby? A new study claims it. ASD is a condition of the brain that affects a person's ability to socialize with others and perceive things. This causes problems of social interaction and communication. This study showed a close link between the risk of autism and type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Research has shown that the risk of autism is higher in children exposed to the uterus or pre-existing diabetes who is diagnosed in the 26th week compared to those who are not exposed to diabetes. Therefore, it is the severity of maternal diabetes and the timing of exposure that affects the risk of autism in children.

Read also: 3 simple steps to prevent gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition that usually occurs in the middle of pregnancy. More than 3 million women in India treat gestational diabetes. Still, there are a number of things about gestational diabetes that people still need to know.

Here are 6 things about gestational diabetes that you need to know now.

1. It has nothing to do with your body weight

Yes, obesity is a factor that affects your risk of developing gestational diabetes, but not all obese women will develop this condition. Gestational diabetes is a condition that has more to do with your body's ability to treat glucose than your body weight. In addition, the sensitivity of your body to insulin decreases during pregnancy.

Read also: Your body weight can affect your chances of getting pregnant

2. You can not need insulin

All women with gestational diabetes do not need insulin. Instead, most of them can successfully achieve normal blood sugar levels with the help of a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity. Even if insulin is needed, a small dose is enough. Higher doses can be painful for the mother. She can take 4 small doses of insulin in a day. Recent studies suggest that oral medications may also be beneficial for women with gestational diabetes.

Read also: Insulin resistance: causes, symptoms and prevention

3. You do not need to go through a cesarean delivery

Gestational diabetes does not necessarily mean that you would have to have a caesarean section. Some women who fail to manage gestational diabetes properly may have to go through a caesarean section. The rest can have vaginal deliveries without complications. The key to normal vaginal delivery is proper management of gestational diabetes.

Read also: 6 reasons why you may need a cesarean section

4. It will not last forever

High blood sugar levels are likely to return to normal after childbirth. However, women with gestational diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. These women are also likely to develop gestational diabetes again in future pregnancies.

5. You can not necessarily gain weight

Weight gain is likely to occur in women with gestational diabetes. But if you take care of your blood sugar, it will not necessarily happen. Appropriate diet and low-impact physical activity can be very helpful in keeping blood sugar under control. Women with gestational diabetes must eat foods that have a low glycemic index.

6. Healthy Eating Can Treat Gestational Diabetes

75% of cases of gestational diabetes are treated with the aid of a healthy diet. If the mother consumes a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, she can have a normal delivery and give birth to a healthy baby.

Read also: 7 foods you should avoid during pregnancy

Disclaimer: This content, including tips, provides generic information only. This is by no means a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.