Join now & save up to 80% on medication

JOIN NOW
Select Language:

Join now and save 80% on medication

Register/Login

Diabetes Articles

What is gestational diabetes?

The term gestational diabetes (GD) refers to diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Current estimates place between 3% to 25% of all pregnant women to be at risk for gestational diabetes, which has significant consequences for both the fetus and the mother. Many women also develop type 2 diabetes mellitus after GD, which further compounds the need to identify the risks associated with this disease. To date, there has been no causal link established between sugar consumption and the development of GD because sugar consumption plays close to no role in influencing insulin resistance, which is the key mechanism that establishes GD.

Risks of gestational diabetes

As a pregnancy progresses throughout the trimesters, insulin resistance tends to increase in mothers that have GD. High blood sugar levels occur when the insulin-producing pancreas can no longer compensate for the resistance. There are, however, a multitude of known risk factors, and these include being under the age of 25 years; a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus or previous gestational diabetes; race, with those of African heritage particularly at risk; being overweight; having hypertension; polycystic ovarian syndrome; and chronic steroid consumption. These risk factors are used for early detection in the assessment of pregnant mothers who are prone to GD. Tackling the presence of high blood sugar levels is crucial in the early stages of fetal development, so as to ensure the organs develop normally. As mentioned above, being overweight or obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25 kg/m2 has significant bearing in predisposing pregnant women to suffer from GD.

One reason for the misconception that sugar causes GD may come from the fact that there may be excess carbohydrate intake in individuals with the disease. Excessive consumption of dessert foods, such as cake, cookies, and other confectionaries that tend to be major part of the diets of some obese individuals can lead to the false assumption that sugar and gestational diabetes have a causal link.

Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.

Diabetes
Periodontitis as a Complication of Diabetes: Causes and Solutions

Diabetes is a widespread medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the body cannot properly use or produce insulin, causing high blood sugar levels. Many people…

Read More
Diabetes, Type 1
Semaglutide and Depression: Understanding the Link and Weighing the Risks

In recent years, semaglutide has gained attention not only for its effectiveness in managing diabetes and obesity but also for potential concerns regarding its impact on mental health, specifically depression.…

Read More
Diabetes
5 Accessories You Must Have To Keep Your Insulin Vials Safe

Ever worried about your insulin vials while on the go? Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or just navigating a busy day, keeping your insulin safe is crucial for managing…

Read More
Diabetes, Pancreatitis
Is There a Connection Between Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer?

Our pancreas, a silent partner behind the scenes of digestion, also holds the key to keeping our blood sugar in check. But what happens when this unsung hero malfunctions? That’s…

Read More
Diabetes, Weight Loss
How to Incorporate Diet with Farxiga Treatment?

Ever wondered how to make your medication work even better? If you’re on Farxiga or thinking about it, here’s a secret: your diet can play a huge role! Let’s discover…

Read More
Diabetes
Beyond Insulin: The Promise of Immunotherapy in Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

Living with type 1 diabetes means navigating a complex maze of daily tasks, from monitoring blood sugar levels to administering insulin doses. It’s a relentless balancing act that millions face…

Read More
Diabetes
The Fragile Connection Between Diabetes and Bone Fractures

Think of your bones as a network of strong, supportive pillars holding you up. Now, imagine those pillars weakening without any warning. That’s a hidden risk for people with diabetes.…

Read More
Diabetes
Navigating the Link Between Diabetes and Autoimmune Disorders

Diabetes and autoimmune disorders may seem unrelated at first glance, but they’re actually more intertwined than we realized. In this article, we’ll explore how these seemingly different conditions are connected,…

Read More
Diabetes
The Genetic Puzzle of Diabetes Susceptibility: What You Need To Know

Ever wondered why some people are more likely to develop diabetes? It’s like a puzzle, and genetics holds the key pieces. In this article, we’ll explore how our genes influence…

Read More
Diabetes, Diet and
The Legume Advantage: Maximizing Diabetes Health with Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Feeling like your diabetes diet is a bland routine? Look no further than the power of legumes! Beans, peas, and lentils aren’t just a delicious addition to your plate; they’re…

Read More
Diabetes
Injectable Alternatives: Non-Insulin Medications for Type 2 Diabetes Control

Balancing type 2 diabetes management can often feel like a continuous challenge. You meticulously plan meals, monitor blood sugar, and perhaps even rely on daily insulin injections. But what if…

Read More
Diabetes
The Green Prescription: Using Plant-Based Nutrition to Tackle Diabetes

Imagine a world where thirst is unquenchable, hunger ever-present, and the body struggles to use the fuel it desperately needs. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality for millions living…

Read More