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Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy in women who don’t have diabetes.
It’s on the rise — and experts are worried.
Just last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pointed out in a new study that there has been a 30% increase in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) — the official term for gestational diabetes — among women who gave birth between 2016 and 2020.
According to the agency’s findings, gestational diabetic rates have risen with increasing maternal ages, body mass before pregnancy, and plurality. This refers to the number of live births per pregnancies (twins/triplets, etc.).).
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According to the CDC study, gestational diabetes rates ranged from 4.7% to 12.6% in Mississippi to Alaska in 2020.
The CDC indicated that approximately 50% of women who have gestational diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes.
It also said that the rate of GDM varied by a mother’s race, with the highest rate in non-Hispanic Asians at 14.9% and lowest in non-Hispanic Black women at 6.5% among the six largest race and Hispanic-origin groups studied, according to the recent report.
Insulin activity is decreased
“During pregnancy, the mothers’ hormones ‘compete’ with the hormones produced by the placenta and causes insulin activity to be weakened or becomes less sensitive,” said Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is headquartered in Chicago.
“When this happens, the mother is unable to maintain normal blood sugar levels and may need medical intervention to keep them steady throughout pregnancy.”
She added, “This is insulin resistance.”
“When this happens, the mom cannot keep her blood sugars within a normal range. Often, she needs medical intervention to keep them steady during pregnancy.”
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It is possible to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Anderson-Haynes explained that research has shown there are some ways to reduce your risk of developing GDM.
Healthy weight maintenance is crucial
She encourages women — before they get pregnant — to maintain a healthy weight “by eating nutritious foods and engaging in regular physical activity most days of the week,” which can “reduce the risk of development of GDM.”
She advised, “Be mindful of what you eat.”
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Try “limiting fried food, ultra-processed foods like potato chips, fries, refined carbohydrates like white rice, foods high in fat — particularly saturated fat — processed meats and foods high in added sugar such as sugar-sweetened beverages,” Anderson-Haynes added.
“Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and dairy/dairy alternative foods as well as protein foods.
She said the nutrition management of GDM is somewhat similar to that of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin) — as well as Type 2 diabetes mellitus (caused by insulin resistance due to weight gain and lifestyle factors).
She recommends foods that are high in fiber and healthy dietary fats.
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She also recommended eating carbohydrates that raise the blood sugar slowly — certain starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads, rice pasta, etc, — as well as lots of non-starchy vegetables such as green leafy veggies, carrots, peppers and more.
She said that nutrition individualization is the key to success. There is no one right amount of carbs, fats, proteins, etc. Everyone should eat the same amount. This applies to those who have diabetes or prediabetes.
It might be necessary to have a full-time health team
Anderson-Haynes states that if a mom develops gestational diabetes mellitus while pregnant, her OB-GYN will refer her to a multidisciplinary team, which includes an endocrinologist and a maternal-fetal specialist, as well as an RDN, who is also a certified diabetes education and care specialist.
GDM can often be managed through lifestyle and diet modifications for women.
According to the American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, insulin may be required if the above modifications fail to control blood sugars.
Women with GDM after pregnancy should see a diabetes care team at their postpartum appointment, which usually occurs 6-8 weeks later.
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The team ideally includes an endocrinologist and an RDN who specializes in women’s health and diabetes.
Patients and health care professionals must both act quickly if GDM is suspected to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Individualized treatment will be provided.
She noted that while some women might need medication to control their high sugars levels, others may only need diet and lifestyle management.
The good news is Type 2 diabetes is preventable — with research showing it can go into remission with medically supervised intensive treatment, Anderson-Haynes said.
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She suggests some “pearls” for wisdom in nutrition to help you stay healthy.
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“Simple tips are to focus on whole foods (fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds), limit processed foods and foods high in sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, and limit fried foods.
And don’t forget to exercise most days of the week, have good sleep hygiene and manage stress appropriately.
According to the 2020-2025 Dietary guidelines of America, adults should consume 1.5-2 cups of fruit daily or the equivalent.
According to the American Heart Association, women should consume no more than 6 teaspoons (25g) of sugar daily. Men should consume 9 teaspoons (36g) of sugar per day.
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Anderson-Haynes stated that dried fruit has a higher sugar content than whole fruits because it is more concentrated after the water is removed.
“Fruit is a natural sugar source and good for you because it contains lots of nutrients such as fiber and antioxidants.”
“Take it easy with smoothie bowls, fruit drinks and other healthy options.”
Too much fruit, though— especially at one serving — can lead to spikes in blood sugars if not balanced with other nutrients.
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She advised that smoothie bowls and fruit drinks should be enjoyed with ease.
Finally, she stated that both patients and their health care providers need to be quick to diagnose GDM in order for type 2 diabetes to be prevented.
She recommends that you visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Diabetes Association, or “How an RDN can Help with Diabetes” websites for more information.
Source: Fox News
