Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a form of glucose intolerance that first occurs during a pregnancy . It mainly affects women who did not have diabetes before and usually develops in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The main triggers are hormonal changes: During pregnancy, the body produces more placental hormones, which reduce the effects of insulin – the hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation –.

This leads to what is known as insulin resistance. Normally, the body compensates for this by producing more insulin. If this doesn't work sufficiently, blood sugar levels rise. Risk factors include being overweight, older maternal age, or a family history of diabetes.

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes often remains initially asymptomatic and is therefore routinely detected during prenatal care between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). First, fasting blood sugar is measured, then the pregnant woman drinks a sugar solution, and after one and two hours, the blood sugar is determined again. If one or more threshold values are exceeded, gestational diabetes is present.

If left untreated, GDM can lead to complications – both for the mother and the child. Possible consequences include excessive growth of the child, birth complications, an increased risk of preeclampsia, and after birth, a tendency of the newborn to develop hypoglycemia. In the long term, GDM also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in both mother and child.

Treatment of gestational diabetes

The treatment primarily consists of dietary adjustment, regular physical activity, and close monitoring of blood sugar levels. If these measures are insufficient, insulin therapy may become necessary - oral antidiabetic drugs are only approved to a limited extent during pregnancy. After birth, blood sugar levels usually normalize again; nevertheless, follow-up is important, as there is an increased risk of later developing diabetes. nutrition. Regular physical activity and close monitoring of blood sugar.