Impact of Elevated Blood Sugar During Pregnancy on the Unborn Child
In the course of pregnancy, a condition known as gestational diabetes can arise, which is characterised by high blood sugar levels in the newborn during the first few days of life, known as neonatal hypoglycemia [1]. This condition can potentially lead to serious complications, including seizures and coma [2].
Pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing complications for their growing fetus, such as high red blood cell count, high levels of bilirubin, low calcium levels, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and shoulder dystocia [3].
For those who receive a gestational diabetes diagnosis, it is crucial to check blood sugar levels regularly and follow the advice of a doctor or dietitian. This may involve keeping all doctor appointments, checking blood sugar regularly, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and, if necessary, taking medication like insulin [4].
Proper management and prevention strategies can significantly reduce the risks associated with gestational diabetes. Key approaches include dietary management, regular exercise, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and patient education [1][2].
Dietary management involves a focus on distributing carbohydrate intake throughout the day, emphasising slow-release carbohydrates, and avoiding blood sugar spikes. Caloric intake should be sufficient (typically 2,000–2,500 kcal during pregnancy) without simple carbohydrates, and restricting breakfast carbs more due to higher insulin resistance at this time of day [1].
Regular physical activity is also advised to improve both fasting and postprandial glucose levels and reduce insulin needs. Light intensity walking (e.g., 6000 steps daily) helps control casual glucose levels, though moderate exercise is more effective [1][4].
Self-monitoring and education are essential for timely therapy adjustments and improved knowledge, weight management, and adherence to lifestyle changes, which are crucial for positive pregnancy and postpartum outcomes [3].
It is important to note that high blood sugar during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born early. If a person experiences troubling symptoms, they should seek medical attention regardless of what their blood sugar checks indicate [5].
Gestational diabetes typically develops around the 24th week of pregnancy and is usually diagnosed through blood tests between 24 and 28 weeks [6]. If blood sugar management is not successful with lifestyle changes, a doctor may prescribe insulin or diabetes medication such as metformin (sold under the brand names Fortamet and Glumetza) [7].
Babies with high blood sugar during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity as they grow older [8]. Regular exercise and maintaining an optimal weight before becoming pregnant can help prevent gestational diabetes [1][4].
Gestational diabetes affects approximately X number of pregnancies each year in the United States [9]. Successful management of gestational diabetes reduces severe complications such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, birth trauma, and the future risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and child [1][5].
References:
[1] American Diabetes Association. (2018). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl 1), S1-S132.
[2] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 192: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 132(6), e187-e199.
[3] American Diabetes Association. (2018). Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl 1), S140-S146.
[4] American College of Sports Medicine. (2017). Exercise and Pregnancy: Exercise Recommendations and Guidelines for Pregnant Women and Their Health Care Providers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 49(10), 1859-1863.
[5] American Diabetes Association. (2018). Preconception Care and Counseling: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl 1), S133-S139.
[6] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 192: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 132(6), e187-e199.
[7] American Diabetes Association. (2018). Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemia in Diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl 1), S13-S30.
[8] American Diabetes Association. (2018). Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2018. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl 1), S51-S66.
[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Data and Statistics About Gestational Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/gestational/data.html
- Pregnancy can be complicated by a condition called gestational diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels in the newborn, called neonatal hypoglycemia.
- Gestational diabetes can lead to serious complications, including seizures and coma in newborns.
- Pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing complications for their growing fetus, such as high red blood cell count, high levels of bilirubin, low calcium levels, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and shoulder dystocia.
- Regular check-ups, blood sugar monitoring, exercise, a nutritious diet, and medication like insulin, when necessary, are crucial for managing gestational diabetes.
- Proper management and prevention strategies can significantly reduce the risks associated with gestational diabetes.
- Dietary management for gestational diabetes involves a focus on distributing carbohydrate intake throughout the day, emphasising slow-release carbohydrates, and avoiding blood sugar spikes.
- Regular physical activity is also advised to improve glucose levels and reduce insulin needs.
- Self-monitoring and education are essential for timely therapy adjustments, improved knowledge, weight management, and adherence to lifestyle changes.
- High blood sugar during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born prematurely.
- Gestational diabetes typically develops around the 24th week of pregnancy and is usually diagnosed through blood tests between 24 and 28 weeks.
- If blood sugar management is not successful with lifestyle changes, a doctor may prescribe insulin or diabetes medication such as metformin.
- Babies with high blood sugar during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity as they grow older.
- Successful management of gestational diabetes reduces severe complications such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, birth trauma, and the future risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.
