A recent study shows gestational diabetes in pregnant women rose between 2011 and 2019 in the United States.
So, what is causing the concerning trend?
“There are a lot of risk factors for it. Some of the risk factors are things that are inherent to the way women are living their reproductive lives, “explained Salena Zanotti, MD, gynecologist and obstetrician for Cleveland Clinic. “Women are older, and we know age is a risk factor for diabetes. Unfortunately, obesity is a big problem in this country and that is a major risk factor for gestational diabetes as well as pre-gestational diabetes.”
For those unfamiliar, gestational diabetes develops when a pregnant woman’s blood sugar levels get too high.
It’s typically detected when their healthcare provider conducts a test around 24 to 28 weeks.
Symptoms are rare, but in some cases, gestational diabetes may cause frequent urination, nausea, thirst and tiredness.
If left untreated, it can increase a pregnant woman’s risk of a C-section, preeclampsia and type two diabetes.
It can also increase the baby’s risk of breathing problems, obesity, premature birth and type two diabetes.
To help avoid these issues, Dr. Zanotti recommends the following tips:
“Be the healthiest you can be. There’s not much you can do about your age but being the right weight—you know if you are obese or overweight increases your risk—requires that you try your best to lose weight and have a healthier lifestyle. Those are things that can help reduce the serious risk of gestational diabetes,” she said.
There is medication available to help manage gestational diabetes, but most women can keep their blood sugar levels low through diet and exercise.
