‹ Back

Gestational Diabetes

What is it?

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar/glucose during pregnancy, which usually resolves after birth of th baby. Gestational diabetes affects 2 to 10 percent of U.S pegnancies anually, and may also contribute to hyertension. 

 

What causes it?

Gestational diabetes is caused by changes in hormones during pregnancy, which cause insulin resistance. Hormones that may affect the release of insulin are human placental lactogen (hPL), progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, prolactin, and growth hormone.

•     Human placental lactogen is a hormone produced by the placenta. As mentioned before, hPL may contribute to insulin resistance. HPL levels peak in the second and third trimesters. During this time the mother's pancreas makes more insulin since the tissues become less sensitive to insulin. If the increased insulin demand is not met, then blood sugar rises, therefore resulting in gestational diabetes. 
• Progesterone is a steroid that increases insulin by the affects that it has on the pancreatib beta cells, and promoting glucogen storage in the liver, while inhibiting glucose uptake in the cells. Although progesterone rises during pregnancy, excessive levels may lead to high blood sugar. Studies have shown that progesterone shots and vaginal inserts that are used to prevent preterm labor have also been culprits in the development of gestational diabetes. Progesterone increases insulin resistance and impairs the body's ability to use insulin effectively.  The release of progesterone may also contribute to preeclampsia. 
• Elevated cortisol can prevent the body from properly managing blood glucose. Cortisol can make cells less responsive to insulin. It also promotes the release of glucose in the bloodstream. The pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin during gestational diabetes to compensate for hormonal effects.
• Prolactin is involved in glucose metabolism. It plays a role in adapting the insulin-producing beta cells. 
• Placental growth hormone replaces pituitary growth hormone in the maternal circulation and is crucial for fetal growth. Growth hormone contributes to insulin resistance, creating an availability of glucose to fuel the growth of the fetus. The maternal pancreatic function or dysfunction determines if gestational diabetes will occur. 
• Estrogen also contributes to insulin resistance; estrogen may interfere with insulin's ability to bind to its receptor, which in turn hinders glucose uptake by muscles and fat cells.
•  

Gestational diabetes develops when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to overcome resistance. Insulin from the mother does not cross the placenta, although glucose and other nutrients can. The baby's pancreas makes extra insulin to compensate for the extra glucose produced by the mother. Necessary B-cell (pancreatic cell) adaptations are largely coordinated by the placenta. The placenta acts as an endocrine organ, producing and releasing hormones into the maternal blood circulation. As mentioned, prolactin signals the pancreas to increase beta cell mass and function. Some women with gestational diabetes may also have low prolactin levels. 

 

Things you can do to decrease your chances of developing gestational diabetes. 

1.     Incorporate herbs like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and nutmeg in your diet. 
2. Limit your intake of processed foods.  
3. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Especially in the second and third trimesters. 
4.   In one of my previous posts I discussed the benefits of nettle. Nettle may work by lowering blood sugar and providing vitamins and minerals. 
5. Ginger helps improve gestational diabetes and metabolism. Metabolism dysfunction is one of the reasons gestational diabetes occurs. 
6. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory effect. Turmeric also helps the cells use insulin better, reducing resistance. This leads to a decrease in fasting glucose/blood sugar. Avoid excess use.
7.  Cinnamon helps the body use glucose more effectively, reduce fasting blood glucose, and also reduce oxidative stress in the placenta. Reducing oxidative stress also helps with preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, etc. 
8. Lastly, start exercising as early in pregnancy as possible. Water aerobics, yoga, walking, etc., all decrease your chances of gestational diabetes. 

 

Stay present and not stressed in your pregnancy...Until next time... Wombmen Are The Future