You could have gestational diabetes, but sometimes you may not know it. Around 10% of women find out they have gestational diabetes midway through pregnancy. Some women might be surprised by the news, as they feel healthy and normal. Gestational diabetes is one type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy.
It is a condition where blood sugar levels rise due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Women who have never had diabetes will develop this health condition; however, many such women will develop gestational diabetes after their delivery.
Gestational diabetes during pregnancy & the Symptoms to identify
Below are some symptoms you can identify if you have gestational diabetes.
Excess urination
Your body is unable to consume blood glucose. As a result, blood sugar levels increase. Your body tries to normalize it with the help of kidneys by flushing out these extra sugars in the blood urine.
That’s why women with gestational diabetes frequently urinate after eating or drinking. Gene mutation
Increased thirst in gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Women with gestational diabetes may experience dry mouth and frequent thirst after having a meal rich in carbs for about an hour.
Increased appetite
It is possible to have a frequent and increased appetite. Also, the tired feeling due to lack of energy may signal hunger.
Nausea
During pregnancy, nausea and vomiting are common. However, women with gestational diabetes have these feelings 30 minutes after eating high-carb foods such as rice, pasta, potatoes, and sweet-tasting fruits and fruit juices.
Tiredness
Although sleepiness, fatigue, or tiredness is common during pregnancy, people with gestational diabetes have tiredness even after a restful sleep.
Improper glucose utilization, removing vital minerals, and dehydration will lead to a lack of energy. That’s why gestational diabetes patients feel tired and sleepy.
Headache
Having headaches for no reason is an early sign of hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose levels). It usually happens when you first wake up or after eating a high-carb meal.
Irritability as a symptom of gestational diabetes
Women with gestational diabetes may experience frequent mood swings and irritability. Lack of glucose for energy causes irritation and mood swings.
Urinary tract infection
Frequent urinary tract infections is one of the primary symptoms of gestational diabetes.
Dry and itchy skin loses its luster due to dehydration and a short supply of nutrients and becomes dry and itchy.
Yeast infection
A frequent yeast infection (thrush) is identified by redness, swelling, and itching in or around the vulva, an unpleasant odor with a white curd-like appearance around the vagina, and white discharge from the vagina.
Gestational diabetes during pregnancy symptoms as Vision Variation
In cases of blurred vision, or some cases, such as myopia, the site becomes apparent, and glasses are no longer required.
Numbness / Tingling feet
There is insensibility, an itchy or stinging sensation in the feet. It is due to the short supply of nutrients to the extremities.
Excess of weight gain
During pregnancy, you should maintain a proper weight. However, women with gestational diabetes have excess weight gain. It happens because of frequent hunger, continuous dumping of food items, and unnecessary fat storage.
Sore heal slowly
Cuts take longer to cure as the immune system does not work efficiently in the case of high blood sugar.
Final thoughts on Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy
If you experience some of the above symptoms during pregnancy, you should undergo a blood test. It helps to find out whether you have gestational diabetes or not.
Even if you have gestational diabetes, proper treatment can help to avoid further complications.
