Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes occurring in pregnant women. Most of the women are liable to suffer from higher glucose levels during gestational period. The woman will not suffer from any significant symptom but the blood glucose levels will be higher than normal and hence, it is said to be gestational diabetes. The exact cause of this kind of diabetic condition is unknown yet and no significant conclusions have been placed. However, it is said that the hormones released by placenta during the pregnancy period cause the inactivation of the insulin receptors and insulin sensitivity of the body tissues is reduced.

Pregnant women produce 3 to 4 times more secretions of the body insulin and thus, slowly the tissues get insulin resistant. Thus, gestational diabetes is seen in the body. But most of the women are unaware of the fact that their blood sugar levels are high because there are no clear symptoms like diabetes mellitus.

Placenta is main organ for the protection of the fetus and it aids the fast growth and normal development of the fetus inside the womb before birth. It releases hormones like HCG which interfere with the normal maternal endocrinal levels and the final result is higher blood sugar levels.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

Sometimes, a pregnant woman may suffer from classical symptoms of diabetes. There can be frequent urination, increased thirst and increased appetite. The frequent urination causes increased thirst. Women may complain of dry mouth while excessive thirst and despite of drinking 15 glasses of water, the person may feel thirsty. Higher appetite is result from the inability of the tissues to get glucose from the blood stream as the tissue become insulin resistant. This will lead to igniting body mechanism where body derives the glucose from breakdown of muscles.

As a result, the patient will become weak and weight loss may occur. The high glucose levels may affect the vision as well as in diabetes mellitus and cause symptoms of retina of eye known as retinopathy. The treatment of the condition can be done through control of diet (gestational diabetes diet) and proper medication. Ask your obstetrician to learn about management of diabetes during pregnancy.