November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and it hits close to home for me since both of my parents have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes recently. As they say, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and now my doctor has informed me that I might be at risk too. If I decide to start a family, my family’s history of diabetes could elevate my chances of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This has made me more mindful of leading a healthy lifestyle to mitigate that risk.
So, what do we know about GDM?
It’s a significant public health issue, affecting about 1 in 10 pregnant women and recognized as a national health priority. GDM can lead to various pregnancy complications, including:
- Preeclampsia (characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in urine)
- Preterm birth (birth occurring before 37 weeks)
- Cesarean deliveries
- Long-term risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (approximately 35-70% of women with GDM will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 to 15 years post-pregnancy; 15-25% may develop it within 1 to 2 years)
- Kidney issues
- Heart disease
For the baby, GDM can increase risks such as:
- Complications during delivery
- Breathing difficulties
- Higher birth weight (over 10 pounds)
- Elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
- Childhood obesity
While some risk factors for GDM, like age, family history, and race, are beyond our control (with older women and non-white individuals being at greater risk), there are also modifiable factors like weight, diet, and exercise. Interestingly, although many studies emphasize the significance of diet and exercise in reducing overall health risks, the evidence regarding their effectiveness in lowering GDM rates is mixed. Some studies indicate a reduced rate of GDM with lifestyle changes, while others do not show significant differences.
For instance, women without typical risk factors often did not show varying rates of GDM when subjected to diet and exercise interventions. It’s been noted that overweight and obese women have a four to eight times higher risk of developing GDM. However, approaches aimed at limiting excessive weight gain during pregnancy didn’t consistently lead to significant changes in GDM rates, and only minimal effects were observed from increased physical activity. On a positive note, some studies did show that lifestyle changes could drastically reduce the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes in women previously diagnosed with GDM, along with improved outcomes for pregnant women with obesity.
So, can we prevent gestational diabetes?
The outlook remains hopeful. Don’t let mixed study results deter you from striving for a healthier lifestyle before pregnancy. There’s plenty of evidence supporting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating well, all of which can help lower your risks. Starting healthy habits early can greatly influence the chances of developing GDM and its associated risks, such as childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Surprisingly, many women involved in these studies were not even asked about their diets during pregnancy, highlighting the need for comprehensive research. With improved study designs and methods, we may soon have clearer insights into how GDM can be prevented or minimized. And wouldn’t that be a sweet victory?
For more on this topic, check out our other blog post on home insemination. If you’re on a journey to start a family, Make a Mom offers great resources. Also, for those interested in further understanding about pregnancy, Healthline provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Diabetes Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the risks associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), particularly for women with a family history of diabetes. While some risk factors are unchangeable, adopting a healthy lifestyle can mitigate the risk of developing GDM and improve overall health outcomes for both mother and baby.