It is important for women to understand and recognize the symptoms of Gestational Diabetes for those whose condition develops after the screening test has happened. These symptoms can be very subtle, such as an increased amount of thirst, more trips to the bathroom, hungrier and blurred vision. All of these symptoms are caused by increased blood sugar but can also be attributed to other underlying medical conditions. (3)
Because the sugar isn’t absorbed into the cells the mother also experiences greater fatigue than she would have just being pregnant. As the kidneys try to filter out the excess sugar, take out more water the woman also gets dehydrated. She becomes thirsty from the dehydration and visits the bathroom more frequently because of the increased water intake.
Some of these symptoms are also those of pregnancy. Some women may believe that they are going to the bathroom more frequently because of the weight of the baby over the bladder. However, thirst isn’t a symptom of pregnancy. Between the 20th and 24th week the woman’s energy level also returns so she shouldn’t feel fatigued at this point. When the woman is suffering from gestational diabetes she may feel some relief from the fatigue but then it returns in full force as she doesn’t have energy because of the insulin resistance.
Researchers have found that babies who suffer from Gestational Diabetes have negative effects in later years. Left untreated the condition causes complications during the delivery and for the mother. For these reasons it is very important to identify and treat gestational diabetes as early as possible. A simple fasting blood sugar is enough to rule out the condition. (4)
Women who have higher risk factors, such as family history of diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise or a previous pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes should have a five hour GTT to rule out the possibility and prevent medical complications.
References:
(1) American diabetes Association: Gestational diabetes
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/
(2) Mayoclinic.com: Gestational Diabetes
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/ds00316/dsection=symptoms
(3) American Pregnancy Association: Gestational Diabetes
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/gestationaldiabetes.html
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