Understanding gestational diabetes

Navigating pregnancy brings many changes, and for some, gestational diabetes (GDM) becomes part of that journey. Welcome to our section designated to provide clear, compassionate information to support expecting mothers, their families, and anyone interested in learning about GDM!  

Clearing up the myths: It is not your fault!

When diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is natural to feel worried, and perhaps even guilty. We want to make it very clear that GDM is not caused by anything an expecting mother did wrong. GDM primarily comes from hormonal changes during pregnancy and a genetic predisposition, not lifestyle choices. There is no shame in having gestational diabetes. Your baby will not be harmed, and with proper management, you can both stay healthy. 

The truth behind GDM: Hormones and genes

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body develops insulin resistance due to the pregnancy hormones, making it harder for the body to use insulin properly and maintain healthy blood sugars. Some women have a higher genetic predisposition for GDM, meaning that their chances of developing the condition are higher due to family genetics. GDM is a physiological response to pregnancy, not a sign of personal failure. Understanding this can help raise awareness and overcome societal stigma. 

The placenta’s role: 

When the baby is developing in the womb, the placenta–a temporary organ developed during pregnancy that supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord– produces various essential pregnancy hormones. However, for some women, those hormones can block the mother’s insulin, and the pancreas sometimes cannot adapt to this change, causing gestational diabetes. While the mother has to adapt to a new lifestyle managing her gestational diabetes, it is important to understand that with the proper care, the baby will remain healthy. Gestational Diabetes is nothing to be ashamed or scared of, it is a sign that the hormones supporting your baby’s growth are creating natural insulin resistance, and your body just needs a little help managing it.

The OGTT procedure: 

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a medical procedure that measures how well your body processes glucose. It is the test used to diagnose gestational diabetes, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Prior to test day, the patient will need to fast–have nothing to eat or drink except for water–for at least 8hrs before the test. On the day of the procedure, the patient will have an initial blood sample drawn and then will drink a concentrated glucose liquid. For the next couple of hours after taking the test the patient will need to sit quietly and have their blood sugar progressively checked. This test allows doctors to evaluate the body’s response to glucose and diagnose or make proper treatment decisions. 

Addressing common worries and looking forward, overcoming “Mom Guilt”:

Many expecting mothers with GDM worry about their baby’s health or whether they will inevitably develop type 2 diabetes later on in life. “Mom Guilt” is the term used to describe the shame and guilt associated with gestational diabetes, the shame usually comes from the flawed societal messaging. Society tends to portray GDM as the mother’s fault, often shaming them for not “taking proper care of themselves” and “harming the baby”. The first step to overcoming “Mom Guilt” is to understand that there is nothing to be ashamed of and that the condition is the body’s natural response to the pregnancy hormones. Furthermore, with proper care the baby’s chances of being harmed are low and the baby is still perfectly safe in the womb. In addition, the other worry that many women have after experiencing GDM is developing T2D later on in life. While the risk is higher, with proper care, constant visits to the doctor, and a healthy balanced diet  the future risk is much lower.

Remember, even when experiencing GDM, pregnancy is a beautiful journey and a miracle of life, remember to enjoy those moments and don’t let the societal stigma influence how you view yourself during pregnancy. Regardless of the condition that you carry, every woman deserves to be respected, heard and enjoy this beautiful moment in their lives! 

Sources: 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine,  American Diabetes Association (ADA)