They say life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and for some expecting mummies, that curveball comes in the form of gestational diabetes.
Having gone through pregnancy twice myself – the term gestational diabetes was always lingering in my mind.
And even more so when I’m scrolling Instagram and I see many of my mummy friends share their diagnosis and aim to imporove their lifestyle before their baby arrives.
But what many mummies may lack information on is that with some knowledge, some self-love, and maybe a trusty glucose meter, gestational diabetes can be kept in check.
To help us understand this condition better, we reached out to Pharmacist Nazatul Amira Hamzah who has 10 years of experience in both hospital and community pharmacy practice.
Nazatul currently serves as Pharmacist and Key Account Manager at Primabumi Sdn. Bhd. Nazatul shares her expertise and practical tips to help you handle gestational diabetes like a pro.
What is gestational diabetes, and how does it differ from other types of diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of high blood sugar that only shows up during pregnancy.
Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, this one’s temporary and usually leaves after the baby arrives.
It typically makes its debut between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.
But here’s the kicker: if it’s not managed, it can complicate both your pregnancy and your baby’s health.
Who is at risk of developing gestational diabetes?
By now, you may be wondering: who’s more likely to encounter this uninvited guest?
Nazatul shares that age, weight, and lifestyle plays an important role.
More often than not, women over 40 or those with a BMI over 27 are at higher risk.
Other than that, mummies who’ve had gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies or delivered a baby weighing more than 4.1 kilograms is also at risk of developing gestation diabetes again.
A family history of diabetes, certain conditions like PCOS, and even ethnicity (particularly if you’re of South or East Asian descent) can also raise your chances.
So mummies, if you’re checking off a few of these boxes, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
What symptoms should I look out for?
One tricky part about gestational diabetes is how sneaky it can be.
Many women only discover it during routine testing.
But if you’ve been feeling extra thirsty, making frequent bathroom trips, or battling fatigue and blurred vision, it’s worth getting yourself checked.
Even subtle symptoms like dry mouth or itching could be a sign that something’s up.
How can gestational diabetes affect me and my baby?
Gestational diabetes isn’t just about managing sugar levels, it’s also about keeping things safe for you and your little one.
For your baby, the risks include excessive birth weight, premature birth, and low blood sugar at birth.
For expecting mummies, it might mean dealing with preeclampsia, a higher likelihood of needing a C-section, or an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
But while these information may be overwhelming, don’t panic.
With the right care, these risks can be managed effectively.
How can expecting mummies manage gestational diabetes?
The key to managing gestational diabetes lies in balance.
Many mummies get through gestational diabetes during pregnancy by keeping a close eye on their blood sugar levels.
Upon a diagnosis, doctors would guide expecting mummies on how to monitor their numbers with a glucose meter.
As a reference, The Ministry of Health Malaysia recommends keeping fasting blood sugar levels below 5.3 mmol/L, and post-meal levels under 7.8 mmol/L (one hour after eating) or 6.7 mmol/L (two hours after eating).
Another beneficial way in managing gestational diabetes is to adopt some positive lifestyle changes such as a more balanced diet.
Think smaller, more frequent meals with plenty of fibre and fewer simple carbs which can make a big difference.
Pair that with light exercise, like a daily walk or some gentle yoga, and mummies, you’re on the right track!
Managing Gestational Diabetes: Pregnancy Safe Medications and Remedies
However in certain cases where lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, medications like metformin or insulin might be needed.
Metformin helps by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving your body’s response to insulin, while insulin itself is a direct way to manage blood sugar levels.
While they can be helpful, medications may come with their own set of side effects which are often manageable.
Metformin might cause mild digestive issues, while insulin could lead to low blood sugar if not administered carefully.
So, in nutshell, it’s very important to follow your doctor’s instructions and communicate clearly any concerns you might have.
Your doctor will help you figure out what’s best for you and your baby.
Take It One Step at a Time
So, mummies, while finding out you have gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming, don’t worry too much. Take a deep breath because you’re not alone in this journey.
Many mummies may face the same diagnosis – and with the right guidance, it’s entirely manageable.
Remember, this isn’t about what you’ve done wrong and you should never blame yourself.
It’s about giving your body a little extra support during pregnancy.
Think of it as an opportunity to adopt healthy habits that benefits both you and your baby in the long run!
You’re stronger than you know, and this is just one more step in your remarkable journey to motherhood.
You’ve got this, mummies!
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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